Pet-Friendly Travel for Remote Workers and Founders: Freedom, Fur, and Flexibility

 

A big advantage for both remote workers and startup founders is being able to work wherever they like.

Put a pet into the picture and your experiences get even more fun. Whatever way you work — office or on vacation — having your pet there makes your lifestyle better.

Still, how are you meant to talk with clients and investors at the same time as making sure your dog is walked and your cat can’t push your laptop off your desk?

If you’re a remote worker or business founder and love to travel, this guide shows you how to stay connected to your pets.

Why Bring Your Pet When You Travel?

There’s no denying it: pets are included with the family. Being away from their coworkers, solopreneurs and digital nomads find pets to be good companions, offer emotional support and give them a needed rest from staring at devices.

Traveling with your pets is more than keeping them out of daycare or apartment sitters — it’s a way to enjoy and remember time spent together.

Besides, because more places welcome pets, it’s easier than ever to bring your pet on your adventures.

Picking Excursions You Can Take With Your Pet

Not all cities and countries treat pets like royalty. As soon as you start looking at travel options, check online and learn. Look for:

• Many green spaces in a city work well if your pet needs plenty of space to move around.
• If you travel with pets, you can now sort your search results on Airbnb to show pet-friendly listings. There are also those that include treats, beds or care while you’re away.
• The requirements for travelers vary by country such as quarantine or demanding paperwork. You’ll also find more laid-back and pet-friendly host countries such as Portugal and Canada.
• Check that your pet can join you on a bus, train or rideshare, as driving won’t be necessary sometimes.
• Pet owners will love Amsterdam, Austin, Tbilisi, Ubud or visiting the beaches of Goa (yes, pets are allowed too in India).

How to Pack Smart for When You Take Your Pet on the Road

It’s not just your laptop that should have its own charger and extra battery. Be sure to get pet supplies when buying your home supplies.

Here’s a small list of what to check:

• Having a pet means being responsible for a leash, a collar and an ID tag.
• Can use travel bowls as well as bowls for your dog’s food.
• International travel pets require a pet passport.
• Keep your pet on the right medicines and use flea/tick protection.
• A cozy toy, blanket or soft plaything
• You should has wipes and waste bags ready.

Don’t forget to keep a special bag packed for your pet, so it’s easy to get on short notice. You won’t have to rush or stress so close to a planned journey.

Finding How Much Time to Work vs. Time for Walks

There will be times you need to meet with your clients. Indeed, squirrels will capture your dog’s attention and make them want to chase them.

You just need a routine that allows you to plan with your partner. Try this:

• Walk your pet at the start of your workday to tire them out some.
• Like with any meeting, give your dog specific times each day for walks or play.
• Get comfy somewhere so your pet can relax there easily and without anything blocking your work.
• Consider putting on noise-canceling headphones when you’re trying to video chat and your vocal pet keeps popping in.
• If you organize your day more, managing both will be less stressful.

Living and Working with Your Pet

If you’re going to be in the city for a while, look for spaces that allow animals.

Many communities bring both residents and their pets together for yard fun and community events.

You’ll find remote professionals who are similar to you and your pet might find some friends.

Many founders in venture capital have begun to consider their pets unofficial representatives. It is always great to see a puppy join in brainstorms.

Problems It’s Important to Be Ready for

Bad days will sometimes come your way. There are a few bumps in the road when you travel with your pet:

• Always check the pet’s weight or type with the hotel — some descriptions let you believe pets are welcome, but the fine print says differently.
• Staying hydrated and avoiding warmer places overheating your pet should be done.
• Road and flight trips can be hard on pets. Try to give your child plenty of breaks that are as comfortable as possible.
• The country you are travelling to may need you to have your pet certified, chipped or put in quarantine.
• If you stay patient, organize well and stay flexible, you will avoid many travel-day challenges.

What We Found on the Road

A lot of people working remotely or running new companies are finding success with this scheme.

Neha, a SaaS founder from Pune, began building her company beside her beagle while living in Himachal.

Or there’s Josh, a remote designer who travels to Europe with two pets — working during the day at coffee shops while spending the nights in pet-friendly Airbnb rentals.

Their secret? Getting prepared, being ready for change and always letting pets come first.

To them, it’s not a journey at all if they aren’t accompanied by a wagging tail.

In the End: Bring It Into Everything You Do

Managing travel with pets can be tough, but it’s very fulfilling for lots of remote professionals.

You have to learn to pace yourself, stop often and watch where you walk with interest.

Even if you’re working on Mt. Everest or running your business in a tropical beach residence, your pet is there, not to make things hard, but to make everything special.

Just leash up your dog and dive into online jobs; work whether you’re out hiking or at home.