As pet owners know, our four-legged (or no legged) friends are constant companions who help brighten up even the dreariest of days. The affection that your pet feels for you can always be seen, reflected in their eyes and in their love of getting your attention. We’ve written previous posts on how to travel with your pet, as well as a post on pet-friendly accommodations around South Africa. Now, we’re going one step further, and showing you pets from across the globe, who’ve been taken on a round the world trip with their owners. Warning, cuteness ahead:

• Owney
  The first known round-the-world trip done by a dog, is an honour that will forever be held by Owney – the world’s most travelled dog. In 1888, he wandered into Albany post office, and directly into the hearts of the postal workers, who adopted him and gave him a leather collar, with the post-office’s address inscribed. He started off riding the horse-drawn mail carts, then moved onto the railways, ships and overseas cities. At each port of call, he got a token, amassing an amazing number (presumed 1017 in total). Owney was expertly preserved after his death and can be viewed at the National Postal Museum in Washington, DC.

• Kitty – (aka the backpacking cat) 
  Before Laetitia and William (Guimaraes) left their home in Bordeaux, France, they had no idea that their planned trip of travelling on foot from Miami to Ushuaia was about to take an unexpected turn. Upon arrival in Louisiana, the couple found and fell in love with a stray kitten who, once tagged, given shots and a clean bill of health, joined them on their adventures. Kitty often travels by climbing on her adopted father’s shoulders, and a little umbrella is set-up so she can rest and stay out of the sun. Their original goal was to travel and live on only 1 Euro a day (each). Now, three years later, they’ve visited 13 countries, travelled 18 000km and reached their destination! *Note: Laetitia returned home in 2009, and left Guimaraes and Kitty to finish the adventure without her.

• Oscar 
  Meet Oscar, an adorable stray who was adopted by Joanna Lefson one day before he was meant to be put down, and who has made paw-gress in changing the world. Since his near-death experience, this friendly hound has been to five continents, 31 countries, and even has a book – “Ahound the World: My Travels with Oscar”. This book was dedicated to the travels he and his owner Joanna undertook to raise awareness of the predicament of homeless hounds – a tour aptly named ‘Woof around the World’. Since their world travels ended, they’ve settled down in South Africa where they give talks and tours.

There are several other documented journeys of pet’s who’ve explored the globe, but these are three of the most well-known. I hope these stories (and accompanying cute pictures), have tempted you to travel and explore with your four-legged friend; as opposed to leaving them at home during your next holiday.

If you have pictures of yourself and your travelling pet, send them in to us and we’ll add them to our upcoming “Travelling-pet photographs” post. If you have experience travelling with pets, let us know what you’ve found most rewarding, and challenging in the comments below.

Main image credited to Oscars World Tour