Think You Can’t Travel the World With a Dog? Think Again

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For many people, a big obstacle to long-term travel is pets. Our pets are part of the family. Leaving them behind is unthinkable.

The good news is you don’t have to give up your travel dreams just because you can’t live without your dog. You just need to do some extra planning.

I’ve been a digital nomad since 2022 and my little Yorkiepoo, Shelby, has been with me the entire time. I did a ton of research before I set out. That doesn’t mean I didn’t make mistakes.

But that’s okay because you get to learn from my mistakes and all my research. Keep reading and get ready for a great adventure with your dog.

Can You Be a Digital Nomad With a Dog?

Traveling full-time with a dog is absolutely possible. Meet Shelby, my travel pup.

I was one of the many people who adopted a puppy during the pandemic. I already knew I was going to be a digital nomad. I had been working towards this for years. I also knew adopting a dog is a lifelong decision, not to be taken lightly.

But I also knew life without a dog is just sad. I’m a dog person. I can tell you the names of every dog in my neighborhood … and not one of their owners’ names. I’m clearly not a people person!

So I gave in and adopted this sweet, tiny, ball of fluff. She’s a Yorkiepoo that needed to be rehomed. She makes me laugh every day. She makes me get exercise. She makes my life complete.

But life as a single digital nomad is much more simple than life as a digital nomad with a dog.

The good news is it’s not terribly difficult. You just need to do a little extra planning. I’ve learned a lot since living with a dog in Mexico .

Considerations For Traveling With a Dog

1. What Size Dog Should a Digital Nomad Have?

What size dog you have definitely makes a difference when you’re traveling. Small dogs are much easier to travel with. Shelby can fit under the seat in an airplane or on a train. Some hotels and vacation rentals also have size limits.

If you’re looking for the perfect travel dog , I’d go with a small breed.

That’s not to say traveling with a larger dog is not possible. But it is more difficult. Large dogs will need to go in the cargo hold of an airplane. I’ve never had to check my dog as cargo so I don’t have any personal experience.

I do know that you’ll be limited by the weather. Airlines won’t let your dog go in cargo if it’s too hot or too cold. Even if the cargo hold is climate-controlled, your dog may be on the tarmac for a long time.

Also, keep in mind that generally, airlines have a limit of one dog per adult. You may just need to get creative when traveling with a larger dog or with more than one animal.

2. Don’t Assume Anything When It Comes to Travel With Dogs

Before setting out to be a full-time nomad , I lived in Southern California. Long Beach to be exact. California in general is very dog-friendly. Long Beach is even more so. I could take my dog to the bank, the grocery store, even into an ice cream shop. (I always got permission first.)

Nearly every restaurant with outdoor seating allows dogs and will even bring them a dish of water. One place I ate at had a special dog menu.

Dogs on public transport? No problem, as long as they are in a carrier. Although I’ve seen lots of dogs without carriers on the subway.

I knew Mexico wouldn’t be as dog-friendly, but I had no idea how different it would be.

This was my first foray into being a digital nomad with a dog so I was still naïve. I took many things for granted.

Now I question everything. Just because something is okay or available in California, that doesn’t mean I should expect it anywhere else.

This may sound pretty obvious to you, and it should have been obvious to me too. It’s just that I was so focused on where to live, where to get food, how to get my money, etc. that I wasn’t thinking about what kind of dog food is available in Mexico.

My biggest mistake

I incorrectly assumed that my dog could travel on the bus with me (in her carrier). Mexico has a fabulous bus service called ADO . The buses are large, comfortable, air-conditioned, and even have bathrooms. They are a very inexpensive way to travel between cities in Mexico.

Guess what – no dogs are allowed on ADO buses.  Um… what? Well, they can go in cargo, but that’s pretty much a death sentence so that’s out. Now what?

Instead of paying less than $10 (US) to travel to a new city, I need to hire a driver to take me for closer to around $200 (or more). Yikes. That’s a big hit to the budget!

Now, that’s okay. I can deal with it. This pup is worth it. It’s just a really important thing to know and plan for. Speaking of planning…

3. You Must Plan in Advance When Traveling With a Dog

Do some planning before you leave for a new destination to make traveling with a pet a lot smoother. Here are some things to look into:

Veterinarians

Has your dog ever gotten suddenly sick or injured and needed a vet ASAP? Mine has and I knew just where to go since we had our regular vet from the time I got her.

So what happens if you’re in Lima, Peru and your dog gets sick on day 2? You’re panicking because you don’t speak the language well (or at all), and you don’t know where to go. You haven’t been there long enough to figure out where everything is.

I’m getting anxious just thinking about this!

Before you arrive in a new city, make a list of veterinarians and emergency clinics. Join a Facebook group of ex-pats or digital nomads for that city and do a search. I can almost guarantee veterinarians have been discussed many times.

Now put that list in your phone on a notes app. You never know where you might be when there’s an emergency. You don’t even need to speak the language to show the address to a taxi driver.

Not only could this save your dog’s life, but it will definitely save you a lot of anxiety and stress.

Vaccinations and Other Entry Requirements

Different countries have different requirements for bringing in a pet. Some U.S. states even have unique requirements (I’m looking at you, Hawaii).

Do your research well in advance. Sometimes a certain amount of time must pass after a rabies shot is given before the dog can enter the country.

Some places require a clean bill of health from a veterinarian (called a health certificate). Your dog may be examined upon arrival to ensure there are no parasites.

Also, ask your vet if there are any non-required but recommended shots for your destination. Rabies shots are always required but bordetella and distemper may be prevalent where you’re traveling so it may be a good idea to ensure those are up to date also.

A dog park in Cozumel, where I’ve been living for over a year, had a distemper outbreak. They actually closed the park for several months.

Countries change requirements often, so check early and then again closer to your departure date to make sure you won’t be surprised.

Also, the United States has recently updated the requirements for bringing dogs into the United States , even if you’re just returning from a trip.

How Dog Friendly is Your Destination?

There’s already a lot to consider when deciding where to live . One thing you need to check is how welcome your dog will be in different settings. Some places allow dogs on public beaches, but many do not. Don’t expect your dog to be allowed to go into any shops or businesses with you.

One thing I didn’t consider is the amount of grass in a city. While I was living in Campeche, Mexico , the closest park was two blocks away. Between my house and the park, there was only pavement. Shelby’s not a fan of doing her puppy business in the gutter. I’m not a fan of it either.

It wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but something I’ll keep in mind when looking for my next apartment.

Facebook groups are a great source of information about the dog-friendliness of different places. But still, double-check by asking permission before taking your dog someplace.

Just because someone got away with letting their dog off-leash on the beach doesn’t mean you won’t be cited for it.

4. Finding Dog-Friendly Accommodations

Finding a place to live as a digital nomad can be daunting. You need something affordable, conveniently located, and clean with good Wi-Fi. Adding a dog to your digital nomad journey makes it a little more tricky.

Luckily, traveling with a dog has gotten pretty mainstream in a lot of places.

Check VRBO or Airbnb for accommodations that allow dogs. The good thing about these sites is they don’t usually charge more for your dog.

Many vacation rentals are also listed on Booking.com . You can find a lot of dog-friendly places to live there as well. Just be sure to read the fine print. Some hotels have size restrictions. Others charge a pet fee that isn’t always obvious.

5. Dog-Friendly Transportation

Transportation is every bit as important as where you’re going to stay. After all, you need to get there! This is where you’re going to need to do some more research.

I haven’t had any problem taking my dog in taxis or Ubers. I ask if they prefer if she was in her carrier or if I can hold her on my lap. Of course, she’s a small dog.

If you’re traveling with a large dog, it’s best to arrange ground transportation in advance. Ask in Facebook groups for your destination and you’ll find private drivers willing to take you wherever you want to go.

Every airline has a “travel with a pet” section. Read it carefully to avoid any problems at the airport.

6. Get the Right Equipment for Your Dog

Traveling light with a dog may not be impossible for everyone, but it sure is for me. You’re going to need special supplies for your dog. You can get a lot of things at your destination, but maybe not everything.

Here are the things I consider essential:

Dog Carrier

If you have a small dog that will fly in the cabin with you, you’ll need a soft-sided carrier. I love this one by Pet Ami because it’s a backpack.

Shelby only weighs 13 pounds, but she gets heavy after carrying her through a big airport. Being able to wear her on my back makes life so much easier.

The carrier tilts onto its side to slide under the seat on the plane. There is plenty of ventilation and windows to look out of. The only downside to this is she can see me eating my travel snacks.

If you have a large dog that will travel in cargo, you’ll need a hard-sided carrier. Be sure to check the airline’s requirements. Usually, the dog will need to be able to stand up and turn around while in the carrier.

Portable Water and Food Dishes

I carry at least two of these folding dishes with me when I travel. I also keep a smaller one in my purse for when we’re just out walking. They’re lightweight but durable.

Protection From Cold or Heat

If you’re going to be in places that are very hot or very cold, you’ll need to protect your dog from the elements.

When I was living in Cancun it was August and hot. These dog booties allowed me to take Shelby for walks while protecting her feet from the hot pavement. I also used them when I went back to the States for Christmas and we were in the snow.

I also use this cooling vest for Shelby. She’s black and furry so she gets hot quickly. This has made her so much more comfortable and happy since we’ve been in Cozumel .

You should also consider a jacket or sweater if you’re going someplace cold and have a short-haired dog.

Since we live in Mexico , we spend a lot of time in the water. Currents can be strong so I got her this life jacket . She gets excited when I get it out because she knows it means we’re going to the beach.

Other Dog Supplies

I’ve been able to find everything else I need for Shelby while I’ve been traveling with her in Mexico . Veterinarians have good quality food and shampoo. Grocery stores have treats, toys, and poopy bags.

Stores in Mexico don’t have nearly the same selection as in the U.S. I can’t find her usual beef treats here. Luckily she’s adaptable (and a bit of a pig) so she’ll take whatever snacks she can get.

Be sure to find out how dog-friendly your destination is . Finding everyday supplies may be more difficult in some countries.

Note on Food and Treats

Many countries have strict rules on bringing in animal products. Mexico, for one, doesn’t allow anything made from beef or pork to be brought in.

You are also limited on how much dog food you can bring. In Mexico, it’s only enough for one or two days.

So far I’ve found that if I have two small bags of dry dog food, they’ll take one. If I have one bigger bag, however, I’ve been fine.

They don’t care if your dog has allergies or special dietary needs. If that’s the case for your pup, be sure to find a store that delivers to your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions: Can I Be a Digital Nomad With a Dog?

Can I be a digital nomad with a cat?

Yes! I’ve met many people who travel with a cat. As long as your cat has the right temperament, there’s no reason not to bring him or her along.

How large can a dog be to fly in the cabin?

How large a dog can be to fly in the cabin depends on the airline. I’ve taken Shelby on American, United, and Southwest. They all have a 20-pound limit including the carrier. Be sure to check with your airline.

What’s the best way to find out how dog-friendly a place is?

To find out how dog-friendly a location is (as well as what digital nomad life is like in general), check out Nomad List . Facebook groups are also a great resource.

What is a pet passport?

A pet passport is a document that includes information about your pet, such as rabies vaccinations and health records. Pet passports are most commonly used in the European Union, Russia, and China. It isn’t required in the United States, Canada, and most Latin American countries.

How can I ensure my dog’s safety while traveling as a digital nomad?

To ensure your dog stays safe, be sure he or she is microchipped, fully vaccinated, and wearing a name tag. Include your email address and phone number with the country code on the tag.

Is the hassle of being a digital nomad with a dog worth it?

Whether the hassle of being a digital nomad with a dog is worth it depends on many factors including how well you plan, how flexible you are, and how willing you are to put your dog’s happiness above your own. For me, it’s definitely worth it.

Wrap-Up: Can I Be a Digital Nomad With a Dog?

Becoming a digital nomad is a big decision and there’s a lot to consider . Be sure to take into account your dog’s temperament and personality. If your pet gets anxious in new surroundings, the nomadic lifestyle may not be for you.

But for the most part, by doing a little advance preparation, you can be a digital nomad with a dog. It may cost a little more and cause a few headaches, but a few puppy kisses will more than make up for it.

Who cares if I’m in a new country and know no one? That full-body wag when I come home is all I need.

Download a free pet travel checklist for traveling with your dog. Includes a bonus page of tips to make travel with your dog easier.

Ladies, join my free, private Facebook group, Women Over 50 Digital Nomads . It’s a safe place to connect, learn, and thrive as a digital nomad. You don’t need to be over 50 but you do need to be a woman.

Related Posts

• The Best and Worst Dogs for Digital Nomads
• Requirements for Bringing Dogs Into the United States
• Dog-Friendly Cities in Mexico
• Most Dog-Friendly Cities in the World
• Traveling with a Dog in Mexico
• Best Cities for Digital Nomads

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