Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.

Going places nearby with your pup

Ready to try somewhere new with your dog? DogTrekker.com lists thousands of dog-friendly places across California, from restaurants and parks to hotels and beaches. Search by city, county or region to find your next local adventure together.

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Not all chocolate is created equal

Not all chocolate is equally dangerous for dogs. White chocolate poses minimal risk, while just one ounce of baking chocolate can sicken a 50-pound dog. A veterinarian explains the symptoms and what to do if your pup sneaks a bite.

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Family dog rescue

Family Dog Rescue in San Francisco saves dogs of all sizes, breeds and backgrounds, carefully matching each one with the right forever family. They also run spay and neuter clinics in the Central Valley to reduce homeless populations.

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Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF): Adoptable dogs in Walnut Creek

Meet Milky Way, an energetic young kelpie mix waiting for his forever home at Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. ARF also offers Camp ARF summer sessions where kids can interact with animals.

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Treating your dog’s osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis affects dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. A veterinarian explains treatment options including joint injections with Platelet Rich Plasma, Hyaluronic Acid, and corticosteroids, along with therapies like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and weight management.

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East Bay hikes for fresh-air fiends

The East Bay and Tri-Valley offer outstanding hiking for you and your dog, from the compact Acalanes Ridge to the 5,000-acre Del Valle Regional Park. East Bay Regional Park District properties welcome off-leash dogs with reliable recall.

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Beer or wine, rain or shine

Oakland and the Tri-Valley region are packed with dog-friendly craft breweries and wineries. Walk the Oakland Urban Wine Trail with your pup, sample 48 brews at Beer Revolution, or tour more than 50 wineries in Livermore Valley.

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Four-paw dining in Oakland

Oakland rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at restaurants across the city. Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, and the historic Broadway Auto Row all feature patio dining where your pup can join you for craft beer and pizza.

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Lots to wag about in Tri-Valley

The Tri-Valley communities of Pleasanton, Danville, Livermore, and Dublin are loaded with dog-friendly restaurants, pet boutiques, wine bars, and street fairs. Four adjacent valleys offer a refreshing weekend escape for San Francisco and Sacramento day-trippers with dogs.

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Spaying or neutering your dog

A veterinarian explains the behavioral and health benefits of spaying or neutering your dog, from reducing the urge to roam and fight to preventing certain cancers. The procedure also lowers licensing fees in most California counties.

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Shasta County gushers near Redding

Spring is prime time to hike to the four major waterfalls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding. This is one of the rare National Park Service sites that allows leashed dogs on dirt trails.

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Family-friendly fairway falls

Fairway Falls in Ignacio Valley Open Space Preserve near Novato is a family-friendly, one-mile round-trip hike perfect for dogs. Best visited after a hard rain, the seasonal waterfall plunges 30 feet through a forested ravine.

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Yosemite’s watery icon

California’s best-known cataract is 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, a voice-drowning, three-stage gusher that roars like a highway during the snow-melt season.

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Get off the beaten track

Skip the Tahoe crowds and head to the Lost Sierra or Mammoth Lakes for cold-weather fun with your dog. Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle and Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth offer dog-friendly rooms and access to snowshoe trails.

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Three dog-friendly options in South Shore

Three dog-friendly finds on South Shore Lake Tahoe worth knowing about: Borges Sleigh Rides welcomes leashed pets aboard, Sidellis Brewery features a big dog-friendly patio, and the Village at Heavenly offers fire pits and outdoor dining with your pup.

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Strap on the snowshoes: Dog-friendly snowshoeing in Tahoe

Echo Lakes near Highway 50 is one of the best dog-friendly snowshoe spots in the Sierra, with flat frozen lakes, stunning mountain scenery, and trails for all levels. Other top Tahoe-area options include Page Meadow, Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, and…

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The adventures of Alvin & Theodore

Brian, Tabitha, and their dogs Alvin and Theodore share photos from their California adventures, from Lindsey Lake in Tahoe National Forest to the beaches of Mendocino and Alameda. Follow their travels on Instagram and Facebook.

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Take a walk on the wine side

Mendocino County's Anderson Valley wine region along Highway 128 is full of dog-friendly tasting rooms. Navarro, Toulouse, Husch, and Foursight Wines all welcome four-legged visitors, and nearby restaurants and inns make it easy to stay the weekend.

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