When I was chatting with Lora Pope on the Digital Nomad Nation podcast about her two years of nomadic adventures with Puglo, one thing became very clear: not all countries welcome four-legged travelers. Some destinations will have you jumping through bureaucratic hoops for months, while others welcome your pup with open arms.

If you're planning to hit the road with your dog, knowing which places are genuinely pet-friendly versus just pet-tolerant can save you thousands of dollars and countless headaches. Here's what Lora discovered after navigating 14 countries across four continents.

The Gold Standard for Dog-Friendly Nomad Life

"Mexico, especially where I live in Puerto Vallarta, it is so dog friendly," - Lora Pope, Digital Nomad Nation Podcast.
Lora's based in Puerto Vallarta, and from what she describes, it sounds like a nomad-with-dog paradise.

Restaurants with outdoor seating welcome pups, Uber drivers don't bat an eye, and almost every accommodation has pet-friendly options.

Veterinary care is incredibly affordable. When Puglo needs check-ups or health certificates for travel, Lora handles it in Mexico rather than paying North American prices. Smart move when you're managing travel budgets.

Thailand Worth the Hassle?

"I think probably the most challenging we've been so far is Thailand...But fortunately, Thailand is actually one of the few countries that does allow dogs in easily. Like there's no quarantine period as long as you meet the requirements," - Lora Pope, Digital Nomad Nation Podcast

Don't let the paperwork scare you away from Thailand. Yes, you'll need import permits, export certificates, and precise timing, but Thailand is actually one of the more welcoming Asian countries for pets. So plan ahead and get organized.

While taxis and cars might reject your pup, Lora discovered a clever workaround: motorbike taxis. Puglo just sits on her lap, and the drivers don't mind at all. Sometimes the best solutions are the most unexpected ones.

Europe is a Mixed Bag

Europe's relationship with traveling dogs is complicated. The EU has strict entry requirements (Lora even had to cancel a trip), but once you're in, some countries are absolutely magical for nomads with pets.

Berlin: The Surprising Dog Paradise "I was just in Berlin and it was so dog friendly. I could take my dog on buses, trams, like no issue at all," - Lora Pope, Digital Nomad Nation Podcast

Berlin blew Lora away with how integrated dogs are into daily life. Public transportation welcomes pets, cafes have water bowls ready, and the whole city seems designed with four-legged residents in mind. It's a stark contrast to other European cities where you might struggle to find pet-friendly options.

Plus, when Puglo needed dental work in Berlin, the veterinary care was top-notch. Sometimes you discover the best healthcare in the most unexpected places.

Not Every Destination Works

"Most condos don't allow pets. It's just like the way the condo rules are written. So Chiang Mai was challenging," - Lora Pope, Digital Nomad Nation Podcast.

Even in generally pet-friendly countries, specific cities can throw curveballs. Chiang Mai, despite being in dog-loving Thailand, proved difficult for accommodation hunting. Lora ended up with limited options and higher costs because she waited until the last minute.

The lesson? Even in pet-friendly countries, research the specific city you're targeting. What works in Bangkok might not work in Chiang Mai.

Your Next Move

The difference between struggling through a destination and thriving there often comes down to how naturally pets fit into the local culture. Mexico embraces dogs as part of daily life. Berlin integrates them into public systems. Thailand requires paperwork but doesn't make you jump through impossible hoops.

Ready to plan your next adventure with your four-legged co-pilot?

Listen to the full episode of Digital Nomad Nation to hear Lora’s full destination breakdown, plus the apps and hacks that make pet travel stress-free.
 

Connect with Lora Here: https://www.explorewithlora.com/

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