Bringing the Dog_A Guide for Seniors Seeking Pet-Friendly Assisted Living

The first time you try to take a Zoom call from a beach café while your dog is barking at a passing chicken, you realize this lifestyle isn’t all hammock selfies and passport stamps. It’s messy, hilarious, complicated—and if you’re doing it right, it’s also deeply fulfilling. Traveling with a dog while managing a remote career takes creativity, patience, and more than a few snacks (for both of you). But it’s doable, and honestly? It’s pretty damn great. Here’s what I’ve learned from building a life that fits inside a carry-on and still leaves room for a squeaky toy.

Stick to a rhythm—even if nothing else is consistent.

Dogs are simple creatures. They don’t care if you’re waking up in Oaxaca or Dubrovnik; they just want to know when breakfast is and whether you’re going to play fetch. While everything else in your life is changing from week to week—Wi-Fi passwords, languages, currency—it helps to keep their schedule semi-steady. Morning walk, midday chill time, post-dinner zoomies. It’s not about strict rules; it’s about giving your pup some sanity amid the chaos of traveling with a dog.

Find spaces where you both feel welcome.

Not every coworking spot or café is going to roll out the red carpet for your four-legged coworker. Some will, though, and they’re gold. Look for cities that are naturally dog-loving—think Amsterdam, Mexico City, or pretty much anywhere in Portugal. If a place has water bowls outside shops and dogs lounging under café tables, you’re in the right place. When in doubt, work from your Airbnb or a park with a good hotspot. Your dog doesn’t care about your to-do list, but it helps if you’re not juggling that and a snarky barista side-eyeing your pup. Dog-friendly cafes make all the difference when you're a digital nomad with dog.

Buy good gear once, so you’re not scrambling later.

Let me save you some time: cheap leashes don’t hold up to the wear and tear of traveling with a dog. You need things that can handle muddy trails, crowded airports, and impromptu beach days. The signature leashes from Puppysentials? Solid. They’ve got that combo of sturdy and stylish that actually makes a difference when you’re on the go every week. Your dog’s gear should be as travel-savvy as yours—functional, easy to pack, and built for repeat use. Also, if it doesn’t survive a rainstorm and a tug-of-war session, don’t bring it. 

Go the distance with thoughtful extras. 

Beyond durability and design, Puppysentials adds practical touches you’ll appreciate mid-trip. Each leash comes with a free travel bag that doubles as a washing pouch—just toss it in the machine and move on. That’s a game-changer when you’re hopping from trails to taxis. Plus, you can feel good about where your money’s going: Puppysentials is an official ASPCA Business Ambassador and a proud Corporate Sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project.

Plan your travel like you're booking for two.

Flying solo is one thing. Traveling with a dog is… not that. You need extra paperwork, pet-friendly accommodations, and sometimes an entire extra suitcase of dog stuff. Research airlines with decent pet policies. Look into what vaccinations or documents you need in each country. And don't assume you can just "figure it out" when you land. Apps like BringFido are lifesavers, but nothing beats tapping into local expat with dog groups for real-time info. Also: double-check the weather. What’s breezy for you might be brutal for your pug. And yes, traveling with dogs on planes requires real planning.

Grow Your Skills While Living the Digital Nomad With Dog Lifestyle

Heading back to school can be a game-changer when you're looking to level up your career. Whether you're earning a computer science degree or diving into a new field entirely, gaining fresh skills in areas like IT, programming, and computer science theory can open serious doors (check it out here). The beauty of online degrees is the flexibility—they let you learn at your own pace while still holding down a job. It’s about investing in yourself without hitting pause on your life.

Budgeting for Pet Insurance Abroad

Here’s the thing no one tells you: international travel with pets & vet visits are weirdly common. Your dog will eat something shady. Or develop a mysterious rash. Or get into a scuffle with a street cat. That’s why you need to look into pet insurance abroad plans for dogs that cover you abroad. Better yet, get a health plan for pets that includes preventative care and virtual vet access. It’s not sexy, but neither is dropping $500 at a 24-hour emergency clinic in Rome because your lab swallowed half a baguette and a cork.

Find your people (and your dog’s people) 

You are not the only slightly unhinged person dragging a dog around the globe. Promise. There are Facebook groups, Reddit threads, WhatsApp chats full of digital nomads with dogs trading dog-sitting favors and debating the best kibble in Southeast Asia. These folks will save your butt when you need a vet recommendation at 2 a.m. or someone to watch your pup for a day. They’ll also become your friends, your travel buddies, and the reason you extend your stay another month.

Train for real life, not just Instagram: Tips for Traveling With a Dog in the Car.

Cute tricks are fun, but what you really need is a dog who can sit calmly under a café table and not freak out every time a motorcycle backfires. Focus on the basics: reliable recall, loose leash walking, and handling crowded places. If your pup still needs some work, there are trainers who offer Zoom sessions—yes, doggy Zoom sessions are a thing—and that consistency helps when you’re hopping between cities. Trust me, a well-behaved dog makes everything easier, from traveling with a dog in the car to border crossings.

Make space for the relationship, not just the trip

At some point, you’ll skip a weekend excursion because your dog’s worn out. Or you’ll ditch a group dinner to cuddle on the couch with your pup and a local takeout spread. That’s the trade-off. You’re not traveling to rack up passport stamps—you’re creating a life with your dog that’s mobile, meaningful, and, let’s be honest, occasionally covered in fur. Your dog doesn’t care about your Instagram grid. They care that you’re there, you’re calm, and you brought snacks.

This isn’t a polished lifestyle, no matter what TikTok tells you. There are missed flights, muddy paws on white bedsheets, and client calls interrupted by barking. But there’s also early morning walks through sleepy new cities, the joy of finding dog-friendly cafes, and a sense of groundedness that only a pet can bring to a life in motion. If you build your world around your pup—really build it—you’ll find that everything else just kind of falls into place. Well, except for their tennis balls. You’ll lose those constantly. But you’ll figure it out. Together.

Whether you’re traveling with a dog internationally or just crossing state lines, every day is an adventure. With a little planning, a lot of love, and a solid squeaky toy, tips for traveling with a dog come naturally. Just remember: you're not just a digital nomad with a dog—you’re a team.

Discover the paw-some world of Puppysentials, where eco-friendly sophistication meets fur-tastic leadership, and every product is crafted with love to make your pet’s life a little more wag-tastic!