Post: #1

when i get my money right, i definitely want to be able to travel and experience a lot of different countries and their culture, but i am an animal lover and really want a dog. a decent size dog like a rottie or a pitt. how hard would it be to have that kind of lifestyle with a pet? do any of yall have dogs? is it a hard process to get the dogs to come live with you in the country you currently reside in?

Post: #2

As far as I can tell, most countries will let you bring a pet in provided you have the proper paperwork, follow certain procedures, etc. Some may have a quarantine period for bringing in animals, though I'm not sure that applies to pets.

Sounds like it would be a pain in the ass if you travel to many places for short periods, but I'd say it's totally doable if you have 2-3 main places around the world that you spend extended time in.

Post: #3

I've had an Amstaff and it will really restrict any travel you make. Most SE Asian and European countries have severe restrictions on bringing along pets. Expect at least 3-4 weeks in quarantine. Not to mention all the travel related expenses.

Post: #4

if you want to travel frequently - don't do it!

animals (dogs especially) are very loyal and they are generally pack animals, so if you're gone for extended periods of time, it will affect them.

unless you are rolling in cash and still have a lot of time on your hands, taking them on trips is not really an option.

not sure how old you are, but one option could be to have a chat to your parents and see if they would be willing to look after them while you are away.

also, can I recommend, if you get one dog, that you get two. when you have to leave them on their own your dogs will love you for it and it is not that much more for maintenance. we made the mistake of getting just one dog with our first dog and he was absolutely miserable when we all headed off to work each day and no amount of food / toys could make up for his lack of companionship during the day.

Post: #5

Yeah, hold off. I had to give my dog up to a family member when I first left the states, and it sucks. I personally didn't have a choice as staying was not an option, but if I still owned him I would not be living the life I am today.

My brother and his girl have two dogs and they can't even stay away for a night because there is no one reliable to check in on them! It's almost like having kids. Probably worse because they can't just take them everywhere they go like you could with a kid, and obviously they get less out of it too...

Don't get me wrong, I love dogs, and I often wish I had one again. One of the more bogus aspects of being footloose. But it's not really compatible with the jetset lifestyle. Wait until you're ready to settle down.

Beyond All Seas

"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #6

Having a dog is not compatible with this lifestyle.

I once tried to travel with a keyboard to practice piano. I ditched it after a few months. I can't imagine continual travel with a live animal.

Post: #7

You will have to choose either the dog or being an international playboy. I had to give up my German Short Hair Pointer because of my travels. Sometimes, I wish I had kept the dog and traveled less. Other times not. Luckily I gave her to a family member and still enjoy her company from time to time.

Post: #8

Yeah, no dog.

That is why someone needs to start that "Rent a Dog" biz for International Playboys.

Post: #9

i think if you had a place in latin america or SEA, somewhere where help is cheap you could have your live in help look after the dog while you travel. in some of those countries guns are illegal for a foreigner and owning a guard dog is often your best source of home defense.

Post: #10

it works if you pick one geographic area. For example you some how have an extended visa or you can border run back and forth.I knew a guy who had a small dog he found in Korea. Took him to overseas destinations.

Post: #11

In 2006 I relocated to Ukraine and brought my dog with me, the necessary paperwork is not difficult to obtain, just ask your vet. My dog died last November, for the past two years he suffered from a bad heart, he was 14 yrs old, and I had him since he was 5 weeks old. I really don't think I'll own another animal, the attachment you develop is just too strong.

Post: #12

Quote:That is why someone needs to start that "Rent a Dog" biz for International Playboys.

I am "dog friendly" to my friends who, instead of children, are nesting with dogs instead. I take their dogs sometimes when they go away for the weekend (never more than four or five days). If its over the weekend I love it.

Late night walks around the hood. Chat with some of the guys I know working the doors of the bars. Smoke with some drunk suburban girls outside. Just make my rounds like I usually do, but I hang outside with a cool dog chilling at my feet.

My favorite was a Japanese Akita. I had this arrangement with her for 13 years. She was my princess and loved me as much as her owner. The most loyal and protective dog ever. It was sad to watch her die.

Now I take a Boston Terrier sometimes.
Siberian Husky.

I am not a weekend warrior so this arrangement suits me well. They are a mad pain during the week though, when my schedule can be all over the map.

Post: #13

If you don't travel much and live in a more dog friendly city (lots of dog parks, bars/businesses that allow dogs, etc) it can not only be done, but become an advantage.

If you want to travel though or your home city isn't that great logistically for having a dog then you probably should not get one.

You also need to make sure you are financially set up enough to handle the impact of a dog on your finances, b/c at least once a year you are probably going to have a sizable Vet bill you weren't expecting, not to mention any other random variable expenses.

That said, if you do get one, i suggest using VPI (Vet Pet Insurance). Its like 100-150 a year depending on your dog, but if you use it once it will pretty much pay for itself.

Post: #14

I have a dog but I don't travel as frequently as a lot of you guys. It can definitely work if you move to cities for an extended period of time and aren't the backpacking type. My puppy just turned 1 and I have already lived in three places since I got her at 5 weeks old. She was fine on 12 hour road trips while moving. If I go on a week or two vacation I leave her with my parents or someone I trust.

I plan on living abroad after school but I'm the type of person to pick a city and stay for a while instead of trying to go to as many places as possible. A dog is very feasible with this type of lifestyle.

(01-06-2013 10:43 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  Yeah, no dog.

That is why someone needs to start that "Rent a Dog" biz for International Playboys.

I stumbled upon an article about this. Forgot the name of the company but it was founded recently in SF. I remember reading that they were trying to expand into LA, Portland, and Seattle.