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Detours with locals. Travel tips you can trust.

When traveling with pets, planning is key

Extensive research for trips both big and small made our lives easier

Perspective by
Washington Post contributor
July 23, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EDT
(Kate Wheeler/for The Washington Post)

When planning our move to Italy, I knew the biggest hurdle would be safely transporting our two dogs. In my research for tips on how to ship dogs (specifically pitbull mixes), I found a helpful company that would take on all the red tape for us. They proved invaluable at a time that was very stressful for all members of the family. Now that we’re here, my partner and I want to make the most of the Italian rail system and take weekend trips. Because these trips aren’t always pet-friendly, I made sure to find a sitter that met our expectations (mine: takes them for lots of walks, keeps the house clean. The dogs’: lots of treats). Extensive research for both trips, big and small, made our lives easier.