U.S. man flew to Egypt for a two-week trip with his pup — then the dog’s age stranded them abroad for months, and it turned out to be a blessing
What starts as a short vacation can sometimes turn into a long adventure when unexpected rules intervene. For Ben Jenkins, a comedian from Brooklyn, New York, a planned two-and-a-half-week trip to Egypt to visit his friend with his three-month-old Pug, Croissant, suddenly became a months-long stay. As reported by PEOPLE, Jenkins shared the story on TikTok under the handle @benjenkinsta on January 27, 2026, and viewers were surprised to learn how a little-known U.S. regulation had upended what was meant to be a brief getaway.
Jenkins had flown with Croissant to Cairo in early January, expecting the trip to be short. The flight lasted about 10 to 11 hours, and the puppy traveled comfortably in a carrier under the seat. Jenkins chose to bring Croissant with him, as he traveled frequently for work and wanted the puppy to get accustomed to long journeys from an early age. “A lot of my impetus for getting him was having a dog that I could bring along with my lifestyle,” he told the outlet. During the first part of their stay, both Jenkins and Croissant enjoyed exploring the city. The puppy was able to experience new sounds, smells, and routines, which Jenkins said was “really good for him” as part of an important socialization window between four and six months.
However, when it came time to return home, Jenkins discovered a new rule from the United States Department of Agriculture, effective August 1, 2024. Puppies under six months cannot enter the U.S. from many foreign countries without meeting strict rabies vaccination and documentation requirements. Croissant, still only three months old, did not qualify, even though his veterinarian had cleared him for travel. The regulation instantly changed Jenkins’ plans. Instead of flying home, he arranged temporary housing through a friend and prepared to wait until Croissant reached the required age. “It’s wild that one regulation can change everything like this,” he admitted, realizing that flexibility was the only option. "I really took it as a sign from the universe. Egypt is calling, and I'm going to stay." The dog dad had a lot going on in his life and was looking for a change, when fate left him stranded in the foreign country. For Jenkins, it became a blessing in disguise.
During the unexpected extension, Jenkins and Croissant settled into a routine in Cairo. The puppy adapted well to the new environment, remaining calm despite the city’s busy streets and unfamiliar surroundings. Jenkins said he viewed the situation as an opportunity to continue Croissant’s early training and socialization. He spent time exploring local areas, making sure the pup became comfortable with different experiences while adjusting his own work and personal schedule. Jenkins now plans to return to the U.S. in March 2026, when Croissant will finally be old enough to travel.
In the meantime, he has fully embraced life in Cairo, joking on his TikTok post, “Go where life takes you… or traps you.” Croissant remains relaxed and happy, showing no signs of stress from the extended trip. "He's really chilling." Jenkins hopes his experience can also guide other pet owners in planning international trips with young puppies. “If you’re traveling internationally with a dog, double-check everything; I thought I had,” he said.
For more interesting content, follow @benjenkinsta on TikTok.
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