Guest Blog by Cindy Aldridge
https://ourdogfriends.org/
You’re dreaming of laptop life on the Adriatic coast or café-hopping through Lisbon—but there’s a wet nose nudging into frame. Good. Because you’re not alone, and you don’t have to choose between remote freedom and the animal that anchors you. Becoming a digital nomad with a pet isn’t a contradiction, it’s a challenge with very specific rules. If you plan well, adjust early, and commit to your shared rhythm, you’ll discover that your pet becomes the most stable part of your journey. Here’s what that life looks like when it’s done right.
Choose the Right Pet for the Road
Before you book a one-way ticket to Bali, stop and assess size and temperament adaptiveness. Some breeds, especially smaller, calmer dogs or cats who tolerate change, make ideal companions for long-term travel. Others, like high-anxiety or large-breed animals, may struggle with cramped quarters, new environments, or long flights. It’s not about loving them less—it’s about being honest. If your dog hates car rides or your cat has chronic health needs, remote work from home may be the better path. But if your pet thrives on novelty, movement, and time with you, you’re off to a strong start.
Get the Paperwork Right First
You can’t be spontaneous about customs forms or vaccination dates. Every country has its own entry requirements—and they’re strict. Before you do anything else, step through pet passport requirements for your destination. That includes vet-issued health certificates, rabies vaccinations, microchips, and—sometimes—proof of tapeworm treatment. Some places require advance quarantine bookings; others need translated documents. Build a running checklist and update it for each location. Treat it like your own visa paperwork: non-negotiable and time sensitive.
Upskilling While You Travel
Digital nomadism isn’t just about where you work—it’s also about how well you adapt. One of the smartest ways to increase your remote job options is by earning a degree that aligns with high-demand fields. If you’re looking for flexibility without pausing your travels, this may be a good option for sharpening your IT skills while staying mobile. Online programs make it easier to balance coursework with time zone shifts, long travel days, or spontaneous schedule changes. A degree in information technology can also open the door to roles in cybersecurity, systems analysis, and technical project management—jobs well-suited to location-independent work.
Plan Your Travel Like a Vet Tech
Getting from point A to B with a pet involves more than buying an extra seat. You’ll need to prepare for quarantine and documentation rules that change across borders. Some airlines allow cabin travel; others require pet cargo and specific crate specs. Heat restrictions, breed bans, and arrival inspection windows add pressure. You might need to land at specific international airports with USDA clearance or book a local pet handler to assist with customs. Start each leg of travel backward: what’s needed upon arrival, and how early must you start? Prep like you’re moving with a fragile artifact—because in a way, you are.
Find Smart Housing That Includes Your Pet
Even pet-friendly countries don’t guarantee easy housing. Airbnb policies vary, and deposits for pets in furnished units can spike. Instead, lean into slow travel and leverage house‑sitting to save costs. Platforms like Trusted House sitters or Nomad offer exchange-based setups: you live in and care for someone else’s home (and often their animals), creating a pet-positive atmosphere from the start. Use filters aggressively—look for outdoor space, nearby green zones, and reliable Wi-Fi. Getting the location right is critical: a walkable area makes life smoother for you both.
Create a Routine—Then Stick to It
Digital nomadism works best when your days have rhythm. Your pet will rely on it even more than you do. Start and end your workday the same way: walk, feed, move. Structure your day around breaks that include your pet. If you’re staying in, invest in enrichment toys or set up a cozy workspace where they can stay nearby. If you’re coworking or taking meetings on the go, plan for pet care in advance—whether it’s a pet-friendly café, a doggy daycare, or local sitter service. You’re not just managing logistics; you’re building emotional stability, hour by hour.
Know the Payoff Is Worth the Work
It’s not always easy—some places aren’t welcoming, airlines cancel, and landlords can be inflexible. But the trade-off is deep: discover the emotional anchor pets provide when everything else is new. In unfamiliar cities, your pet is a walking invitation to connect. Locals stop to chat. Nomads offer tips. You move more, breathe deeper, feel grounded. The companionship is real, and the identity shift that comes with being a “digital nomad with a pet” becomes a badge, not a burden. It tells the world: I can move and still care. That’s the version of freedom worth building.
Being a digital nomad with a pet is less about finding loopholes and more about building a life that respects both of you. There are sacrifices—yes—but also stability, shared wonder, and a rhythm that can carry across continents. If you plan wisely, travel slowly, and treat your pet like a partner, you won’t just make it work. You’ll wonder why you ever thought you had to choose between freedom and fur. You don’t.
You can discover the incredible magic of capturing your pet’s personality with
Richie Schwartz, America’s Most Experienced Pet Photographer, and see why he’s an 8 time winner of the Best Pet Photographer competition on Long Island, NY!