5 Personal Stories on Why Pets Are the Best Travel Buddies Ever

We explored the cupboard under the stairs, the room behind the iron throne and the hobbit holes in Rotorua. Looked around everywhere and found these adorable stories of pet parents who love exploring new places and making memories of a lifetime with their pets. To them, their pets are a piece of their heart and a very important part of the family. Let’s raise a toast to all these lovely people who took their furry friends along wherever they went!

Muriel Taylor

“My fiancé gifted me Rexy, a Tibetan Terrier shortly before we were to be married in 1971. Since we lived in Delhi and the wedding was to take place in Jaipur, we took Rexy with us by train to be part of the celebration. Rexy was with me all day of the wedding and he got especially excited when it was time to cut the cake. Pets are part of our family and it is a wonderful feeling when they are a part of special occasions such as weddings. Rexy is no more, but he definitely made my wedding day so much more special and memorable.”

Vizal Atheya

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“Jumbo and I have done many trips together since his puppyhood. He’s eight years old now and an avid traveller who has been to Mcleodgunj, Dharamshala, Triund, Bheemtal, Dehradun and Rishikesh for work (read dog shows!) and leisure. Even though he loves travelling by car, he also enjoys autorickshaw, tricycle and train rides. Jumbo has his own preference and loves going back to the hills again and again. Trekking gives him the much needed exercise and the weather, a good break from the busy city. We both make brilliant trekking partners and can never get enough of it! Every trip I’ve taken with Jumbo has been so exciting. His sparkling eyes, wagging tail and forever drooling face win my heart and make him the best travel companion ever.

However, if you’re travelling with your pet, you must remember to pack all essentials like travel water bottle, bowl, food which lasts long, treats, toys, hair brush, towels and medication for emergencies.”

Ankita Yadav

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“Meet Ghappi, my inspiration behind Everything MEOW. Last month, the highs and lows of active cat-rescuing and rehabilitation hit the two of us and we decided to head to Rishikesh for a day trip. We started early in the morning and packed up our breakfast as taking pit stops at crowded places would have stressed Gappi. Travelling with a cat can sound alien to some because not all cats take too well to car rides, but it’s all about what you get your cat used to. Do not push your cat into it if he/she resents it though. I am thankfully in the company of a cat who lounges on the dashboard, hisses at the fellow cars at any signal with utmost gusto, and also uses her litter box religiously that I place in the rear leg space.

We reached Rishikesh, chilled by the riverside, pulled out our snacks and cat treats and had the most memorable time! A walk by the riverside with Gappi on a leash, playing with the pebbles and lot of lazing around was what followed. If you wish to, try this out with your cat with a lot of caution and only when you both have done shorter trips together successfully.” 

Sannya and Anmol Dhingra

“Outings with Oscar are so much fun! While we often plan visits to the park and to pet grooming parlours, one of the most memorable experiences with Oscar was our pre-wedding shoot. Yes, we took him along for that and that was perhaps one of the best decisions ever. He was such a good boy throughout the shoot and having him around added such positivity to the environment. Not to mention the adorable pictures we got with him. They're to be treasured for life.”

Iti Pandey

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“It was not long ago that we decided to shift to Lucknow and this meant I had to take Lady Tin Tin, my cat, with me in the car from Delhi. We were going to be accompanied by my father and a driver. I did not use any kind medicine for her and believed in the power of adaptation. Tin Tin is about two years old, and quite energetic for her age. She was fine till about a hundred kilometres, after which she started getting a bit restless. I found an empty carton at our first stop, filled it with some of her preferred litter, and gave her an opportunity. I locked her inside the car for sometime (with a little crack in the window). No success. I tried this again after a few hours but this time, I let her explore the car properly on her own. She sniffed every corner till she was content and took refuge under the driver's seat. When we started, she climbed on the cushion on my lap and napped. I felt relived that she was finally comfortable in the journey! She also also started eating a little and drank lots of water. 

I would encourage everyone to travel with their cats as they make great companions. Yes, it is possible! Whenever you want to take them on a road trip, make sure you plan in advance. Feed them less the previous evening and try to figure out ways in which they will feel comfortable. They are also sensitive beings and their perspective deserves consideration. They themselves teach you eventually, just as kids do with their parents. Always be ready for those exchanges!”