This article was guest authored by Jessica Brody. Jessica Brody created Our Best Friends so others could find a place to share stories and photos of their beloved animal companions. The opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the website or its affiliates.
You made the decision to become a digital nomad and work remotely, but how can you do this when you have a pet? It might seem daunting at first, but working on the go with your pet in tow is entirely practical when you plan and prepare. Today, Dalziel & Company guest author Jessica Brody outlines some tips to help you get started and ensure that you and your furry companion enjoy many adventures together!
Choose the Right Destinations for You and Your Pet
The first step is to research different places that welcome pets. If possible, make sure any destination you consider will be comfortable for both of you; the climate should be suitable for your pet, and you should have access to plenty of outdoor activities like parks or beaches. Doing research ahead of time will help keep your pet safe and comfortable throughout your travels.
Brainstorm Job Ideas That Work for Both of You
Once you know where you’re going, it’s time to think about how you can earn money while traveling with your pet. Look into jobs or tasks that you can do remotely, so you don’t have to leave your pet alone while working.
Maybe there are freelance opportunities or virtual assistant roles that could provide enough income to keep the two of you thriving. Try to think outside the box; you might be surprised at how many options are out there!
Define Your Brand and Market Yourself
Finding jobs and tasks that fit best into your lifestyle as a digital nomad and pet owner is half the battle, but it’s just the beginning. Now, you need to present yourself professionally online by defining your brand and marketing yourself accordingly. This means creating an attractive website or portfolio showcasing yourself and any previous experience in the field.
Also, consider making business cards, which could come in handy if networking offline becomes part of your job requirement (or if you become an entrepreneur). You can use a simple online template, customize it with your brand’s details, and voila — you’ve got a top-notch business card! When building your business card design, remember to include any information potential clients might need to know about your brand and services.
Investing in Pet Crates and Other Equipment
Investing in soft pet crates, harnesses, leashes, and other pet products will make life easier for you and Fido on the road. Soft crates collapse easily for storage and travel; plus, they provide a secure environment for pets that may feel anxious during transportation from one place to another.
Investing in other items, such as muzzle guards (if necessary), will help keep them calm during long journeys too! Just be sure to look for expert pet care advice on any products you’re considering, and remember that some websites are more reliable than others.
Keep Your Pet Engaged
For digital nomads, it’s essential to make sure your pet is safe and occupied when you’re working remotely. Whether it’s giving them enough exercise or providing them with something fun to do, staying active will keep your pet content while keeping them out of trouble.
Some great activities for your furry friends include playing fetch or hide-and-seek, going for walks together, or even running them through homemade agility courses. You may have parks and other things nearby that you can walk to with your pet. Taking regular breaks from work to check on your pet can also help prevent potential incidents.
Get Paid!
When it comes to getting paid as a digital nomad, it’s crucial to have a solid contract in place with your employer. This will lay out everything from the job, description, and timeline of work to the payment details and other relevant information.
You should also choose a limited liability company (LLC) as your business structure as it provides you with personal asset protection in addition to tax benefits. Setting up an LLC is a simple six step process that you can do yourself or you can work with a formation company that will submit everything for you.
It’s also important to keep records of all payments received and ensure that invoices are paid on time. When possible, work with an online payment processor like PayPal or Venmo so you can rest assured your payments will be secure, reliable, and accounted for.
Conclusion
Becoming a digital nomad while having a pet is entirely achievable when armed with knowledge and preparation. Learn how to pick your destinations, find the right types of jobs, create a top-notch brand, market yourself through business cards and other channels, and follow the other tips above. You and your furry companion will have the time of your lives together!
Dalziel & Company can help you make the most of your business strategies. Reach out today to get started!