How to Become a Digital Nomad With a Pet in Tow

Written by Ed Carter – Featured “black cat” photo by Ruca Souza (Pexels)

Editor’s Note: We welcome yet another blog by guest author Ed Carter on a subject near and dear to my heart. It was not until I retired before I discovered the joy, responsibilities (and challenges) of pet ownership. I have two little doggies (one bichon frise named “Gracie” and a yorkie-poo named “Brewster”) who keep me engaged and occupied throughout the day. “Daddy, I’m hungry.” “Can I have a bone?” “It’s time to go out…” Those frequent walks are good for me and part of this retiree’s long term wellness plan! But, pets may also restrict the flexibility of your schedule and limit travel. You cannot necessarily “drop everything” at the last minute and take a cruise or long car trip. (I’m not putting my “kids” in a pet jail, aka a kennel!) Planning is essential. Ed shares new perspectives on merging the demands of your digital job (encore career, business or retirement pursuit) with the needs of your sometimes fussy furry family members. PKF

Deciding to pack up and chase the digital nomad dream isn’t as easy when you have a pet depending on you. But it’s not impossible. You’ll just need a different kind of strategy—one that balances your professional goals with your animal companion’s comfort and safety. If you’re ready to take your work on the road without leaving your dog, cat, or other furry friend behind, here’s how to make it happen and thrive.

You Are the Brand—Market Like It

You’ve probably heard this before, but now it’s even more true: your personal brand matters. When your lifestyle is non-traditional, clients and employers want reassurance that you’re still professional and reliable. Build an online presence that highlights your experience, your skills, and the unique flavor you bring to the table. Whether it’s a clean portfolio website, a LinkedIn page with testimonials, or social proof via Twitter threads or TikToks, you’ll want your digital footprint to reflect someone who gets the job done—dog barking in the background or not.

How Education Can Reboot Your Career Path

If you’re feeling stuck in your current role or ready to transition into something more dynamic, going back to school can be the smartest move you make. For instance, by exploring a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, you’ll open the door to new opportunities in tech, where the demand for problem-solvers and creative thinkers never slows down. Also, learning online means you’ll have the flexibility to pursue your degree at your own pace, so you can continue working while you build your future.

Pick a Job That Gives You Breathing Room

Not all remote jobs are built equally, especially when you’ve got a pup tugging at your sleeve or a cat trying to walk across your laptop. Jobs with flexible hours or asynchronous communication are a goldmine here. Think virtual assistance, freelance writing, UI/UX design, social media management, or coding—anything that lets you pause when you need to and doesn’t expect you to be online at 9:00 a.m. sharp in someone else’s time zone. It’s also worth considering pet-focused work like blogging about your travels together or offering online pet training consultations if you’ve got the skillset.

Stretching the Budget Is an Art

Moving around with a pet in tow doesn’t just cost more—it requires creative budgeting. Flights often come with extra fees for animals, and not every country has affordable vet care. To save, consider slow travel, staying in each spot for at least a month to cut down on housing costs. Sign up for loyalty programs, travel with collapsible gear to avoid bulky luggage fees, and always build an emergency buffer for unexpected pet expenses.

Downtime for You, Uptime for Them

You’ve got Zoom calls and deadlines, but your pet doesn’t care. Their boredom can quickly become your stress. To keep them occupied, build routines they can count on—morning walks, midday playtime, and evening snuggles. Fun pet toys, lick mats, and interactive feeders are your new best friends. If you’re in a location for a while, look into local pet daycare options or even trusted pet-sitters who can help when your calendar’s packed.

Communication Is Still the Currency

When your lifestyle is flexible, your communication needs to be rock solid. Clients shouldn’t have to guess if you’re off-grid or just ignoring their messages. Use tools like Slack, Notion, or Trello to keep everyone aligned. Set expectations upfront about your availability, stick to response time windows, and always double-check your time zone math before scheduling meetings. Transparency builds trust, and it’s the one thing you can’t afford to fumble when you’re juggling time zones, Wi-Fi hiccups, and a restless Labrador.

Get Paid Without the Headache

No matter where you’re working from, you still need to get paid like a pro. Skip the international wire transfer chaos and set yourself up with services like Wise, Payoneer, or Deel that cater to global freelancers. These platforms help cut down on currency conversion fees, and many now offer debit cards linked to your earnings. Just make sure you’re still handling taxes back home—yes, even if you’re on a beach in Bali.

Plug Into the Right Tools

Your tech stack can make or break your setup, especially when your “office” might be a hammock or a hostel lounge. A reliable VPN keeps your data secure on public Wi-Fi, while apps like Clockify help you track billable hours. Backup power banks and a universal adapter are non-negotiables, and a noise-canceling headset can turn a chaotic café into a client-ready zone. For pet tracking, consider a GPS collar if your dog has wanderlust, or a camera you can check from your phone to ease any separation anxiety.

Taking your life and career on the road with a pet isn’t going to be flawless. There’ll be missed trains, barking during meetings, and that one time your cat jumped on your keyboard mid-presentation. But with some intentional planning, the right tools, and a healthy dose of flexibility, the rewards far outweigh the bumps. You’re not just choosing freedom for yourself—you’re creating a life where your companion gets to come along for the adventure.

Check out other articles by Guest Author Ed Carter at this blog site:

• Returning to the Classroom in Retirement – Smart Planning for a Fulfilling Experience
• Monetizing Our Skills and Passions – Creative Ways for Musicians to Make Money Beyond Gigs 
• Unleashing Your Sound – A Musicians Guide to Making Waves and Gaining Fans, 
• Music and Literacy Skills – How to Use One to Improve the Other,
• Do You Have a Side-Gig? Four Tips for Artists Seeking An Extra Income Stream. 

© 2025 by Paul K. Fox and Ed Carter