This post is about travelling with pets, specifically. Service animals for those with disabilities and those who claim pets are emotional service animals are not what I’m talking about here, that will be in a later video because it’s such a massive topic by itself. So, this is why I personally don’t travel with my pets.

My dog is a Lab, Boxer and German Shepard mix, so she’s a pretty big dog. That means if I were to travel with her, she would need to go in with the cargo and baggage, in a cage. That alone makes me sad. As you can see, she’s very cuddly and loving and hasn’t really been in a cage since she was bathroom trained. I would spend my entire flight worrying about her. The fees are also pretty hefty, being anywhere from 50 to 120 dollars depending on the flight route and the airline, I’ve even seen reports of some airlines charging upwards of 200$ per direction to fly your pet to the destination.  Depending on where you’re from and where you’re going you may also have to quarantine the pet you’re travelling with, on top of making sure they have all the shots needed and proof of being disease free from things like ringworm and heart-worm among other illnesses.

Once you arrive somewhere you need to have accommodation that will accept the pet you’re travelling with, you’ll need to have a place for them to do their business, sleep and eat. So you need to bring or buy food, bowls as well as seat belts, harnesses, muzzles (if required by law in that area) among a slew of other factors, you also need to bring them places so getting transport that will accommodate them and to be sure that animals are allowed to be and where they may be permitted in places like national parks to avoid fees and to make sure the parks stay clean. You also need to make sure that they will be properly cared for not being out in the sun too long, not being without food or water, making sure they’re not getting overheated, things of that nature.

Basically, anything you do with your pet already, plus all the stuff you do or want to do on a trip needs to be considered. For me, the idea of leaving her at home and knowing my pup would be just as, if not more comfortable at home, with my family, is something that no Instagram photo will ever compare to.