Sarah WallockCats and dogs have long lives – upwards of 12 years to be exact. If someone asked me if I wanted to live in the same country, city, or proximate area for 12 years it would be impossible to know at this stage. For many travelers, getting a pet is out of the question. It’s too expensive, the travelers move around too much, and it wouldn’t be fair on the animal. Here, I’ve come up with ways that I’ve been able to have relationships with animals across my travels. I will break down some of the ways how to have pets for travelers without settling down.
Work On a Farm
Through many online services like Workaway and WWOOF, travelers have the opportunity to live and work on farms in exchange for food and accommodation. Through Workaway, Nick and I found a farm in Taranaki, New Zealand that we worked on once a week. It was such a great experience to be close to hundreds of cows, calves, sheep, and farm dogs. Additionally, we learned so much about sustainable dairy farming and New Zealand’s commitment to environmental regenerative agriculture.
- Disclaimer: While we did love our farm connection through Workaway in Taranaki, not all Workaways are the same. We had a bit of a horror story in another part of New Zealand and left within 24 hours.
Housesit
Through housesitting, travelers get the chance to be in a different space and have a closer relationship to pets. In New Zealand, there are a variety of resources like Facebook groups, Kiwi House Sitters, and others to either housesit in exchange for free accommodation or have paid opportunities. I found many of these to be quite random housesits in out-of-the-way areas for inconvenient dates for my lifestyle. But I think for van-lifers or remote workers this is a great option.
In Mammoth Lakes, I’ve housesat a few times. This is a great way to have pets for travelers. The housesits I’ve done here I’ve found out by word-of-mouth, but there are sites like Rover where you can register and look for opportunities.
Become a Dog Walker
Ah dog walking! It’s short, it’s easy and it’s fun. In Queenstown, there was a volunteer dog-walking Facebook group where on any given day you could find a pup that needed exercise and volunteer your love. For those willing to volunteer, this is a great option. Many of the relationships can develop into housesitting gigs or more consistent opportunities.
I made friends with an especially playful and sweet Golden Retriever, Hazel. She sometimes to join me for my Sunday afternoon runs. She definitely added light to my life in Queenstown!
Move in With Housemates Who Own Pets
Voilà! This has been the happiest accident yet and in my opinion, it’s the best way for travelers to have pets. Something about Mammoth Lakes attracts a lot of 20-somethings with dogs. It’s lots of fun. Not only do my current housemates Kathi and Shaun have a puppy, but they have two gorgeous cats.
The dog is named Pancake and the cats are named Cupcake and Muffin, which constitute their little squad called the “Baked Goodz.” These household pets are incredibly affectionate and playful. While Kathi and Shaun pay for them, take them to the vet and act as parents, I get to sit back and relax and enjoy the cuddles. Thanks guys!
Visit Farms, Shelters, Or Friends Who Have Pets
When I was training for the Queenstown Half Marathon, I would run by a horse I named Willie by my house. I would stop by his open pen, yell to him and he’d come running over and nuzzle into my hands. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one! I told some friends about this horse and they’d had a similar experience, even bringing him carrots.
Visiting farms, shelters or friends who have pets is another great way to satisfy the craving of animal interactions.
All in all, it is contradictory to be a traveler and have a pet. Many problems arise when you’re constantly in motion or thinking about being in motion and a pet needs some important constants. Though ultimately, it is possible to have pets as a traveler without settling down.
