Posted By Travel Nurse Source on May 25, 2018 | 2 comments

For parents of pets, it’s almost impossible to imagine being separated from our fur babies for an extended period. To many, pets are one of the most significant parts of their life!

Pet separation is a significant concern for nurses who decide to pursue a travel nursing assignment. While it may seem that the simple answer is to find housing for your pets or ask a family member to keep them, these options are often expensive or unavailable.

The good news for travel nurses is that bringing your pet along with you to your new assignment location is possible! Traveling with your pet can enhance your experience and increase your comfort in your new space.

Benefits of Traveling With Pets

As a travel nurse, you get to explore new areas, which can be both exciting and lonely. Being away from your family and everyday life at home might cause you to feel a little isolated. Pets are a great way to fight loneliness and help you feel more “at home” even when traveling often.

Animals can also increase your exercise. Walking your dog daily is a great way to move your body and become familiar with your new city. Try out your nearby dog park or hiking trails to explore your surroundings. Dog parks can also be a great way to make new friends for you and your pup!

While travel nursing brings lots of freedom and excitement, it may still bring stress. Working long shifts and caring for patients all day can be exhausting. Cuddling up with your pet after your long shift can help to reduce stress and allow you to unwind after work.

Challenges of Traveling With Pets

Traveling with your pets requires some extra preparation. Before packing your pet for the road trip, consider housing, climate, budgeting, and pet happiness.

While you can find lower-cost options, traveling with pets typically comes with some additional expenses. Many housing options may require pet rent or a fee for housing animals. Some housing may also have breed restrictions.

It is also essential to consider the climate you are traveling to. Dogs like huskies may not be happy in a nursing assignment in Arizona during the hot summer. Be sure to check with your local vet about your pet’s needs.

Many travel nurses work long shifts and cannot stay home with pets all day. If this is the case, look into sitter options to care for your pet while you care for patients.

Although there are challenges to consider beforehand, traveling with pets can still be extremely rewarding.

Best Pets for Travel Nursing Professionals

Some pets are easier to travel with than others. The best pets to take on road trips and the most widely accepted by landlords include:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Rabbits
• Rodents

If you are planning to take a less-common pet, take extra time to ensure they can safely travel with you.

Tips for Travel Nursing With Pets

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How to Prepare Before Leaving

If you’ve decided to bring your furry friends with you on assignment, there are a few things to keep in mind before you pack your bags:

Consider Housing Options

Talk with your recruiter about pet-friendly accommodations. While many housing assignments offer pet-friendly options, most will require you to pay pet deposits. Most places charge pet fees per animal, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling with a furry crew!

Some housing may only be dog-friendly or have specific breed restrictions. You may also need to provide your pet’s vaccination records or a pet license. Be sure to check with your own housing assignment on their pet-friendly guidelines.

If you cannot find pet-friendly housing options, you may consider an unconventional option like a pet-friendly rental or hotel. Not all hotels accept pets for overnight stays, so check before booking. Finding pet-friendly hotels might be challenging, depending on your location.

Prepare Pet Documents

Talk to your vet before you leave. Vets are great resources to go to for all of your pet travel questions. Before leaving, be sure to schedule a wellness check with your vet. Here, your vet will be able to determine whether your furry companion is suited to travel or not.

Your vet can also provide you with your pet’s medical records or update them on vaccinations. Your pet needs to be up to date on their shots and licenses before traveling. In addition, if your pet gets anxious or struggles with motion sickness while traveling, your vet could provide you with some medication to help.

Consider a Microchip

If you haven’t already, microchipping your pet before you go on an assignment is a good move. A lost pet can be a terrible experience, especially if you’re far away from home. Visit your vet or an animal shelter to get your pet microchipped for a small fee.

If you choose not to microchip, get your pet a well-fitting collar with your name, cell phone number, and vet information.

Make Your Pet Comfortable with Traveling

Traveling to a new place can be uncomfortable and scary for pets too. Pack your pet’s toys, beds, treats, or anything else to help them feel more at ease.

It may be wise to practice driving longer distances beforehand to get your pet acclimated to traveling on the road. You can also consider medication or products designed to reduce traveling anxiety.

Making the Trip

Depending on whether you’ll be traveling by car or plane, there are some steps you should take to make sure your fluffy companion has a safe journey:

Traveling by Car

Most travel nurses drive to their assignments, so ensure you practice animal safety in the car.

• Keep them crated. For your pet’s safety, don’t let them roam around the car while you’re driving. Although dogs may love to stick their heads out the window, this could be dangerous in the event of an accident or flying debris particles.
• Keep pets in the back seat. The Humane Society recommends keeping your dogs or other pets secured in a crate in the back seat of your vehicle. An airbag could pose significant safety risks to an animal in the front seat of a car.
• Make plenty of rest stops. You must ensure that your pet gets plenty of fresh air and time to walk around while you’re on the trip. Dogs will likely need extra bathroom breaks compared to other pets, but be sure to create a bathroom plan for whichever furry friend you bring.
• Never leave your pet alone in the car. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it is one of the most important tips for traveling with pets in the car. The Humane Society notes that a car can reach 120 degrees in minutes even with the windows cracked.

Traveling by Plane

If your travel nurse job requires you to fly, follow these tips for traveling by plane:

• Check airline rules beforehand. Some airlines have unique requirements when it comes to traveling with pets. If you have a cat or a small dog, most airlines will allow you to keep them in a crate under your seat in the cabin. Some airlines also have immunization and carrier requirements, so take note of everything ahead of time.
• Know the risks. If you can’t keep your furry friend in the cabin with you, make sure you know the dangers of flying pets in the cargo hold. If the temperature is too hot or too cold, pets may not be allowed to fly in the cargo area. Check before you travel!

At Your Assignment

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, here are some things to consider to help your furry companion (and you!) adjust to your new location:

Arrive a few days early.

Arriving early will allow your pet to adjust to its new surroundings. Getting settled in before your first day on the job can help give you peace of mind.

Explore the area

Take a walk around your neighborhood to meet other pet owners and travel nurses. This is a great way for you and your pet to grow acclimated to the new area and connect with locals.

Find a pet sitter

As a travel nurse traveling solo, finding a pet sitter may be necessary, so your pet is not left unoccupied. Websites like Rover.com allow you to find pet sitters or dog walkers in your area.

Travel Nursing Jobs with Your Pet

If you have the opportunity to pursue a travel nursing career with your pets, take it! Exploring a new city with your four-legged friend is extremely rewarding, and it can help you make new friends and feel more at home.

The time is now to start looking for the perfect travel nursing job with your ideal pet. Whether you want to go to California with your cat or Delaware with your dog, travel nursing can be a win-win for you and your pet!

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Do you have any experience travel nursing with pets? Let us know in the comments below!