The Positives and Negatives of Traveling With A Dog, Contributed by @TangerineTravels

---

We got our dog more than eight years ago. We knew that if we ever wanted to do extended traveling, she'd be coming with us. We swore that we'd never be ones to just give up our pet when it became inconvenient, so when we set off to drive through Mexico, our Siberian husky, Laska would be coming with us!

We figured she'd cause quite a few inconveniences during our travels. That has indeed been the case but there are numerous other ways that traveling with a dog will affect you, many of which never crossed our mind.

Less chance of theft

---

---

We sold everything before traveling so in our bags is everything we own. We already have very few possessions and they're those that are the most important to us. It means a lot to us that our remaining possessions are kept safe.

We knew this fact already, but while living in the US, always forgot that thieves hate dogs and tend to choose homes without them. Having a dog with us everywhere we go in Mexico is probably a huge deterrent to any potential thieves.

On the other hand, in one city, we were warned to keep a close eye on our dog because people have been known to steal dogs from people who appeared wealthier and hold the dogs for ransom.

We've found that one constant while traveling is people will always be telling you to watch out for various dangers. With so many warnings, it can be difficult to know which warnings should be heeded and which should be ignored.

Limiting travel options

---

---

Just like as is the case in the US, having a dog will limit your travel options. When traveling throughout Mexico, getting around from city to city by bus is likely a better option than getting around by car. However, when traveling by bus, they don't allow pets in the cabin with the people.

On Mexico busses, pets are put underneath with the luggage. It's a place where it gets really hot because it's right above the hot pavement, there's no air circulation, and a lot of fumes from the bus. It's no place for a living animal, so busses are out of the question!

Accommodations are more expensive

---

As we've been traveling through Mexico we've been staying in an Airbnb almost every night. While there are still plenty of Airbnb options that are pet-friendly, when you check that box "Pets allowed," you'll see most of your options disappear.

Fewer options to choose from means that you're not going to get as good of a deal. Of the options that do allow pets, some of them charge an extra fee for our furry friends.

---

---

Dogs like routines

---

This is something we never considered before traveling. The more we've gone from place to place, the more our pup (Laska) has started acting out. The more we travel, the worse behaved she becomes!

We might have to settle down for a while in one place just to give Laska a break from the constantly-changing environments. We didn't realize just how stressed out she was getting having to move from one place to the next, week after week.

---

This probably isn't an exhaustive list but these are some of the things we've experienced while traveling with our pup. Do you have experience taking your pet for extended travels? If so, how did it go?