Chad and Allison Wildman have always been animal lovers. For them, pets aren’t just companions — they’re family. Over the years, that family grew into quite the crowd: three Great Pyrenees, each weighing over 100 pounds, and four big, personality-filled cats. Six were rescues, and one was a pampered Ragdoll who tended to steal the spotlight.
Despite their busy lives, the Wildmans always prioritised the well-being of their furry crew. But like many hardworking couples, they found themselves stuck in a cycle of conflicting schedules and missed moments. Quality time together was rare, often limited to short vacations that never felt long enough. They began to question if this was the life they wanted to keep living — a life filled with work, responsibility, and routine, but lacking space for connection, adventure, and joy.
That questioning sparked a bold and life-changing idea. What if they sold their home, let go of the material things they’d collected over decades, and moved somewhere entirely new — somewhere slower, quieter, and more connected to nature? What if they could build a life centred around time together, not time apart?
They began researching and were drawn to Panama. The country offered a temperate climate, both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, use of the U.S. dollar, and a relatively short flight from Miami. But most importantly, it seemed like a place where both humans and animals could thrive.
Of course, moving internationally with seven pets during a global pandemic was no small undertaking. Airlines had strict limitations at the time — dogs over 90 pounds weren’t permitted on commercial flights, and traditional pet relocation services couldn’t accommodate such a large group. Leaving any of their animals behind wasn’t an option, not even for a second. So they got creative.
After exhaustive research, Allison discovered a charter jet company that could fly the entire family — humans, dogs, cats, and luggage — directly to Panama. It was a staggering expense, far beyond anything they’d imagined spending on a move. But with the proceeds from the sale of their home and a commitment to doing right by their animals, they made the decision to go for it. This wasn’t about luxury — it was about love. The charter jet allowed the dogs to stretch out comfortably near their people, not locked in cargo holds, and gave the cats space and security in roomy kennels.
The logistical process was another mountain to climb. Every animal needed specific vaccinations depending on their species, and a long trail of paperwork had to be meticulously prepared. International health certificates had to be signed by their vet, approved by the USDA, and then authenticated either by the Secretary of State or the Panamanian Consulate. The entire process had to be completed within a 10-day window, with no room for error.
On the day of the big move, they packed everyone and everything into a rented cargo van and drove to the airport in Nashville. A private jet flew up from Fort Lauderdale to meet them, and from there, they boarded the flight that would take them into the next chapter of their lives.
The interior of the plane was blanketed in fur, giving the whole cabin a white, cocoon-like feel by the time they landed.
After landing in Panama, a pre-arranged driver met them at the airport and drove the entire family to a house they had rented months earlier in a small mountain town. That house and that moment marked the beginning of a new life.
Nearly four years later, Chad and Allison are still there—still, still surrounded by wagging tails. The move wasn’t easy. It took time, effort, money, and determination. But ask them if it was worth it, and the answer is simple: absolutely.
They didn’t just change their address. They changed their entire way of living. They chose time over things, presence over pressure, and family, all seven furry members included, over convenience. Today, they wake up to fresh air, mountain views, and the quiet, steady joy of knowing they’re exactly where they’re meant to be.
