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.

Meet Faraday, a hospice story from Lily’s Legacy

Meet Faraday. Rescued by two good samaritans from years wandering alone in the vineyards of central California, this lost soul with the gentle heart was taken to a local vet for treatment. The news was very sad. Faraday suffered from Dilated Cardio Myopathy and A-Fib. He was given six months to live. Knowing they couldn't support Faradays needs, his saviors reached out to Lily's Legacy Se Read more.

NorSled

Man getting a kiss from a dog with a cone

These days, a lot of huskies, malamutes and other big furry snow-loving dogs find themselves in shelters, often after finding new and imaginative ways to get in trouble. People fall hard for those cute fuzzy puppies--and are often unprepared for big, high-energy, playful, demanding escape artists. As the Bay Area's go-to rescue for Nordic breeds, NorSled (Northern California Sled Dog Rescue) o Read more.

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

Finding homes for senior dogs and advocating for senior dogs and senior people on the Central Coast is the mission of this rescue that holds an annual “Oldies But Goodies” fundraising event each year. Read more.

Lionel’s Legacy Senior Dog Rescue

This San Diego-based senior dog rescue is dedicated to saving one senior dog at a time and educating young minds to create a legacy of compassion and advocacy. Read more.

Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary

Photo by Grand-Paws Senior Sanctuary.

Grand-Paws mission is to rescue primarily large-breed, senior dogs who’ve been abandoned and let them live out their lives in the Acton sanctuary or in a permanent foster home. Read more.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Muttville founder Sheri Franklin was named a Top 10 CNN hero in 2016 for her efforts in changing the way people think about and treat older dogs. Her organization’s goal is to create better lives for aging canines through rescue, foster, adoption and hospice. Read more.

Macy’s Holiday Windows

If you're going to San Francisco this holiday season, don't miss the chance to check out Holiday Windows. It's a SF collaboration between the San Francisco SPCA, San Francisco Animal Care and Control, and Macy's Union Square to bring a bit of joy and cuteness to the often stressful shopping experience--and over 10,000 pets over the years have found new homes thanks to this beloved Read more.

North Valley Animal Disaster Group 2019

In the last few weeks, as fires have raged across California, and all too many of us have had to leave our homes on short notice -- or been unable to get home following an evacuation order that left our critters stranded and in harm's way -- we're very grateful to all the first responders and the many volunteers who went to heroic lengths to keep everyone safe. In particular, we appreciate Read more.

Dog Samaritans at Westin Mission Hills

2 dog samaritans holding 2 dogs at Westin Mission Hills

Since 1978, Animal Samaritans has been nurturing the human-animal connection in the Coachella Valley. Their network of community support has allowed the Samaritans to provide a no-kill shelter in Thousand Palms, as well as a veterinary clinic, humane education, and more. So far their Animal Adoption Rescue Program has saved over 15,000 pets, and that's just the start. Read more.

New Training Classes at the East Bay SPCA

The East Bay SPCA has completely revamped their training classes to accommodate the modern needs of the urban or suburban dog while using the most effective, cutting-edge, scientifically supported learning theory and teaching methods. "Skill Builders" is the entry level class designed to teach general good manners in the home and the foundation necessary for more advanced training. Read more.

NorCal Poodle Rescue

Were you and yours part of the epic Poodle Day festivities in Carmel last week? People and poodles gathered from all over,and it was great fun fora great cause: NorCal Poodle Rescue. More... Read more.

Helen Woodward Animal Center 2019

Meet Goose, a pretty 2-year-old Siberian husky mix who's currently residing with Helen Woodward Animal Center. A nice medium size at 42 pounds, she's a smart, high-energy young girl. She'll do best with a husky-savvy person who can give her the exercise and guidance she needs. She'll be happy to accompany you on long walks, scenic hikes, morning jogs… you get the idea. If Go Read more.

Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County

Dog at the Humane Society of Inland Mendocino

For almost 30 years now, the Humane Society for Inland Mendocino County has been providing a safe haven for the county's critters in distress, finding them new loving homes, and helping the surrounding community with spay/neuter and other support services. Currently hoping for a home of her own, with their assistance, is Ruby here, an 8-year-old yellow Lab who recently lost her owner Read more.

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue 2019

Person holding dog at Tri-Valley animal rescue

Little Poco has had quite a lot to deal with lately. When this scruffy, sweet terrier mix was 6, his elderly owners surrendered him to the East County Animal Shelter in Dublin because they could no longer care for him. The poor guy was emaciated and had quite a few deferred medical issues, including seriously dire teeth. Sad as all this was, though, Poco's luck was about to change, thanks to s Read more.

Butte Humane Society 2019

Dog holding a ball in mouth at Butte Humane Society

Here's Cruiser, a happy, playful Lab/pit mix guy who, like lots of other dogs, lost his home due to the Camp Fire. Luckily for him he landed with the good folks at Butte Humane Society in Chico, where he's waiting for his new folks to come find him. Read more.

Santa Cruz SPCA 2019

Dog at the Santa Cruz SPCA adoption event

This just in from our friends at Santa Cruz SPCA -- they're building a new state-of-the-art facility, and construction's already under way. Meanwhile, Charlie Chaplin here is looking for HIS forever home. A 6-year-old mini-dachshund boy, he's especially interested in a career as a lap dog where he can show off his talents for snuggling. Read more.

Friends of the Animal Community 2019

Dog at the Friends of the Animal Community event

Now 7 months old, Chester was pretty much still a puppy when his wild ways landed him in the shelter. Luckily for him, Friends of the Animal Community, an all-volunteer rescue group dedicated to helping Tuolumne County shelter animals, took him in. Read more.

Peace of Mind Dog Rescue

Cinnamon here is the poster girl for graceful aging. At 14, she's not only kept her looks and sweet disposition, her joie de vivre is also just fine. She loves to explore, hang out with other dogs, hang out with people, and snuggle with them whenever possible. Technically, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not lap dogs, but Cinnamon probably wouldn't mind your making an exception for her. She& Read more.

Mutual Rescue Book & Film

A young competitive athlete suffers a debilitating and unexpected stroke that leaves him helpless and facing a long road to recovery. A young dog, abandoned and abused, is navigating an uncertain future. Two individuals, both dealing with obstacles they never anticipated. Read more.

Contra Costa Humane Society 2019

Piper's still practically a puppy at 9 months old, and now that she's safe and sound in a foster home with the good folks at Contra Costa Humane Society, she's feeling a good deal more secure about things and seeks a home of her own where she can really settle in. Read more.