Is it A Good Idea to Have Pets If You Travel A Lot?

Becoming a pet parent is an important decision. Even though you may want a pet, your lifestyle might not be right for pet ownership. Depending on the type of pet you want to get, you’ll have to consider whether or not you’ll be able to take care of them and support their physical and emotional health. For example, dogs must be taken outside every six to eight hours daily. If you spend more than eight to ten hours away from your home, you might not be able to take proper care of your dog. Meanwhile, other pets, like cats, are easier to take care of.

If you love pets but also travel a lot, you might wonder whether your lifestyle suits a pet well. Yes, you can always take your emotional support animal along if you have an ESA letter;The good news is that you can still be a great pet parent, but it’s important to choose the right pet for you.

Best Pets for People Who Travel

Having a pet takes a lot of work, and even low-maintenance pets still require care and adequate attention. So if you travel a lot for work or fun, consider these types of pets:

Fish

Fish are the easiest pets to care for because they don’t require too much from you other than regular feedings and a clean bowl or tank. While you can’t pet a fish or play with them like you can a dog or cat, they’re a great option for those who don’t spend a lot of time at home. Fish are beautiful and don’t rely on you for too much, as long as you feed them before you leave. Additionally, you can ask a neighbor to feed your fish while you’re away. Your friends and family will be more willing to take care of your fish once a day than they would to clean a litter box or walk a dog daily while you’re away.

Cats

Cats are another great option for travelers because they can take care of themselves as long as they have food, water, and access to their litter boxes. Cats typically do well when left alone for a few days, so you won’t have to feel too guilty leaving them for an entire weekend. Of course, if you plan to leave for longer than a few days, you should set up pet care for them to ensure they have a clean litter box and can get plenty of mental stimulation while you’re gone so they won’t become bored and tear up the furniture.

Cats can get lonely, so if you’re a cat person, you can get two cats instead of one to keep each other company. However, even though cats do well on their own, you should never leave kittens unattended. Kittens have more needs and require proper care during the early stages of life, so you shouldn’t take any time away from them when they’re young.

Rodents

Rodents like guinea pigs, rats, and mice also make great pets for frequent travelers because they don’t mind spending time alone and don’t require their living space to be cleaned too regularly. Rodents can also make affectionate pets, so if you’re looking for some little ones that will sleep on your lap, consider getting a guinea pig. Rodents are also small, so you can take them with you when you travel, especially if you’re traveling by car.

Of course, rodents need to be fed daily, so they shouldn’t be left alone unless they have access to plenty of food and water.

Turtles

Turtles make another great pet for people who don’t spend too much time at home. These pets can live for up to 25 years or longer and are relatively inexpensive. However, they require a relatively large tank as their living space, so they may not travel long distances well. Turtles can be left alone for a few days, but anything more than that, and you might want to have a neighbor or friend check on them to ensure they still have enough food and water.

What About Dogs?

Unfortunately, adopting a dog is not a good idea if you travel a lot. Dogs are some of the most high-maintenance pets to have because they can’t be left alone for too long. Even dogs who are left alone for eight hours can develop separation anxiety, making them act destructively while you’re away. Additionally, dogs need affection daily to remain happy. Dogs love spending time with you and having something to do. When they don’t have their human around or toys to play with, they can get bored and destructive.

Additionally, dogs don’t go potty inside, so someone will need to take them outside every six to eight hours every single day. Most dogs need at least three to four potty breaks a day. Even if you plan to have someone babysit your dog, they can still become depressed because they rely on you for every part of their lives, from feeding them to playing with them. Since dogs are such loyal animals, they become attached and can get depressed when you’re not around, even if someone else can take care of them.

Of course, if you only travel once a year, getting a dog is a great option for you, especially if they’re socialized and can be boarded at a pet daycare facility. You can also pay a family member or friend to stay at your home with the dog and send money for essentials like food, treats, and toys. Remember, though, that your dog can still have separation anxiety while you’re away.

If you really want to have it both ways, see if bringing your dog with you on your travels is realistic. Things to consider include spending extra time and money to find a hotel that allows pets, the activities you’ll be doing and if you can bring your dog along, the temperament of your dog and more.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of a pet is a big responsibility, and if you’re not around enough, it will be difficult to meet an animal’s basic needs. Luckily, some pets are easier to take care of and travel with than others. Even though a dog is not the best pet for you if you travel a lot, you still have tons of other options, including cats, which also make great companions. When choosing a pet, always consider your lifestyle and how well you’ll be able to care for them.

Header Photo Credit: shutterstock.com

About the Author

Julia Olivas graduated from San Francisco State University with her B.A. in Communication Studies. She is a freelance writer where she loves sharing her passion for digital marketing and content creation. Outside of writing, she loves cooking, reading, painting, and her pup Ruby.