Dog stories
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.
Mendocino County’s coastal scenery
Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.
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Coasting right along
Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside offer plenty for dogs and their people. Walk the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, watch for whales and otters, explore tidepools at Asilomar Beach, and grab seafood on the wharf with your pup beside you.
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Great Dane rescue of Northern California
Great Dane Rescue of Northern California serves as a safety net for these lovable giants, taking in dogs from shelters and owners facing hardship. Volunteers across the region match each dog with the right forever home.
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Regional parks tightening leash?
The East Bay Regional Parks are a magnet for dog lovers, offering off-leash trails, beaches, lakeside camping, and wide-open spaces across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. But a master plan update could bring tighter leash restrictions to these beloved parks.
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Lake Del Valle: Paradise for water dogs
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers 5,000 acres, a five-mile lake, off-leash trails, and one of the few places where your dog can join you on a rental boat. Pack a picnic, bring a fishing rod, and plan to…
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Dog-friendly road trip through the Sacramento River Delta
The Sacramento River Delta is a watery maze of old-time bridges, levee roads, and farm towns where time moves slowly. Drive Highway 160 with your dog, stroll through historic Locke, and sample Delta wines.
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What to do when your dog gets skunked
Skunk mating season means heightened spray risk for curious dogs on walks and hikes. Here's what actually works to neutralize that awful odor, plus a warning about rabies if your pup gets bitten.
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Cabins in the woods: Tahoma Meadows and Desolation Hotel
Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on Lake Tahoe's West Shore and Desolation Hotel in Hope Valley both welcome dogs warmly and serve as great base camps for winter adventures. Cross-country ski or snowshoe nearby at Meeks Bay, Blackwood Canyon, or the…
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Do we hear an echo? Check out Echo Lakes!
Echo Lakes near Highway 50 at Echo Summit offer a flat, frozen surface perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with your dog. Trek downhill to Lower Echo, then continue to the upper lake for stunning Sierra scenery.
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How Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary began
Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary grew from one woman's bond with a 12-year-old golden retriever found wandering in Santa Rosa. Founded in 2009, the rescue gives large-breed senior dogs loving homes or lifetime care.
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Let’s talk turkey
Give your dog a Thanksgiving treat with this simple recipe using holiday leftovers. Ground turkey, carrots, peas, and stuffing bread cubes topped with homemade gravy make a wholesome meal that will have your pup licking the bowl clean.
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BADRAP: Oakland’s pit bull rescue and advocacy group
BADRAP, the Oakland-based pit bull rescue and advocacy group, has spent over two decades helping bully breeds land in loving homes. Known nationally for saving Michael Vick's dogs, they also offer free training classes.
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South Yuba River Independence Trail: A dog-friendly adventure
The South Yuba River Independence Trail in Nevada County features reconstructed wooden flumes, scenic river views, and a swimming hole perfect for dogs. This historic canal path, now the nation's first wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, welcomes leashed dogs year-round.
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South Bay ramble
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve in the San Mateo County hills features a rare 16-acre off-leash area where dogs can roam freely. Trails wind through oak woodlands with Santa Cruz Mountain views.
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East Bay treats
The East Bay Regional Park District spans over 100,000 acres across 65 parks, with most areas open to dogs. Start at Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills for panoramic views and woodland trails.
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Paws for a park
Sonoma County's parks offer everything from coastal trails to wooded ridgelines for you and your dog. Hike Hood Mountain, explore Tolay Lake's grasslands, or walk 17 miles of coastline at Sonoma Coast State Park.
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Winter dog-walking gear: Harnesses, boots and LED collars
A no-pull harness, comfortable rain boots for the dog walker, and a blinking LED collar light make practical winter gifts. These simple items keep walks safer and more enjoyable during the short, wet days of the season.
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Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue
Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue finds homes for Labs in need across the Bay Area and Sacramento region. Whether a dog was surrendered or abandoned, the all-volunteer group carefully matches each Lab with the right forever family.
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