MANILA, Philippines – Every fur parent’s weakness are those longing eyes that watch them leave the house for work or a trip. We always want to bring them along, but are quickly replaced by worries about inconvenience or our furbaby’s comfort.
But take it from these fur parents who are known for bringing their pets along on fun outdoor adventures. Traveling with your pets may take a bit of preparation, but it’s not as tricky as it seems when done right.
Here are five tips for a fur-tastic trip with your furbabies!
Bringing your pets along takes a bit of practice before heading off on longer trips. Start with short outings to help both you and your furbaby adjust. It’s a good way to see how they respond outside their comfort zone, where excitement or anxiety might bring out behaviors different from what you’re used to at home.
Many netizens know Masha Lakwatsera as the adorable shih tzu often seen sitting in the basket of Kiara’s bike as they roam around the metro. But before these big city adventures, Kiara, more fondly known as “Masha’s yaya,” shared how she began by taking Masha on short walks around their neighborhood.
“Masha grew up during the pandemic, so going outdoors became our ideal bonding activity. Back then, we’d visit the nearby park every morning or go on short road trips, and that’s when I realized how much Masha enjoys being outside,” Kiara said.
Similarly, Yosef Mikaela Villamejor from North Caloocan City, owner of Peanut the aspin, also started with simple outdoor activities like picnics. They often visited wide, open spaces to see how Peanut would react to new surroundings.
“As an anxious dog, she loves peaceful environments and wide open areas,” Yosef said.
Kiara shares that within the metro, they frequent the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati because it’s a spacious park where you can walk freely surrounded by greenery right in the middle of the central business district.
“We especially enjoy it during car-free Sundays at Ayala Avenue where I get to have my Sunday workout while Masha just enjoys the ride. After our morning rides, we usually go to pet-friendly cafés and Solid Ground in Poblacion is one of our favorites!” Kiara told Rappler.
For Yosef, pet-friendly restaurants that treat pets like customers truly make a difference.
“At the mall, our go-to restaurants are Manam, Gringo, and Nanyang. We also appreciate restaurants under the Bistro Group, because aside from welcoming pets, they even offer cold water and treats for them. Small gestures like that really make pet parents feel valued,” Yosef shared.
Pet owners need to learn how to read their fur babies’ reactions to stay proactive during trips.
With countless adventures together — from beach days to hikes and town-hopping — Kiara always prioritizes Masha’s comfort by bringing her carrier and a portable fan.
“Masha’s usually well-behaved in public places but I always monitor her reactions — when something’s stressing her out or she’s already tired. It’s really important to understand your pet’s body language,” Kiara stressed.
Meanwhile, Ayanna Escanilla, fur mom to the shih tzu Dopey, who recently went viral for their Boracay trip, shared how she ensures her pet feels safe even during long travels.
“Pet owners should bring their pet’s favorite toys, treats, and a familiar blanket to help them feel secure,” she advised.
Despite it being Dopey’s first time flying, she proudly added, “He handled everything so well. [He was] calm, curious and happy to explore a new place with me.”
Bringing your pets outdoors isn’t just about bonding. It’s also a chance for them to socialize and make new friends. Yosef does this by bringing Peanut along on marathons.
“What I love most is that these activities are not only good for her physically, but also allow her to meet new ‘furiends’ along the way. Our go-to walking spots include the UP Academic Oval, Brittany Park in Neopolitan Fairview, and sometimes the Caloocan City Sports Complex,” she said.
Yosef emphasized that before you consider bringing your pets along with you outside, though, it’s important to have them be fully vaccinated, not just for their safety, but for the other dogs they’ll eventually interact with. She adds that she also made sure Peanut was old enough before she began exploring the outdoors.
Ayanna, meanwhile, also took care of all the travel requirements for Dopey, her emotional support animal (ESA).
To bring a pet like Dopey on a domestic flight, owners must follow the airline’s specific pet policy for in-cabin travel, ensure the pet is in an airline-approved carrier, and present complete documents such as updated veterinary health and vaccine records, a Bureau of Animal Industry permit, and an ESA certificate from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
If there’s one thing these three pet owners share, it’s how deeply they value their fur babies as “constant companions,” “best friends,” and true members of the family. Each of them describes their relationship as one built on love and trust. Dogs, known for their loyalty, also need patience and assurance that they can depend on their humans.
Earning that trust often means making small sacrifices. For Kiara, it’s mustering the courage to bike around the metro with Masha. For Yosef, it’s providing steady emotional support as Peanut slowly overcomes her fears and social anxiety — finally wagging her tail instead of keeping it tucked. And for Ayanna, it’s staying patient when Dopey gets a little jealous of other dogs.
These gestures, big or small, all speak the same language of love.
Our fur babies experience the world through us. With the unconditional love and happiness they give, they deserve every bit of effort for a fur-tastic trip together. – Rappler.com
