Dog-friendly Rescues and Adoption

Since we entered the ring in 2011, the DogTrekker founders have dedicated revenue, editorial and promotional support to California shelters, rescue organizations and animal welfare groups. It’s all part of our Leave No Dog Behind mission, which puts pets first—whether we’re helping our readers to plan unforgettable DogCations or building a better world for our furry friends and rescue partners.

New home for Family Dog Rescue

Photo by Family Dog Rescue

Family Dog Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving homeless dogs a second chance, has just announced its relocation from San Francisco to Sonoma, California. Read more.

Celebrate National Puppy Day: Your guide to Puppy adoption

Happy National Puppy Day! Today is the perfect day to celebrate the love and joy that puppies bring to our lives. With so many homeless pups waiting for their forever … Continued Read more.

Special events for you and your dog

Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering, and attendance at adoptathons and other special events during the year. Spring is here and it is time to start planning for event season 2023. Make plans to attend the following events; and to find even more events near you, click on the View Near Me button on DogTrekk Read more.

Borrow a buddy at the Beachcomber Properties, Fort Bragg

Photo by Kamil Klyta.

The “Borrow a Buddy” program is a great partnership between the Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge and the Beach House Inn, all in Fort Bragg, and the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Read more.

Family Dog Rescue: A Sonoma haven for special dogs

Sonoma's Family Dog Rescue is no ordinary animal shelter. Nestled in the property that was once once the Aberglen Pet Resort, this establishment stands as a sanctuary specifically for dogs with special needs. Read more.

Pawsport Yountville

a woman holding a dog and a glass of wine.

Napa Humane Pawsport, Photo by Napa Humane.

Join Napa Humane for a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend benefitting its life-saving programs and services for Napa Valley companion animals. Pawsport Yountville perks are valid for the duration of the Pawsport event June 23-25, 2023. Visit six fabulously pup-friendly Napa Valley tasting rooms and restaurants welcoming all pet lovers who love wine and wine lovers who love pets, including Co Read more.

Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023

Maya at Pawsport 2018, Hall Wines. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Come support Napa Humane at the 12th annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park! This short stroll through town goes miles and miles for Napa Valley’s companion animals. Register, fundraise, walk, then participate in the day’s festivities, including raffles, contests, photo ops, and more. Read more.

Welcome to summer events!

DogTrekker people at Bark in the Park, San Jose.

DogTrekker at Bark in the Park, San Jose.

Check out these events for a cause! If you missed California rescue/adoption events this spring, no worries, the summer season is just beginning. DogTrekker.com's event section is filled with a wide range of things to do with the entire family, including adoptathons, fundraisers, walks, costume contests, and opportunities for tasting and sipping. From Bark in the Park in San Francisco, to the D Read more.

Fireworks and Fido: The 4th of July’s impact on dogs

Despite the distress fireworks can cause, there are several strategies that can help keep dogs calm. Read more.

The essential guide to adopting a rescue dog in California

Rescuing a dog is a rewarding experience but also a significant commitment. Here’s what you should do first and the questions you should ask to ensure you’re ready to provide … Continued Read more.

Looking for a cute new pup?

Photo by Livermore Police Department.

In Northern California, more than four dozen abused Chihuahuas have been rescued from a hoarder’s home. 50 dogs were rescued from “dirty conditions” in December at a man’s home in … Continued Read more.

Why adopt an older dog?

When most people think about adopting a dog, they automatically think of puppies. There’s good reason for that: puppies are adorable, and everyone loves them. But what if you don’t want to deal with the messes and chewing? What if you want a dog who is already house-trained and knows how to behave? That’s where older dogs come in. Read more.

The story of Sid: A senior dog rescue (video)

Senior dog Sid was rescued from a shelter and lucky enough to go into the fospice program through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. Read more.

Join the DogTrekker Challenge!

happy senior german shepherd lies on grass

Sara woofs her appreciation. Photo by Lily’s Legacy.

At DogTrekker, we’re guided by one simple mission: Leave no dog behind. We support rescue and adoption animal welfare organizations – including Lily’s Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary in Petaluma, which finds homes for large-breed senior dogs, and San Francisco’s Muttville, serving senior and special needs dogs – to build a better world for all four-legged friends. Read more.

Muttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!

Photo by Muttville.

Happy birthday, Muttville family! We’re commemorating our first 15 years with as many milestones, surpassing 10,000 dogs rescued! Read more.

Napa Humane’s Annual Walk for Animals is back, live!

Walk For Animals 2022

The 11th annual Walk for Animals event benefiting Napa Valley's companion animals is not only the community's largest pet-friendly event, it's also Napa Humane's biggest annual fundraiser. Read more.

Monterey Bay Labrador Retriever Rescue Vets Save Cali

Black lab from Monterey Bay Lab Retriever rescue

From: Judy Kreger, Founder & CEO, Donate Here! Monterey Bay Lab Rescue is continuing to take in Labs and Lab mixes that need rescue, virus or no virus. Our great fosters are always ready and willing to open their homes and their hearts to welcome in any Lab in need. And our vet continues to provide full vet care for all of our rescues including any surgeries they might require. & Read more.

Marin Humane Cancels Woofstock, Needs Support

From: Nancy McKenney, CEO/President, Donate Here! Marin Humane has been hard at work for animals, and the people who love them, during this period. Our beloved foster families are taking good care of the shelter animals and adoptions are now resuming with modifications. We’ve moved many programs, like humane education and dog training classes, online where possible. Marin Human Read more.

Berkeley Humane is Here for You and Your Pets

“Walking through our shelter today was a bit emotional. It was quiet – a word probably never used before to describe our shelter,” says Jeffrey Zerwekh, Executive Director, Berkeley Humane. “Except for the animals that were transported yesterday from a shelter an hour north of Sacramento, the kennels are empty. While this is something we would normally celebrate afte Read more.

Muttville Set to Rescue Their 8,000th Dog!

“I had no idea how we were going to do this,” says Sherri Franklin, founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue. “I just knew that we had to.” Muttville finds homes for over 1,000 senior dogs a year, many in shelters across California slated for euthanasia. They have over 80 seniors available for adoption at any one time, many in foster homes. But there are always Read more.