Fun Travel Nursing Tips - Dogs and Cats on the Road!
Two busy travelers share their best advice for traveling with pets. They wouldn't leave home without 'em!
Did you know that almost 70% of U.S. households have a pet? And while it may surprise some people, travel nurses love to take their pets along to their new homes, too. We have helped countless healthcare professionals set out on their journeys with their cherished furry friends. Here are two travelers who shared some of their best pet tips with us.
Brittany W., Traveling CST and her Three (sometimes 4!) Pups
Brittany took an assignment in Kansas with her sister, who is an RN. Between the two of them, they traveled with three dogs. In fact, Brittany's mom ended up buying a puppy while visiting them, so, at one point, they had four in their rental! Check out this valuable advice from a Certified Surgical Tech who travels with animals in bulk:
- Make sure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations and heartworm and flea meds. If they will be due for vaccinations during an assignment, look into vets in the area and schedule ahead.
- We knew we were flying home for a few days while on assignment, so we looked into veterinary/pet resorts beforehand and booked early. They actually stayed at a pet resort/veterinary hospital so we felt comfortable leaving them and knew they would be in good hands. Another good thing would be to check on rover.com and contact some people in the area in case you ever needed someone to check on your pups if you have to stay late at work.
- If you can, move in several days or a week earlier than your first day on assignment. That way your pets can adjust to a new place, especially if they are known to be anxious.
- Look into the area and search for parks/trails nearby that you can take your pup to on your off days. I know dog parks aren't for everyone, but if your pup has great recall and you feel comfortable, find one so that they can run around freely and get the zoomies out! We were blessed with finding a house with a fenced-in back yard but it was very small compared to the four acres our pups are used to roaming on! They very much enjoyed trips to the dog park.
- Search for pet stores nearby and find a store that carries your usual dog food
- Look for groomers or self-service dog washes nearby. I'm the family dog groomer, so I was thrilled to find a self-service dog wash just a few minutes from our assignment! Self-service saves you some money too, if you don't mind doing it yourself!
And of course, just be a responsible and courteous pet owner. If you are renting a fully-furnished house or Airbnb, remember that someone is welcoming you and your pet into their home. Pups track in dirt and can shed like crazy. Clean often and take care of the home and furniture as if it were your own. Some might not feel this is necessary, especially since many deposits require a non-refundable cleaning fee, but I'm a southern lady (and a clean freak), so I cleaned the house top to bottom before we moved out. "
Kathryn L., Operating Room RN
Kathryn is a skilled OR nurse who has worked several assignments in Indiana and Iowa. Her advice:
"I personally wouldn’t have considered traveling without my dogs. Traveling with them has been a wonderful experience.
My first piece of advice for traveling with pets (especially bigger dogs) is to find housing that will fit their needs. Before even getting started with a new assignment, I look up housing in an area to see if there were houses with fenced yards - which is one of my non-negotiables for a position. If the area has more apartment or condo living and few housing options with a fenced-in yard, perhaps it isn't for me.
My second piece of advice is, don’t stress too much about it! My dogs have loved traveling with me! Yes, they may be home alone while you work. If you’re worried about this, definitely consider a dog walker that can come by and let your fur baby get some exercise. My dogs love all the new smells and the new adventures they have been on with me. I couldn’t imagine having this adventure without them!"
Meet K., Traveling Emergency Room RN
Meet is a talented ER Nurse who has worked with us in California and Illinois. She knows that traveling with a pet can be a challenge. She travels with her fur best friend, Raja, a 3-year-old German Shepard full of unexplainable energy. Here are some her excellent tips for traveling with a pet.
- One, make sure to have medications on hand. You can talk to your vet about getting some extra in case of emergencies. As the saying goes "it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it." When you're traveling, you may not know any vets in the area. It can also be cost-effective to necessary medication before it is needed.
- Two, scope out your new location to find where to get your pet's preferred food, as well as fun places you can take your pets, like dog parks.
- Third, make sure to bring your pet’s favorite treats and toys with you. Familiar toys and snacks can ease the stress when moving to a new environment.
- Last, bring your pet’s vet records as some housing providers require them. Also, a new vet or doggy daycare may want those records.
Meet hopes these tips help you and your pet travel with ease!
Your American Traveler recruiter is eager to help you take your pet on the road. Need help researching housing options that are pet friendly? Would you rather skip the hassle and just let us set up housing for you? Done and done. Want advice on how to handle a two-day car ride with a meowing cat? We got you! Looking to connect with a short- or long-term pet sitter? Maybe you just want someone to check in on you and Fido or Fluffy when you're on the road? We've worked with so many travelers who have been right where you are, and we are here for you.
Last Modified On: Feb 02, 2023
The next stop on your travel journey awaits.
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