Becoming a digital nomad might be trendy, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth pursuing. Having a pet along for the trip does complicate things, but it’s possible to work remotely from anywhere with Fido by your side. Learn how with The Escape Rat.
Is Your Pet Ready to Become a Digital Nomad?
Becoming a digital nomad takes careful preparation, but bringing a pet along adds some complications. Here’s what to consider when relocating with your furry friend.
Pack Essential Pet Supplies
Living with a pet—no matter where you are in the world—requires some supplies. Keep equipment like a durable harness, soft crate, and even a pet backpack on hand for your furry friend.
Before purchasing pet items, consult product reviews from vets for honest opinions on safety and quality.
Plan for Pet Care Abroad
Good quality veterinary care and some extra helping hands are invaluable wherever you and your pet travel. However, it can be hard to care for your pet when you move often.
To ensure you can always find someone to watch your pet when needed, download pet-sitting smartphone apps. Connect with prospective pet sitters ahead of time, so you’re prepared.
Also, look for local veterinary services at clinics or walk-in offices. If your pet has an emergency, you will be ready.
Prepare for Travel
Preparing to get on the road (or board a flight) can be stressful and exciting for you and your pet. There are two important steps: ensuring your pet is comfortable and following the rules for animal transport.
Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking a train, make sure your pet is comfortable in their travel accommodations. Practicing shorter trips can help pets acclimate to a kennel for the best travel day experience possible.
For digital nomads traveling within the United States, airline travel may be straightforward. But if you’re traveling internationally via plane, understanding your destination’s pet requirements is crucial. An airline or country may require health certificates and other documents; research carefully and keep copies of important documents with you.
Digital Nomad Career Steps
With Fido taken care of, dedicate time to developing your remote career before you leave and once you’re on the road.
Prep Business Cards
Networking and finding new job opportunities might be easier than you think. Yet traveling does mean you may not stay in one place for long. Leave a calling card—in the form of an actual business card—wherever you go.
Business cards are a tangible, physical way to network. Choosing to make business cards from a template makes the task so much easier and the output more appealing. Simply customize them using images, text, and more.
Consider launching a website to include on your business cards, too. You can create an inexpensive website to showcase your talents so potential clients can find you online.
Find Remote Work
Finding work can be the most stressful part of diving into digital nomad-dom. For full-time professionals looking to leap, securing freelance gigs might be the easiest way to transition into travel.
After all, employers in the United States are bound by employment and tax law, says ADP. Even remote workers must typically reside within the US to remain on the payroll.
Many freelancers start with sites like Upwork or Fiverr to begin building a portfolio of work and build their skills. Over time, you might connect with companies and clients to fill out your schedule.
Exploring ways to generate passive income is also a smart option for digital nomads.
Get to Know the Area
Becoming a digital nomad only to sit inside working all day probably isn’t in your plans. Avoid getting stuck in a rut, and find ways to engage in your new (albeit temporary) community.
Connecting with the digital nomad community through coworking sites, meetups, and virtual groups is one way to network. Meeting locals, like your neighbors, pet owners at the dog park, or small business owners, is another way to get out and expand your horizons.
Embarking on a digital nomad adventure with your pet is exciting, and with the right preparation, it might be easier than you think. From getting business cards printed to gathering your pet’s essentials, careful planning means an enjoyable (and lucrative) digital nomad experience.