TravelPaws Posts

Nina walks with her arm looped through Mitaru's elbow. She holds her cane out, scanning the ground in front of her. The pair stroll through a bustling shopping street, having just passed a roped-off section.

The Travel Process: Planning a Trip to Japan with Assistance Dog Nixon

Time to read: About 9 minutes Paperwork & Patience Planning a trip to Japan with Assistance Dog Nixon (November 2024) By Nina Smith, TravelPaws Founder I wrote this blog for two key reasons. First, to provide clarity on a long,…

CDC Dog Import Updates

The CDC has updated their requirements for dogs entering the United States.

Nina, wearing a pink jumper and scarf, lays on her stomach looking lovingly at Assistance Dog Nixon, a golden Labrador. Nixon returns Nina's loving gaze. Nina's hand rests on Nixon's identifying harness, which has been laid on the floor in front of the pair.

Reflections on Travel Challenges and Choices

Time to read: About 9 minutes 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 2024 I had plans to travel to Italy in April of this year, but I chose not to go. A colorful cliffside Italian village at dusk. The image…

Assistance Dog Nixon, a golden Labrador, sits on grass wearing his identifying harness. Nixon sniffs at a cherry blossom branch that reaches down from above.

A Visit to Japan with Assistance Dog Nixon

Time to read: About 9 minutes A Visit to Japan with Assistance Dog Nixon March/April 2023 I’m certainly no stranger to visiting Japan. Having lived, worked and studied here in my younger years, I had acquired a certain degree of…

Inside a large corrugated iron shed, Guide Dog Nixon, a golden Labrador, sits looking into the camera whilst wearing his identifying harness. In the background of the image, Nina sits in a saddle atop a vaulting barrel wearing a long navy coat and riding helmet. The ground is covered with loose hay.

Living the Dream

There’s something about horses that captivates me. I’ve always been terrified of them, yet I have also found myself drawn to these magnificent beasts. They are so majestic. On the rare occasion I would interact with them, they seemed to sense my fear but were intrigued. My interest grew over time to a point where I began to ponder the possibility of riding lessons.

A white and brown Shiba Inu Dog wearing a bright pink shower cap opens his mouth as he has his teeth cleaned with a matching pink toothbrush.

Advocacy – Pets in Cabins

TravelPaws writes to CASA and Virgin imploring them to not allow pets in the cabin of a plane. Keep our Assistance Dogs safe!

Advocacy – Hotel Quarantine in Australia

TravelPaws writes to Minister Hunt (Australian Health) about Hotel Quarantine policy for Assistance Dog Handlers. Response Received.

Brexit

Check how Brexit has changed the travel rules for you..

Coronavirus

Check the current Coronavirus impacts and implications before you travel.

Advocacy – Quarantining on a Cruise Ship

TravelPaws writes to and hears from International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International regarding Quarantine implications on a cruise ship.