
Meet Split — the official Bites & Borders mascot, co-pilot, and the most photogenic traveler on the team.
Named for the two-tone split down his face, Split has been on more road trips than most people and has opinions about every destination. Here's everything we've learned about traveling with dogs — from pet-friendly hotels to gear that actually works.
Split is a white and brown pit bull mix with a perfectly split face — half brown, half white, right down the middle. The name was obvious the moment we saw him.
He's been on road trips up and down the East Coast, explored Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, and has strong opinions about which rest stops have the best grass. He is, objectively, the best travel companion we've ever had.
This page is for everyone who refuses to leave their dog behind — and wants to travel smarter, not just more.




24 photos of the world's most photogenic co-pilot. From puppy days to full-grown adventurer.

Split rocking his travel fedora — he takes the 'world traveler' title seriously.

Lori and Split on day one — he was already planning his first road trip.

Split discovering the great outdoors. Verdict: 10/10, would sniff again.

He may not pack his own bag, but he always makes the guest list.

Nap time is non-negotiable. Even road trip dogs need recovery days.

Split on patrol — no squirrel goes unnoticed on his watch.

The look he gives you when you say 'we're not bringing the dog.'

Split in his element — curious, energetic, and always ready for the next adventure.

Puppy days. He was small once. We have proof.

Split checking the itinerary. He prefers destinations with good sniff ratings.

Outdoor adventures are better with a co-pilot who never complains about the playlist.

Split and the crew — because the best trips are the ones you share.

He's been to more places than most people. And he remembers every smell.

Split at golden hour. Even dogs deserve a good travel photo.

Backyard adventures count too. Split finds the extraordinary in the everyday.

Portrait of a traveler. He's thinking about his next destination.

Split mid-zoom. Some dogs walk. Split runs toward life.

The face of a dog who knows exactly where the treats are hidden.

Split in his early days — already had that 'I own this place' energy.

Every great travel story starts with a good nap. Split knows this.

Split's first road trip face. Pure joy, zero regrets.

Split keeping watch. He takes his co-pilot duties very seriously.

Split and his signature half-and-half face — the inspiration behind the name.

Split on the move. He doesn't walk to destinations — he arrives at them.

Split with the Richmond skyline behind him — even at home, he finds the best view in the city.

Lori and Split at a dog-friendly brewery — he gets the same welcome as any regular.

Yellow booties in the RV — Split has opinions about footwear, and they are strong.

Split watching the sunset over the water — he has better taste in views than most people.

Split at Basic City Beer Co. — one of the most dog-friendly breweries in Virginia.
Real notes from destinations we've visited — what works, what doesn't, and what to know before you go with your dog.
One of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Dogs are welcome on most outdoor restaurant patios, Duval Street sidewalks, and the beach at Fort Zachary Taylor. The Ernest Hemingway Home has famous polydactyl cats — not ideal for Split, but worth a look from outside.
The Shenandoah Valley is one of the best dog-friendly regions on the East Coast. Hiking trails, open fields, and mountain air make it ideal for active dogs. Many cabin rentals in the area explicitly welcome pets.
International travel with dogs requires planning — health certificates, microchipping, and airline pet policies all need to be sorted in advance. But the DR is increasingly welcoming to pets at all-inclusive resorts, and the beaches are worth it.
Miami has a strong dog culture — Wynwood, Coconut Grove, and Brickell all have dog-friendly patios and parks. Hobie Beach on Virginia Key is one of the only off-leash beaches in Miami-Dade County.
Pet-friendly rooms sell out faster than standard rooms, especially in beach destinations. Filter for pets before you even look at dates. VRBO and Hipcamp are better than hotels for dogs — more space, a yard, and no noise complaints from neighbors.
USDA-accredited vets must issue the certificate within 10 days of departure for international travel. For domestic flights, most airlines require a certificate within 10 days too. Book the vet appointment before you book the flight.
In-cabin pets must fit under the seat in front of you. Most airlines cap the carrier at 18–19 inches long. Split is a medium-large dog, so cargo or driving is the realistic option for him. Southwest and JetBlue have the most generous in-cabin policies for smaller dogs.
Dogs need bathroom breaks every 2–3 hours on road trips, and they need time to sniff and decompress in new environments. A 6-hour drive becomes an 8-hour drive with a dog. Plan for it and it won't stress you out.
The same food, the same feeding times, the same bedtime routine. Travel disrupts dogs more than the gear you bring. Consistency in routine reduces anxiety in new places more than any calming supplement.
Breed restrictions are real. Some cities, counties, and even countries have BSL (Breed-Specific Legislation) that restricts or bans pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Always check local laws before booking — especially for international travel.
Gear we've tested on real trips. Affiliate links help support Bites & Borders at no extra cost to you.
Real spots we've visited — or that come highly recommended by the pet-travel community — in two of our favorite Florida destinations.
Rover connects you with trusted local dog sitters and walkers. We use it when Split can't come along — it's the only service we actually trust.
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