Content creators Paul Salley and Brianna Feehan have redefined their travel experiences by including their English cream golden retriever, Koda, in their professional journeys. Since adopting Koda in January of the previous year, the couple has explored 22 states across the U.S., integrating their pet into every aspect of their travels.
Initially, Salley and Feehan considered leaving Koda with family while they were on the road. However, the separation proved challenging. “We missed her too much,” Feehan shared with Business Insider. As a result, the couple decided to focus on domestic travel, taking Koda along on their work trips. Their first road adventure with Koda took them from Connecticut to Florida last April, and they were thrilled with the experience. “She was the happiest dog in the world,” Feehan said.
With their latest travels, Salley and Feehan now center their itineraries around Koda’s needs. They prioritize finding dog-friendly accommodations and dining options, ensuring that each location accommodates their furry companion. This approach often results in longer stays at each location to help Koda acclimate. “If we move from Airbnb to Airbnb every night, she becomes anxious, stops eating, and drinks less,” Salley explained.
The logistics of traveling with a dog extend to car journeys as well. On their inaugural road trip, an estimated 18-hour drive turned into 24 hours due to frequent stops for Koda’s comfort. Extra expenses are also a factor; pet fees for accommodations can range from $30 to $75, with Airbnb charges averaging around $50. “Our budget has nearly doubled,” Salley noted. A typical week-long trip to Florida, which would have cost around $1,500 for the couple alone, now amounts to approximately $3,000.
They have also faced unexpected costs, such as a $1,100 emergency vet visit for Koda. This experience underscores the importance of pet insurance for travelers, according to Salley. “Expect the unexpected,” he advised.
Salley and Feehan have found that pet-friendly locations vary significantly. Wyoming and Alabama have been notably accommodating, with many establishments welcoming pets. “In Wyoming, we could walk into restaurants with Koda and dine with her at our side,” Feehan recounted. In contrast, cities like New York and Los Angeles have proven less hospitable. Their trip to Los Angeles was cut short due to a lack of pet-friendly options and expensive dog park memberships.
The trend of traveling with pets is growing. A recent Forbes Advisor survey revealed that 33% of American dog owners travel with their pets by plane. As more airlines and private jet services cater to pet owners, traveling with pets is becoming more convenient, though often costly. For example, BarkBox’s luxury private jet service, Bark Air, offers a $12,000 round-trip from New York to Los Angeles, complete with amenities like “dog champagne.”
Salley and Feehan now consider Koda an essential part of their travel experiences. “Traveling with her makes us feel complete,” Feehan said. The couple has adjusted their routines to accommodate Koda, embracing a slower pace and cherishing the joy she brings to their adventures. “She helps us relax and enjoy the beauty of our destinations,” Salley added.
As they continue to explore new places, Salley and Feehan are planning to take Koda on international trips, reflecting a growing trend among pet owners to include their furry friends in their travels.
