How To Start A Digital Nomad Life With a Dog

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Starting a digital nomad life with a dog is doable, but it takes way more planning than hopping on a plane solo. From pet travel laws and flight logistics to finding dog-friendly housing and prepping for the emotional shifts, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before going abroad with your pup. Because seeing the world is better when your best friend’s by your side… and properly vaccinated.

The Dream Meets The Reality

People thinking of starting a digital nomad life often spend a lot of time fantasizing about what it will be like. How great it will be, how many places they can visit, and of course, having their furry friend along for the ride.

But when it comes down to actually trying to do it, there is usually an “oh crap” moment when you realize there is more to it than just a vet visit and a plane ride.

Take it from someone who has done it. It’s possible, and it’s pretty darn awesome. But it does take some planning, and a little preparation knowing what to expect once you arrive.

Know The Laws Before You Go

Every country is different, and some are definitely more dog-friendly than others. So it’s critical to not only do the legal research to see what’s required, but also to understand what it will be like functionally once you arrive.

Yes, there are vaccines, microchips, breed restrictions, and pet passports. All of that is in your future if you plan to do this. It’s not cheap either. Especially if you are leaving the US like I did. But it’s definitely worth it.

I did a post a while back on how to get your pet passport in the EU. I’m sure the process is somewhat similar for other areas of the world. A USDA certified vet (or the equivalent if you are coming from another country) will be able to give you the exact information you need for the country you are going to.

Choose Dog-Friendly Destinations First

If bringing your furry friend is a non-negotiable, it’s worth it to have that be a big part of the decision when deciding what country to move to.

Germany

• Dogs allowed on most public transport, restaurants, cafes
• Strong animal welfare laws
• Cities like Berlin and Munich have dog parks everywhere
• Leash and behavior rules are enforced, but dogs are welcomed in public life

Netherlands

• Dogs allowed on trams, buses, and trains (small fee or free)
• Very clean, walkable cities and parks
• Dog-friendly housing is common
• Socially accepted to bring dogs into shops and cafes

Switzerland

• Dogs allowed in most public places, including restaurants
• Exceptional vet care
• Some cantons require “dog school” for owners (pro-responsibility)
• Clean, scenic, outdoorsy — great for active dogs

France

• Dogs welcome in cafes, restaurants, and shops — especially small dogs
• Many apartments accept pets
• Paris and smaller towns alike are surprisingly dog-friendly

Austria

• Dogs allowed on public transport (with a muzzle rule in some areas)
• Common to see dogs in restaurants and on hiking trails
• Very pet-friendly rentals and respectful dog culture

Sweden

• Dogs embraced in nature-focused lifestyles
• High-quality dog food and vet care
• Access to “allemansrätten” — the right to roam (great for dogs)
• Some transport limitations in cities, but plenty of off-leash areas

Canada

• Extremely dog-friendly in cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal
• Off-leash dog parks everywhere
• Welcoming apartment policies (though varies by province)
• Many pet-friendly hotels and cafes

New Zealand

• Dogs welcome in outdoor life and on many beaches
• Excellent vet care
• Rural and semi-rural areas very dog-positive
• Some restrictions on national parks and housing

Portugal

• Gaining traction as a dog-friendly country
• Dogs allowed on patios, in some public spaces
• Housing rules improving, but still variable
• Great for expats with dogs due to mild climate and slow pace

Spain (Variable but Improving)

• Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have dog-friendly cafes and parks
• Some regional restrictions (e.g., beaches and transport vary)
• Public attitude toward dogs is warming, especially in urban areas

Less Dog-Friendly (Despite Tourism)

• Japan – limited dog-friendly housing, strict leash rules, and many no-dog zones
• Iceland – very few dogs allowed in public; restrictive import laws
• Australia – excellent nature but strict quarantine laws for entry
• Italy – improving in urban centers but varies heavily by region and landlord

A Note About Dog-Friendly Countries

Do not confuse “dog-friendly” with zero regulations. Every country has it’s rules around pets. In Spain, they are welcome in restaurants and cafes, but not in grocery stores or bakeries. They also only allow dogs on some beaches during the off seasons for tourists. So make sure you research that before you go.

Pet Climates

When deciding where you move with your dog, make sure you consider the climate. You might love hot and humid, but if your dog can’t handle that, things are not going to end well. Some dogs truly are cut out for specific climates. It should definitely be part of the equation. As much as I love snow, Izzy doesn’t do well in it. So I’ll stay in warmer climates for her.

Housing

My dog Izzy is my registered emotional support dog in the States. She has saved me from many panic attacks. In the States, that registration means, nobody can turn me down for housing because of her. But that registration stops at the American border.

Overseas, that registration means nothing. To my knowledge, Europe doesn’t have any equivalent. I could be wrong, but I haven’t found anything yet.

Finding housing where they allow pets is a challenge. I’ve been lucky so far, but I’ve also been turned down a lot because of her. So it’s something to keep in mind. It’s not impossible to find housing, but it will most likely take you longer to find housing that allows your pet(s).

Transportation Prep (The Hardest Part)

If your dog is small, you can most likely fly with them in cabin. But for bigger dogs, cargo is the only way to get them where you are going, and that can be super stressful for your dog.

If your dog has to ride in cargo, do some training with them prior to leaving. Crate training is critical, and you’ll need to accommodate for things like motion sickness, hydration, and potty timing. Start several months in advance to give your pup plenty of time to get used to new routines. This will greatly lessen the stress on them when you do make the move. Talk to your vet about the best way to handle this for your dog.

Note that not all airlines accept animals on board, even in cargo. So choose your airlines wisely as well. Pets require an extra ticket fee as well.

If your dog can fly in cabin, this will greatly reduce the stress levels of your pet because they know you are right there with them. But it won’t alleviate all their stress. Their systems will still be stressed out when you arrive, so keep that in mind when you go to your pet passport appointment. The vet here in Spain administered medication that was too much for Izzy after the stress of the trip, and she ended up with the runs for several days afterwards. Not a fun experience for either of us.

The Emotional Side (For You and Your Dog)

Be patient with your dog when you arrive. Remember, this is a huge change for them too. They not behave normally for the first few weeks. Once they settle, they’ll get back to normal. But be prepared for changes in appetite, potty routines, and more.

Try not to leave them alone too much in a new place. They need time to get used to things, and having you there will help them stabilize much faster. If you do have to leave them home alone, make sure they have familiar things. A blanket, a toy, some kibble… anything that helps them feel at home while you’re away.

Budgeting for Your Dog’s Needs

Life happens, even for dogs. Eventually, they will need some sort of vet care, or heaven forbid, emergency care. They will need travel gear, possibly some pet insurance, and an extra deposit for housing. It’s not a small financial investment to take your animals. So save up in advance. Getting them settled in a new country will require almost as much as it will for you in some cases. Know that going into it.

Must-Have Tools + Gear

I have a list of 20 things you might need to travel with your pet internationally. I also have a dog’s travel packing list you can use. Aside from that, some things to remember are:

• Airline-approved soft crate
• Harness + leash with ID
• Digital vaccine records
• Pet GPS tag or Apple AirTag collar clip
• Cooling vest / paw balm for hot countries
• A muzzle – even if your dog is not a biter, some public transport can require them.

Yes, It’s Harder, But It’s Better With Them

So as I’m sure you can see, it can be an involved process to bring your pet with you. But I promise, it’s worth it. It’s work, yes. But it’s worth it to see the world with your best friend.

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