Traveling with Cats and Dogs: Meet Our Bus Crew

Illustration of a rustic orange bus carrying cats, capturing the chaos of traveling with pets.

Traveling with cats and dogs full-time means we share our converted school bus with 3 dogs and 6 cats.

Most people hear that and go one of two ways: “that’s amazing” or “what is wrong with you?”

Both are fair.

It’s chaotic, loud, occasionally questionable decision-making… and somehow it works. Every animal has their own routine, their own personality, and their own very specific opinion about how this bus should be run.

The Dogs: Jemma, Louie, and Dude

The dogs aren’t in charge of much around here, but they are absolutely the reason we know where every decent dog park is within a 50-mile radius.

Jemma: The Sweet Muscle

Also known as: Dilemma, Brown Clown

Jemma is a pittie, and she looks the part — until she doesn’t. She’ll absolutely alert you that something is happening. What she does after that is really more of a suggestion. She chases the cats like it’s the funniest game she’s ever played, then turns around and stands guard over them like they’re her whole responsibility. She loves hard, she’s loyal, and she has just enough dramatic energy to keep things interesting.

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull, curled up on a dark blanket with her head resting against a gray cushion, gazing softly at the camera

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull, lying on a blue blanket with a black cat snuggled against her chest, both resting peacefully in front of a red wall with stuffed animals.

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull with a white chest, wearing a gray hoodie and flashing a toothy grin, lounging indoors with a TV and household items in the background.

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull, lying on a blue blanket with white yarn tangled around her face and paw, staring intently at the camera in a moment of quiet mischief

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull, resting with her head on a black and tan dog’s side, both lying on a blanket in a cozy indoor setting, showing their close bond and gentle nature.

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull with light eyes, sitting alert on a gray floor with a red and purple leash attached, gazing directly at the camera with quiet strength

Jemma, a caramel-brown pitbull, resting her head gently on a fluffy light-colored cat nestled beside her on a blanket, capturing a quiet moment of interspecies affection indoors.

Louie: The Emotional Support Puggle

Also known as: LouDog, Louis, Louis Navidog

Louie has decided that his job is to make sure everyone is okay. He doesn’t cause problems; he monitors them. He keeps tabs on the cats without messing with them, checks in on us regularly, and takes the whole operation more seriously than the rest of us, which honestly feels accurate. He’s the one quietly holding everything together while the rest of us are out here making decisions.

Louie, a small black and brown dog, resting his head on a gray pillow beside a Cabbage Patch Kid doll in a blue outfit, with yarn and household items in the background.”

Louie, a small puggle, dressed in a blue and red shirt with a green patterned scarf, sitting on a blue cushion with a gray pillow behind him, serving serious style and syndicate charm

Louie, a small puggle, wrapped in a white towel and sitting on a gray floor with a purple leash nearby, looking freshly bathed and mildly unimpressed.

Louie, a small black and brown puggle with a blue collar, lying beside a white kitten with gray markings and blue eyes, both resting on a bed with colorful pillows and a light purple blanket.

Louie, a small black and tan puggle with a chain collar, lying alert on a blanket indoors, with another dog resting nearby and a window in the background.

Louie, a small black and brown puggle, sitting on green grass in a wooded area, looking toward the camera with trees and a grassy field in the background

Louie, a small puggle, lying on a bed partially covered by a green and white checkered blanket, resting his head on a black pillow with white triangles, surrounded by colorful cushions in a cozy indoor setting.

Louie, a small puggle with a chain collar, lying on a soft blanket in a cozy wooden room, paws stretched out as he relaxes in a cabin-like setting.

Dude: Et tu, Dudé

Also known as: Dudé, Schmoopsie, Doooooooood

Dude is a Maltipoo mix who came to us shut down, matted, and not entirely sure what to make of humans. That was a few months ago. Now he’s the smallest dog on a bus with a 55-pound pittie, six cats with opinions, and a puggle who has seniority — and he has decided all of this is completely fine. He growls at Jemma when she gets near his spot on the lap. He sets up camp under her belly like it’s a parking garage. He’s nine pounds of confidence that has absolutely no business being that confident. We love him completely.

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The Cats: Six Feline Road Warriors

Not all of them started this journey with us. Some showed up along the way. Some decided this was their bus now. Each one has claimed their space, their routine, and their role in the chaos.

Heddy – The Queen

Also known as: Sketcheddy, Heddy Heddy Momma, Sketti

White cat with grey tabby head

Heddy runs this bus and everyone knows it. She has standards, she has a system, and she will give you a look that makes you feel like you did something wrong even if you didn’t. She claims the best spots, evaluates all incoming situations, and has made it very clear that she was here first.

A sleek white cat lies curled on the ground at the base of a tree, surrounded by grass, fallen leaves, and small twigs. Her eyes are partially closed in peaceful rest, and her body is tucked in a relaxed posture. The tree’s trunk and earthy textures frame the scene, suggesting a quiet moment in a natural outdoor setting.

A sleek white cat with subtle dark markings on the head rests on a floral-patterned cushion. Her body is curled comfortably, and her head lies against the cushion while she looks directly at the camera. The rich pinks, reds, and greens of the cushion’s design complement her pristine fur, creating a cozy yet regal ambiance.

A sleek white cat with faint gray markings lies curled on a gray surface, nestled beside a green and blue knit blanket. Her head rests gently on the soft texture, and her body is tucked in a peaceful sleep posture. A white cable hangs in the background, adding a casual touch to the cozy domestic scene.

A sleek white cat with pale gray markings sits on a textured beige carpet, her body angled away but her head turned toward the camera. Her piercing blue eyes meet the viewer with quiet intensity. A woven basket sits nearby, and the wooden floor behind her adds warmth to the indoor setting. The moment captures her serene composure and subtle alertness—command presence in a domestic frame.

A white cat with blue eyes lounges on a wooden shelf beside three hand-knitted dolls. The dolls wear colorful scarves and hats, adding a playful contrast to the feline’s serene, watchful pose. Positioned to the right of the trio, the cat faces the camera with quiet command—suggesting soft leadership and shelf-top surveillance within the Traveling Cat Syndicate.

Scabbers – The Road Captain

Also known as: Scabber Dabber Doo, Grey Ghost

Gray tabby mix

Scabbers is always watching something. He does perimeter checks, he trusts nobody immediately, and he takes his job very seriously, whatever that job happens to be that day. He’s not unfriendly — he just believes respect should be earned before affection is extended. We respect that about him.

A gray cat with soft fur and piercing green eyes stands confidently on a wooden surface. The backdrop features wood paneling, giving the scene a cozy, cabin-like atmosphere. The cat’s direct gaze and alert posture suggest curiosity and quiet authority, like they’re assessing the room with focused intent.

A gray cat lounges on a wooden surface beside a crocheted sunflower, gently resting one paw atop the vibrant yellow petals. A round checkered pillow and green houseplants frame the scene, with an AeroPress coffee maker visible in the background. The overall setting radiates warmth and creativity, as if Scabbers has commandeered a crafts-and-coffee outpost for syndicate snoozing.

A gray cat walks atop a concrete barrier in a snowy landscape. Frost-covered bushes and trees fill the background, while the sky glows softly with the light of a rising or setting sun. The contrast between the chilly environment and the warm sunburst creates a cinematic atmosphere, as Scabbers moves through the wintry scene with quiet determination.

A gray cat with green eyes lies in the foreground on a wooden kitchen counter, positioned in front of a silver appliance, possibly a pressure cooker. Behind him, a black-and-white cat with blue eyes sits upright on the same surface, surrounded by various household items including a glass and kitchen accessories. The scene captures a candid moment of two cats occupying the same space—one relaxed, the other poised—creating a layered sense of syndicate hierarchy and domestic chaos.

A gray cat and a light beige cat lie close together on a wooden surface. The beige cat rests its head gently atop the gray cat’s side, while both appear relaxed with eyes partially closed. Behind them, a window offers a view of green trees and grass, adding a natural glow to the cozy indoor scene. The moment radiates calm intimacy and quiet trust between the two companions.

Phil – The Reluctant Traveler

Also known as: Philadelphia, Philly Philly Dupe

Ragdoll

Phil did not sign up for this lifestyle and would like you to know that. He tolerates it because he likes us, but he will remind you regularly — through positioning, through sighing, through the specific way he looks out the window — that he would have preferred something more stationary. He still somehow always ends up in the best spot. Every time.

A black and white cat with striking blue eyes sits confidently on a wooden surface. His coat is plush, with a white chest, white paws, and a dark face that highlights his intense gaze. Behind him, the backdrop features a bold mix of pink and gray hues, and a partially visible green box adds a pop of contrast. The overall scene blends boutique elegance with operative poise—like Phil’s overseeing syndicate affairs from a pop-art penthouse.

A black and white cat with a pink nose lounges gracefully on a soft blanket. His fur is long and luxurious, with distinct patches of dark and light tones that accentuate his relaxed pose. He gazes off with calm indifference, partially stretched out with one paw extended. The background features warm wooden tones and soft fabric textures, completing the scene with an air of domestic luxury.

A black and white cat with plush fur lounges inside a wooden cabinet, nestled among everyday items. His body rests partially atop a box labeled "Johnny's Pigeons," and his eyes are closed in peaceful sleep. Surrounding him are a stainless steel appliance, a green container with a red lid, and assorted household objects. The scene blends quiet absurdity with feline elegance, as Phil turns a cluttered nook into a deluxe loaf sanctuary.

A plush black and white cat lounges on a wooden surface beside a bunch of bananas. His paw rests casually on the fruit, which bears small sticker labels. Behind him, various leafy plants create a lush backdrop. Phil’s relaxed posture and the absurd juxtaposition of snack and surveillance give the scene a cheeky blend of elegance and eccentricity.

A black and white cat with plush fur and piercing blue eyes rests atop an orange cloth under a wooden structure. His head is nestled against one of the wooden supports, and he gazes directly at the camera with calm intensity. The orange fabric enhances the warmth of the scene, while the wooden backdrop gives it a cozy, refined tone.

Bean – The Hitchhiker

Also known as: Beanalicious, Bean Bean-o-ween, Gingey Bean

Orange tabby (Bean-o-ween, he halloweens a lot)

Bean literally held onto the bus and forced his way into this life, and he has been fully committed ever since. He’s loud, fast, and genuinely enthusiastic about whatever is happening at any given moment. He communicates mostly in urgency. We would not trade him.

A light-colored cat sits beside a potted plant blooming with pink flowers. The backdrop is soft and blurred, with gray and white patterns that frame the scene like wallpaper. Bean’s posture is upright and quietly dignified, as if stationed there for surveillance or aesthetic excellence. The floral element adds a delicate contrast to his neutral tones, creating a warm and whimsical moment of stillness.

A light orange tabby cat lounges in a cozy nook surrounded by a mix of everyday objects, including a blue and white plastic bag and a textured cushion. His front paw is raised slightly as he stretches or grooms, eyes relaxed and half-closed. The warm tones of his fur and laid-back demeanor give the scene an intimate glimpse into his quiet daily rhythm.

A pale cream-colored cat sits confidently on a wooden shelf positioned under a ceiling made of visible planks. Surrounding him are assorted objects including a black box and white item, lending the space a cozy, slightly cluttered feel. Bean stares directly at the camera, his posture upright and his gaze calm, giving the impression he’s surveying his domain from a private command perch.

A pale orange tabby cat lies comfortably on a dark blue blanket spread over a bed. His head rests gently on a beige pillow, and he’s positioned near a window that offers a peek of a wooden outdoor structure. The soft lighting and peaceful pose give the scene a quiet, relaxed energy—like Bean has claimed this nap station as part of his daily syndicate briefing ritual.

A light orange tabby cat lies sprawled on a bed, his body elongated and head tilted back in a wide yawn. His mouth is open, revealing teeth and tongue in a moment of pure feline expression. A striped pillow and orange blanket add cozy contrast behind him, emphasizing the relaxed, intimate setting. The scene captures a candid burst of personality—equal parts nap mode and operatic flair.

Wes – The Sensitive One

Also known as: WesMess, Mess, Bones

Black domestic shorthair

Wes carries his stress on the outside — when things get hard, his body shows it. He lost most of his fur at one point from anxiety and has been slowly growing it back. He was bonded with LaLa, and losing her hit him hard. He’s doing better now, but he’s a little more sensitive than the others and needs a little more reassurance — which is fine, because we have plenty to give.

A black cat curled snugly inside a large stainless steel mixing bowl, resting atop a wooden surface. Kitchen utensils and a dish rack fill the background, giving the scene a domestic backdrop. Wes fits perfectly, his glossy fur gleaming against the reflective metal, as if the bowl were custom-designed for feline loaf containment.

A black cat lies on a wooden surface, gently cradling a plush beige stuffed llama and grooming it. His head rests against it, eyes half-closed in peaceful repose. Nearby sit a pink textured item and a small cactus, adding quirky warmth to the background. The scene feels soft and surreal—like Wes has temporarily swapped espionage for emotional support duty.

A black cat sleeps curled inside a small gray container placed on a wooden surface. His sleek black fur fills the bowl to the brim, making his loaf shape appear almost molded to fit. The tight fit gives the scene an air of playful absurdity—like Wes selected the least ergonomic nap pod on purpose just to prove he could.

Two black cats rest closely together on a cozy surface, their heads gently touching. One has a small white patch on its chest and contrasting white whiskers, while the other is entirely black. They’re nestled beside potted plants and a wooden structure, forming a quiet duet of feline serenity and sibling synergy.

A black cat sits alert on a narrow wooden shelf mounted to a door with frosted glass panels. Soft light filters in from outside, illuminating his silhouette against the dim interior. He looks upward as if tracking movement above, calm yet vigilant—clearly overseeing hallway operations from his elevated command post.

Pikle – Chaos Agent

Also known as: Piklay Lay, Pik Pikle, Trouble

Black and white

Pikle is the smallest animal on the bus at five pounds and has absolutely no awareness of that fact. She imports chaos. She has no fear. She was found in a situation involving live animal importation that has since been resolved, and she has been causing mischief ever since. We have made our peace with Pikle.

A black and white kitten with wide eyes and a pink nose peeks out from a narrow space between a silvery reflective surface and a cushion. Her whiskers catch the light as she surveys the camera, cloaked in a sliver of shadow—partially hidden, fully adorable, and likely casing the perimeter for snack protocol breaches

A black and white kitten lies curled on a soft blue blanket, nestled between a beige pillow and gray cushion. Her white paws tuck beneath her chest, and her face rests near the folds of the blanket—eyes closed, completely at peace and wrapped in the kind of safety reserved for high-ranking loaf commanders.

A black and white kitten naps on a soft blue surface, cradled between two white, textured cushions. Her fur blends with the shadows of the pillows, and her small body curves delicately against the backdrop—resting with quiet authority in a space clearly claimed

LaLa – Forever Part of the Crew

Tuxedo mix

LaLa made sure everything ran correctly whether it needed supervision or not. She had something to say about everything, and she said it loudly, and the bus was louder and more entertaining with her in it.

We lost her while we were on the road, which is one of those things nobody really prepares you for. Losing a pet is hard enough on its own. Losing one while you’re living full-time in a bus adds a layer of logistical reality that doesn’t get talked about much — you can’t just bury them anywhere, and finding the right care in an unfamiliar place takes time and research. We had her cremated, and she came home with us. She’s still with us. Just differently now. 🖤

: A black and white cat stands on a wooden table, gazing out the window with alert posture. Potted plants—succulents, vines, and hanging greenery—line the windowsill, and a soft green field stretches outside. Light spills in around her as she surveys the scene, regal and entirely absorbed in whatever mystery lies beyond the glass.

A black and white cat with vivid yellow eyes lies stretched on a wooden surface, one paw dangling lazily over the edge. She locks eyes with the camera, her gaze intense and unimpressed. Behind her sits a tangle of colorful yarn and scattered supplies, as if she’s claiming dominion over the crafting zone with soft paws and silent judgment.

A black and white cat sleeps curled inside a glass baking dish on a wooden table. Her compact loaf posture fits snugly into the dish, surrounded by nearby kitchen items—a hanging cloth above and a round bowl beside her. The scene is cozy yet absurdly charming, like she’s claimed the casserole pan as her official nap module.

A black and white cat sits confidently on the steering wheel of a vehicle in motion, gazing ahead like she’s co-piloting the mission. A tattooed arm steers while green trees and grass blur past the windshield. Her yellow collar with bell adds the perfect touch of prancy authority—LaLa, en route to somewhere important, and fully in charge of the vibe.

A black and white cat rests on a striped red and yellow blanket, front paws gracefully crossed. Her white fur pops against the bold colors, and her gaze drifts toward someone nearby holding a red object—possibly a guitar or ukulele. The scene blends cozy calm with a touch of musical chaos, as if LaLa is overseeing soundcheck before her next big loaf performance.

Traveling with Cats and Dogs: Life on the Road with Nine Pets

Nine animals in 200 square feet, and somehow it works.

Mornings start with movement — dogs ready to go, cats rotating window positions, everyone settling into their version of the day. Feeding time is structured because it has to be. Miss a step and it turns into chaos fast.

The dogs need regular stops, space to move, and somewhere to burn energy. The cats need consistency, routine, and their claimed spaces to stay theirs. Every part of this works because we built it to. And once the system is in place, it runs surprisingly well.

All our pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations. If you’re considering traveling with cats and dogs, talk to your vet and plan ahead. On the road, we use Vetster for virtual visits — it’s quick, flexible, and has saved us more than once.

Want more pet travel resources? Check out our full pet travel guide for dog parks, wash stations, and pet-friendly stops.