Traveling with Dogs as a Digital Nomad: The Ultimate Guide for Pet-Friendly Nomads
So you want to travel the world with Mans Best Friend?
Embracing the adventure of traveling with your loyal furry best friend can be a challenge, but as a digital nomad, you have the freedom to work and explore the world and work from anywhere, so why leave your mate behind. It just takes a bit of thinking and research. So, leaving behind your beloved four-legged companion is just not even entertained. But if you have to for whatever reason it is one of the hardest parts of this nomadic lifestyle. But what if we told you that traveling with dogs as a digital nomad is not only possible but can also enhance your journey in ways you never imagined? In this blog, we’ll delve into the joys and challenges of nomading with your loyal furry companion, proving that the adventure is even better when shared with your furry best friend.
The Perfect Travel Companion
Your dog, with its boundless energy and unyielding loyalty, can be the perfect companion for your nomadic journey. Whether you’re working in a bustling city or setting up your laptop amidst nature’s serenity, your dog’s presence brings comfort and a sense of home wherever you go. Their love is unconditional, and having them by your side can ease feelings of loneliness that may arise during your travels.
Embrace New Experiences Together
Traveling with your dog opens up a world of exciting possibilities for both of you. Discovering new places, sights, and smells becomes an adventure you share, strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. From strolling through quaint streets to hiking up breathtaking trails, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Staying Active & Healthy
One of the most significant advantages of traveling with dogs is that they keep you active and encourage a healthier lifestyle. Regular walks and playtime sessions not only keep your dog happy but also provide you with a much-needed break from your work routine. Additionally, exploring new parks and open spaces is an excellent way to unwind and recharge your creativity.
Tips for Traveling with Dogs as a Digital Nomad
While the idea of nomading with your dog is appealing, it’s essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with it. Here are some tips to make the journey smoother:
1. Research Pet-Friendly Destinations:
Not all places are as welcoming to pets, so research and choose destinations that are pet-friendly and offer ample opportunities for dog-friendly activities. Europe is very pet friendly in most parts. The Balkans don’t really care much for dogs and you will see a lot of street dogs is some areas. Pack dogs can become an issue but it does not happen often. I have experienced a few issues in the Balkans but generally they sort it out themselves.
2. Ensure Proper Identification & Vaccinations:
Before embarking on your journey, ensure your dog has proper identification and is up-to-date with vaccinations. Carry a copy of their medical records with you at all times. We recommend minimum 6 weeks before you travel if not more to get the necessary injections needed, some of them need to have 2 weeks between shots.
3. Consider Your Dog’s Personality:
Traveling can be stressful for dogs, just as it can be for humans. Consider your dog’s personality and whether they will adapt well to a nomadic lifestyle before making the decision, more often than not you pet just wants to be with you because you are there pack. So they will adapt to anything as long as they are with you.
4. Accommodation:
Look for pet-friendly accommodation options or consider using platforms like Airbnb that allow you to filter pet-friendly stays.
5. Create a Routine & Clear Communication:
Dogs thrive on routine, so try to maintain a consistent schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime, even while on the move.
We also have words we have train Dakar with that have been life saving. We trained him before leaving Australia which means that we already had a great communication with him thanks to the K9 classroom on the sunshine coast and he loves it because it’s like a game for him.
“A strong and consistent communication with your furry friend is essential so that they respond immediately and you are always the thing they are tuned into first.” Mark Phillips (one of Dakars humans)
We have words like: Stand (where he stops immediately whatever he’s doing, Sit which we have a silent hand gesture for as well), drop, Free (we use after each command where he is free from the command), Come, on the Grass, Off the road, Cross. There is more but now we are teaching him in French.
6. Pack Dog Essentials & Plan ahead:
Don’t forget to pack your dog’s essentials, including food, water, bowls, leash, bed, toys, and any medications they might need. If you are thinking of moving country make sure you get an official handler recommended by your vet and plan all the necessary shots ahead so that they coincide with your travels. We trained dakar to go to his mat so if he does not know what to do he sits on a mat. We take a little fold up mat with us if we know we will be somewhere for a few hours. If we over night we take his bed. He’s also been trained to like his cage so he goes to his cage for safety.
Where to Next?
Traveling with dogs as a digital nomad may require some extra planning and effort, but the rewards are immeasurable. The joy of sharing new experiences, the comfort of their unwavering companionship, and the added motivation to lead an active lifestyle are just a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy. So, if you’re a digital nomad considering taking your loyal furry companion along on your journey, don’t hesitate. Embrace the adventure together and witness the world through each other’s eyes, creating cherished memories that will forever bond you and your furry best friend. Happy nomading!
See this Featured Article in Remote Work Digest by Rowena from RoRemote
