Not all dogs can handle a ride in the car, but some will rouse from a deep slumber the minute they sense their humans are leaving the house. Then, there’s Mabel—an 11-year-old Chihuahua who developed a passion for travel that her owner never would have imagined. Her first move from Mexico resulted from her owner’s job relocation, but she soon traveled to other parts of the country.
Her owner, Carolina Valladares, says she enjoys riding the subway in New York City and visiting the parks in Mexico City. In fact, a trip to NYC sparked the idea when they realized how easy it would be to have their Chihuahua travel with them. Since then, you could say she’s had more adventures in her short life than some humans have had in a lifetime.
This tiny jetsetter has traveled from Mexico to NYC, building confidence and breaking small dog stereotypes.
Chihuahua Travel: Exploring the World with Mabel
Mabel’s exciting adventures began with an adoption in January 2014 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. While searching for a dog for her daughter, Carolina says she “found an adoption group on Facebook that posted pictures of Mabel and her siblings.” Being the only female of the pack, they decided to adopt the tiny Chihuahua. Her next stop was Houston, Texas, the following year, when Carolina had to relocate for work. That may have been the first stop, but it wouldn’t be the last time they’d take a road trip with their dog. Downtown Mexico City was another of Mabel’s destinations, where she visited some of the parks and relished the experience of a new location.
At one point after they’d adopted her, the mother and daughter visited New York City. The first time they went, they’d “left [Mabel] behind, and some dogs at the boarding facility attacked her.” So, the second time they made the trip to The Big Apple, they brought her along. While there, she rode the subway with them and visited Central Park, enjoying both new experiences. They visited the city a second time with her in tow, and again, she seemed comfortable with the travel. While there, an Italian tourist asked if she “could take a picture of Mabel because [they thought] it was funny [to see] a dog in a bag on the subway.”
They would then take her on pet-friendly vacations every time they traveled to avoid further mishaps while boarding her with other dogs. When they made the cross-country trek from Houston, Texas, to California for another move, Mabel was calm during the long road trip and seemed to soak it in. She enjoyed visiting new locales whenever they stopped along the way. Like other breeds of her small stature, her owner says the Chihuahua is not a fan of “people, dogs, [or] cars and barks at everything”—except her loving family. Since her first trip across the border, she has been exposed to several locations and cultures, providing the confidence she’ll need for continued globetrotting.
Trips with petite dogs aren’t always as easy as Mabel’s adventures, as some can’t handle the stress of long rides. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), planning as thoroughly as possible before leaving is key. You’ll want to ensure proper vaccination to meet the “health certifications [that] may be required for airline travel.”
Also, to avoid potential health issues, you’ll want to bring some of your dog’s regular food, bottled water, and necessary medications. Preparing for emergencies in advance is a good idea as well. Locating an emergency vet and attaching identification tags to your dog’s collar can help reunite you with your pet, should they be separated from you accidentally while out of town, even if your dog has a microchip.
Hitting the road with your dog can be fun, but the AKC advises practicing with short car rides first if it’s something they’re not used to. Stopping for short walks along the way provides exercise on a long trek, but you’ll want to avoid leaving your small dog unattended in a closed car while traveling.
Overall, bathroom breaks, mealtime stops, proper airflow, and comfort are vital. Dogs can get carsick, too, so the AKC recommends starting them on an empty stomach to help avoid accidents. In addition to these precautions, Carolina recommends buying “the proper carrier” for the trip, whether by car or plane.
Soft carriers can offer a collapsible option, while hard-shell crates may be better for flights. The ASPCA advises choosing a USDA-approved carrier with enough room for your pet to stand and turn around, lined with soft bedding, secured but not locked, and easy to open. If they’re riding in the cargo hold, you’ll want to provide prepared food and let the airline staff know your pet is there—so they can let you know if there’s an emergency. Carolina also suggests keeping your dog entertained throughout the trip to offset the disruption to their daily routine.
Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Mastering the ride there is half the battle, but finding accommodations where your pet can stay the night is essential. Carolina suggests locating “a good hotel that allows pets,” preferably near parks and other dog-friendly destinations.
Websites like BringFido assist pet lovers in finding and booking lodging that allows dogs. You can read reviews about the locations before you book, and they’ll help you ensure you’re receiving the proper room with their “Pet Friendly” guarantee. Some hotels require an additional nightly fee for dogs, while others may have weight or breed restrictions—or designated sections reserved for pets. It just takes a bit of research to find a comfortable place for you and your pet to rest while traveling anywhere. Having peace of mind is worth the advanced effort.
Aside from the recommended preparation for pet travel, the trip can provide a welcome benefit—socialization. Socializing is essential for tiny breeds like Mabel’s, as doing so gives Chihuahua owners the confidence to take them anywhere. Bringing them along allows your pet to develop socialization skills while giving you a fresh perspective on travel and new encounters. Their innocence and appreciation for the small things they notice in unfamiliar locales can bring an added layer of excitement to you as their traveling companion. Exploring helps build their confidence in strange places and, in turn, makes traveling smoother for everyone involved.
Mabel’s Adventures Continue
As Mabel’s cross-country travels continue, her family has learned to appreciate her unique personality. Carolina says the Chihuahua is “a diva—very feisty but funny. She is very active but also loves to snuggle under a blanket” with her family. These traits have made her a great sidekick on their joint adventures. With each family trip, Mabel becomes an increasingly confident and seasoned traveler, adapting to new situations quickly. Her story highlights how traveling with a pet can strengthen their bond with their owner and reinforce their social skills. It’s clear Mabel is well-loved, and every adventure she takes with her family will continue to add a new chapter to her exciting journey.
