Why I pet strangers' dogs on holiday – and what I've learnt about caring for pets while away

There’s a secret benefit to travel that many people don’t talk about, and it lies entirely in your mind. Every trip reveals what your passions are; the aspects of life that you most value and enjoy. For some, that may be underscoring your love of exotic food, or meeting new people. Me? Every trip tells me the same thing: I’m crazy about animals.

Case in point – last summer my wife Erin and I flew to Melbourne, leaving our dog and cat behind in Singapore. As typical millennials we spent half the trip complaining about how much we missed our beasts. 

Luckily, Melbourne offered a solution: It was full of friendly Aussies walking their dogs. And while it can feel rude to barrel into a stranger and ask to stroke their pet, luckily there’s a "cheat code" that bonds you instantly: “Hi, we’re here on holiday and we really miss our dog. Can we say hi to yours?” 

Just a few weeks ago, on a winter trip to Tokyo, we found ourselves at an outdoor coffee stand. On a bench nearby was a border collie and his owner, who, as soon as she heard we were longing for some canine cuddles, said: “Sean is a real flirt, he’ll put you right.” Cue 15 minutes of chatting with Sean, who insisted we stay put by planting his chin down on my crouched knees.

The chat with Sean’s owner (is it bad I always remember the dog’s name, but not the human’s?), was equally rewarding. It turns out she's a half-American, half-Japanese expat who had lived in Tokyo for years, and was full of advice. Hey presto, a random encounter unlocked a treasure trove of restaurants and neighbourhoods for Erin and I to visit. So if you want a local’s hot tips to enrich your holiday, start by charming their dog.

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