Many are left wondering if it is possible to bring their pet on assignment and the answer is yes! It is absolutely possible to bring your pets with you. Being a travel nurse with a pet can be a rewarding and exciting experience.
Travel nursing is all about adventure and it can be tough to be without companionship, at least when you initially get to your destination and are still waiting to meet your new colleagues. Your pet is your family, your best friend, the one you can lean on and can aid in any nervousness you may have on this new path. Overall, travel nursing with a pet can be a rewarding experience for both you and your furry companion and can open up a world of possibilities for new experiences.
It is important to do your research and be prepared to make some sacrifices to make the experience and your assignment run smoothly.
First things first if you want to be a travel nurse with a pet…
When speaking to your recruiter, let them know that you would like to bring your pet along with you on your travel nurse assignment. Having this conversation upfront can help you and your recruiter identify pet-friendly assignments and accommodations that are suitable for both you and your pet. Doing research ahead of time can also help you determine what pet-friendly options are available in the area you’ll be traveling to. By expressing your desire to bring your pet, you and your recruiter can work together to make sure your assignment is a great fit for you and your furry friend!
Get Your Pets Paperwork Ready
When planning any trip, it’s important to remember that your pet needs to be prepared too! Just like you, your pet needs to make sure their paperwork is in order. Vaccination records, prescriptions, and any veterinarian instructions should be updated and brought along with you. Depending on where you are traveling, you may need a rabies tag. It’s also a good idea to think about how your pet will be traveling, and if any medications, like those for nervousness or motion sickness, may be helpful.
Another great option to consider is getting your pet a microchip. Not only is it a great way to make sure your pet can be identified should they become lost, but it can also give you peace of mind while you’re away from home. Even if you don’t get a microchip, it’s important to have a tag with your pet’s name, your name, and your phone number on their collar. This way should your pet wander off, someone can easily contact you to reunite you with your furry friend.
No matter where you are headed, make sure you take the time to get your pet’s paperwork in order. It may take some extra effort, but it will be worth it knowing that you and your pet are both ready for both your new assignment and the journey ahead!
Research The Closest Veterinarian
Planning a trip with your pet can certainly be exciting but it is important to have the necessary preparations in place, especially where your pet’s health is concerned. Once you have decided on a destination, it is a good idea to look into the local vets in the area. Your home vet may be able to provide you with some good recommendations, but if not, then take to Google and do some research.
It is also wise to make sure you are prepared for any specialty food, treats, or products your pet may need on the trip. If there are local stores that sell what you need, that may be the most convenient option. But if not, you can always look into buying what you need online! That way, you can have the items shipped directly to your destination, so you won’t have to worry about packing them.
Having the information about local vets and other pet products that you may need on your trip will ensure that you and your pet have a great time away and are both healthy and safe.
Pet-Friendly Housing
Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, but if you have pets, it can also be stressful. Though you may have already discussed your plans to bring your pet with you with your recruiter, it’s important to double-check that your new home is pet friendly. Pet friendly housing means that the owner is open to you having pets, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll land in a place with a huge backyard or dog park close by.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be too difficult to find pet-friendly housing. Many owners are okay with cats and small to medium dogs. If you have a big dog, be sure to do your research ahead of time, as owners might be wary of larger breeds in small areas. By taking the time to do your research and double-check the pet policy of any potential housing, you can make sure your pet is taken care of and your new home is a comfortable place for both of you.
Plan Out Your Trip
If you’re planning a trip and you’re taking your furry friend along for the ride, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure you’re prepared for all of the potential scenarios. Are you heading to your destination by flight or car? Will you need some places to stop along the way? Potentially a pet-friendly hotel? Organizing your trip completely and having the right places to go will make the situation so much smoother.
When travelling by car, it’s important to find pet-friendly hotels in the area you’re travelling to. Many hotels are now offering pet-friendly rooms, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that meets your needs. When you’re booking the hotel, make sure to check their policies regarding pets so that you know what to expect. You may also want to look into local pet-friendly restaurants, parks and other attractions.
If you’re travelling by plane, make sure to check your airline’s policies and restrictions for pets travelling in the cabin or cargo. And if you’re travelling to a foreign country, make sure to look into their rules and regulations regarding bringing animals into the country.
Just remember, your pet’s bathroom schedule may change due to the stress of moving. While we know you want to make the trip as stress-free as you can, it is inevitable. Just bring along some cleaning supplies if you need and you’ll be good to go. Make sure to plan for rest stops and potty breaks along your route, and always have plenty of treats and toys to keep your pet entertained during the trip.
Once You Get To Your Destination
Go Early
Moving to a new city and starting a new assignment can be an exciting yet stressful experience, especially if you have a furry family member to consider. Arriving a couple of days earlier than your move-in date can make all the difference in helping your pet adjust to their new environment.
Exploring your new neighborhood with your pet is a great way to help them become familiar with their new home. Visiting local parks and dog-friendly cafes can help them get accustomed to the sights and sounds of the area. Taking your pet for a walk around the block can also help them become comfortable with the smells of their new home. Additionally, having them stay in the same room as you when you leave and come home can help them become familiar with the home and the people in it. Taking the extra time to make sure your pet is comfortable in their new environment can help you both feel more at ease and give you peace of mind.
Will You Be Sending Your Pet To Doggy Day Care or a Pet Sitter?
Long shifts can be a challenge for pet owners, but there are some solutions. Doggy daycare can be a great way for your pet to get exercise, socialize and have some fun while you’re away. If you have a more traditional pet-sitting arrangement in mind, there are plenty of reliable services available in your area. You can find local pet sitters by searching online, asking friends or family for referrals, or checking out neighborhood pet-sitting organizations.
When researching potential pet-sitters, make sure to ask for references, read reviews, and meet the pet-sitter in person before you make a decision. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that your pet-sitter is familiar with your pet’s specific needs and is willing to follow any special instructions. With a little bit of research and preparation, you can rest assured that your pet is in good hands while you’re at work.
Pamper Your Pet
Moving to a new home can be a daunting experience, and it can be even more challenging when you have to make sure your pet is taken care of too. In addition to the emotional and financial challenges of moving, your pet will also be going through a change of routine and environment which can be unsettling for them.
It’s important to remember that your pet relies on you for emotional support and security, so they need your help to adjust to the big move. Even if you’re busy packing boxes, taking care of the logistics of moving, or trying to find a new place to live, it’s important to make time for your pet.
Try to make sure you’re taking them for regular walks and providing them with the same level of physical and mental stimulation that they’re used to. If you’re moving to a new town or city, find pet-friendly places where you can take your pet to explore and get used to their new environment.
Your pet is always there for you, so don’t forget to be there for them too during this big change in your lives. With a bit of extra care and attention, you can make sure that the transition to a new home is as smooth as possible for both you and your pet.
Last but not least
The ending result is that once you are finished with your assignment, you should really take the time to think about going home. After all, home is a special place for both you and your pet and returning to it can offer a much-needed reset. Show your pet back to their comfortable and familiar surroundings and let them know that home is always the beginning and ending point of your adventures. With the right preparation and planning, you and your pet can have a wonderful time on your travel nursing journey.
Is it tricky? Sure it is. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Pets bring so much to every experience, and it is very understandable why some wouldn’t even think about leaving them behind and you don’t have to. Bring them with you! As long as you are organized and have a good plan in place, the process will be a little less stressful for you and your furry friend.
TheraEx Staffing understands the unique concerns of traveling with a pet. We want to make sure that your transition is as stress-free as possible and that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Our qualified recruiters are here to answer any questions you might have about taking on a travel nurse assignment with a pet. We will provide you with information about pet-friendly housing, pet-friendly transportation options, and more. We also have resources to help you find pet-friendly travel nurse assignments.
We will work with you every step of the way to ensure that you are comfortable and that your pet is safe and well cared for. We understand that your pet is important to you and will do our best to make sure that you can take them with you on your travel nursing assignment.
If you have any additional questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help make your transition as stress-free as possible.
