I love traveling with my dog. She’s part of my family, and where I go, she goes. I even moved to a different country with her. A bit of extra preparation goes a long way to making it easier on both of us.
Thinking about things like whether there’s a dog park nearby, what happens if she gets sick, and whether I can find my way back to the hotel after a long walk can really help once I arrive.
Our dogs are a big part of our lives, but we are their whole life. They look to us for food, comfort, security, and scritches. It makes sense to try to include them when we travel.
There’s a whole world of new and exotic scents to sniff, scary statues to bark at, and unspeakable stinks to roll in.
Why reliable data matters when you travel with your dog
We take staying connected for granted these days, but it can really save the day when you’re abroad with your dog.
With reliable mobile data, you can:
- Find a local vet fast if your pup eats something suspicious
- Scout dog-friendly hikes and check leash requirements before you head out
- Look up whether local wildlife could be a threat to your four-legged friend
- Use a translator app at the supermarket to find food that matches your dog’s dietary needs
- Connect with local dog walking groups for instant new friends in a new city
I use AllTrails to check for water access and leash rules before heading out with my pup. Having my GPS always on means I don’t get lost, and her tracking collar means she doesn’t either.
If you’re still putting together your pet travel packing list, connectivity should be near the top.
How an eSIM subscription keeps you and your dog covered
Reliable mobile data makes traveling with my dog easier. I use an eSIM that sits unnoticed on my phone until I need it.
When I travel with my dog, especially abroad, I check the destination requirements before I book and set up an eSIM subscription before I leave home.
I’m connected almost instantly when I land. No scrambling to buy a local SIM card, no crazy network charges, and I can keep my home number active for emergencies. Even an old technophobe like myself can use an eSIM.
Before you leave home:
- Choose a provider
- Confirm your phone is compatible
- Make sure your phone isn’t locked to your home carrier
- Choose a plan that suits your usage
- Follow the instructions to install the eSIM — it’s usually as simple as pressing a button and following the on-screen prompts
When you arrive:
- Turn on the eSIM (the instructions will tell you how)
- Switch mobile data to route through the eSIM
- Activate data roaming
- Relax, you’re connected
Choosing the right plan for you and your pup
Data is cheap and plentiful these days, but home network roaming charges can still be expensive, and included data can be really limited.
The last thing you need is to run out of dog food and have no idea what the local equivalent of your best friend’s preferred kibble is.
The beauty of an eSIM subscription is its flexibility. You choose the plan that suits you, and you never run out of data.
A short one-off plan with a couple of GB might be all you need to make sure the translator app works when you need it, and your dog won’t use those Bambi eyes because she’s hungry.
Frequent travelers might benefit from an unlimited plan, giving you real flexibility and unlimited data.
If you and your pooch are globe trotters, a Saily eSIM Ultra plan is about as good as it gets — unlimited data in 121 countries, plus perks like airport lounge access and expedited security.
And if your dog is staying at home while you’re traveling, you can check on them with your home security camera from a bar in the back streets of Milan.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to FaceTime them too. Before any international trip with your pet, it’s worth checking the USDA pet export requirements so you know what paperwork your dog needs. For flights, the IPATA airline directory can help you compare which carriers accept pets in-cabin versus cargo.
Less to worry about, more to explore together
Traveling with your pet takes a bit of extra planning, especially if you’re flying to another country. It doesn’t have to be stressful, and your phone should make the trip easier, not give you another problem to solve.
Take a few minutes to set up your eSIM subscription before you leave, pack your pup’s favorite blanket and toy, and hit the road.
There’s a great big world out there, and sharing it with your dog can make your travels feel even more special.
