October 25, 2024

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Tips for Traveling on Assignment With a Pet

Posted on October 25, 2024October 18, 2024 by Furnished Finder

When you are considering if travel nursing is the right move for you, a hard part of the decision-making process can often revolve around pets.

Can you take pets with you on assignment? How will housing work with pets? Can you take multiple pets? Will it be more expensive?

The short answer is that yes–you can be a travel nurse and bring your pet along! Just like lots of pieces of pet ownership, it will simply require a little more planning and perhaps additional cost if you choose to travel with your pets. However, with travel nurse-friendly housing platforms like Furnished Finder, securing pet-friendly housing while on assignment is easier than ever.

Furnished Finder has a “Pets Welcome” filter that makes it easy to find landlords who are willing to accommodate your furry friend. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning on bringing your pet with you.

Tips for Traveling on Assignment With a Pet

Ground Level Entry

Furnished Finder does have a fair amount of apartments or condos listed. If you are bringing a dog that needs to go outside several times per day, it might be nice to book a ground-level unit so you aren’t dealing with stairs or an elevator all the time. It might not sound like a big deal if you haven’t had to walk a dog down three flights of stairs several times a day, but it gets old quickly!

Bring a Kennel

Ideally, your pet will be comfortable in their kennel prior to you leaving your home base. The fact is you just never know how an animal will react in a new space. Everything from old smells on furniture to city noises or neighbors could be a potential trigger for bad behavior. If you are even a little worried that your pet might get nervous or misbehave when you leave, it is best to keep them in a safe space while you are gone.

Remember–in furnished units, there are far more items that could become the victim of a pet that gets a little anxious in its new space. You don’t want to be responsible for replacing expensive items like a mattress or couch!

Be Honest and Upfront

Please, please be honest and upfront about the size and type of the pet you are bringing along. Some landlords have specific requirements for pets, and it will save everyone a big headache if you respect their preferences. Chances are, if your dog is too big or they don’t allow cats, it’s for a good reason, and you will be more comfortable booking elsewhere!

Check Photos and Reviews

One of the best parts about Furnished Finder is the pictures. We strongly encourage our landlords to post lots of photos of the property so you have a good idea of the space you will be getting. Use this to your advantage when deciding which space will be ideal for you and your pet.

For example, if you have a long-haired cat or dog that sheds a bunch, maybe the unit with a velvet sofa or tons of carpet isn’t the one for you.

Look for Fenced Yards

Finding a midterm rental with a fenced yard might seem like an impossible feat on the surface, but with Furnished Finder, it might be easier than you think! The beauty of Furnished Finder is that the landlords know that having a truly pet-friendly space and not just a space that “accepts” pets will help them keep their rental filled. If you have a dog that needs a lot of exercise or even multiple dogs, try looking for “Entire Units” that are standalone homes. Securing the perfect space with a fenced yard might not be as out of reach as you think.

Ask the Landlord for Tips

Most landlords who run pet-friendly rentals are either animal lovers or pet owners themselves. Feel free to ask them about local resources to make your stay more comfortable, such as dog parks, pet sitters, or dog walkers. This is much easier than sifting through reviews and maps trying to find these things yourself.

Traveling with a pet is very feasible, and just like everything else related to travel nursing, it gets easier the more you do it. Don’t be deterred from this lifestyle simply because of your furry friend. In fact, it’s usually even more fun when you get to bring them along!

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Miles Oliver

January 30, 2024

1971 Views

Step-by-Step: Navigating the Challenges of Travel Nursing with Pets

Posted on January 30, 2024January 23, 2024 by Miles Oliver

Travel nursing is one of the most exciting career choices. You get to travel the country and help people of all kinds. Bring your pet along with you, and the experience gets even better. They provide the happiness, stability, and comfort you need to survive the tough days as a travel nurse.

However, the reality of travel nursing with pets isn’t void of challenges. From finding the right housing option and pet-proofing it to on-the-road challenges, you have a few hurdles to climb.

We’ll help you navigate the challenges of travel nursing with pets with practical solutions and advice for embracing the travel nurse lifestyle with your animal companion.

Tips for travel nursing with pets:

Take Your Pet to the Vet Before Your Trip

You arrive at the hotel you’re staying at, and the front desk associate asks for proof that your pet has current shots. You skipped the vet visit before your trip because you were sure you didn’t need it. But it turns out you did, and now you’re scrambling to find a place that will take your pet without this documentation.

Don’t let this story come true. The last thing you want to be doing is going back and forth with the front desk about your pet being able to stay with you. Instead, take your pet to the vet before your trip to ensure they’re healthy and to get the documentation to prove it.

Get a complete physical. Once the exam is complete, request physical copies of your pet’s medical records, a health certificate if needed, and documentation stating their current on their shots. Also, be sure to get any prescriptions filled.

You’ll feel a lot better traveling with your pet when you get a clean bill of health for them and have documentation on hand that proves your pet is healthy and safe to be around.

Thoroughly Prepare for Travel

One of the biggest concerns of travel nursing with pets is how they’ll navigate the travel experience. A pet that can’t settle down during travel is uncomfortable for them and presents safety risks.

So, it’s essential to prepare for traveling with a pet based on the transportation method you plan to use. For example, let’s say you’re traveling by car on your next trip. If they aren’t already, you want to make sure your pet is comfortable in your vehicle. Take them on trips of varied lengths to get them used to car travel.

When it’s time to take your trip, make sure you have their harness or carrier with you to secure them in the vehicle. Map out pit stops to ensure they get plenty of chances to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs. Bring their favorite toys and other necessities, as well as plenty of food and water.

Maintain a clean and pet-friendly vehicle during your trip as well. Clean up after them. Manage pet hair with a pet hair removal brush, lint roller, portable vacuum, or another specialty cleaning product. Finally, keep your luggage and other items organized so that your pet doesn’t accidentally get hurt by loose items rolling around in the car.

This article by Travel + Leisure is a good resource to read for tips on traveling with a pet by train or plane if you’re taking one of these transportation methods.

However you’re traveling, make sure you and your pet are thoroughly prepared and packed for the adventure.

Learn How to Pet-Proof Temporary Living Quarters

One of your first orders of business is choosing a pet-friendly housing option, like an extended-stay hotel, AirBnB rental, or a short-term lease apartment when you get a travel nursing assignment. But once you get there, you have the bigger challenge of ensuring your pet doesn’t do damage to your temporary living quarters.

Learn to pet-proof your space and bring those strategies with you to every temporary home. For example, store your garbage can inside a secure kitchen cabinet to keep your dog from getting into it. Install baby gates to keep them from getting into certain rooms. Or, keep your cat from getting into your potted plants and consuming poisonous leaves by hanging them from the ceiling.

Pet-proofing techniques like these will keep your pet safe and ensure you don’t come home to messes after a long day of nursing.

Travel nursing with pets can be incredibly beneficial for your health and well-being. So, it’s worth the effort to overcome the hurdles mentioned above that may make the experience challenging. Lean on the advice mentioned here to navigate them successfully.

We hope you found this article on navigating the challenges of travel nursing with pets helpful. Have you found ways to make travel nursing with pets easier? Comment your tips below.

Interested in a travel nursing job? Our job board is a great place to search for assignments, and if housing is an issue, our housing page can help. It’s time to make a difference!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By AMN Healthcare

December 10, 2023

1656 Views

Tips for Travel Nurses Traveling with Pets

Posted on December 10, 2023December 6, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare provided this article.

Travel nurse jobs can take you far from friends and family for months, but traveling with a pet is a great way to avoid loneliness, alleviate stress, and make short-term housing feel more like home. Many travel nurse agencies offer pet-friendly housing to help RNs keep their furry friends with them on assignment, but there are other considerations when traveling with pets. Ensure safe and easy travel with pets with these five tips.

Plan Your Route Before You Go

If you’re traveling by car, the last thing you want to hear when you’re ready to stop for the night is, “No pets allowed.” Planning your route beforehand lets you ensure your pet is welcome wherever you stop.

That means making reservations at pet-friendly hotels along the way. Check out their pet policies, particularly if traveling with more than one animal, as even pet-friendly places may have limits. If you’re traveling with your pup, ask for a ground-floor room to facilitate trips outside for potty breaks.

You can also look for restaurants with pet-friendly outdoor seating and safe places, such as dog parks or grassy rest areas, where your pet can stretch its legs. If you’re traveling with an elderly or infirm pet, it’s also important to know the locations of animal emergency centers along the route.

Don’t Forget Your Pet When Packing

When packing for your trip, include items that will make your pet more comfortable in his new surroundings. Pack enough food and bottled water for the trip and the day of arrival, and don’t forget important medications. Your pet’s go-bag should also include:

Favorite toys and treats
Comfortable bedding
Waste bags for dogs or litter and a litter box for cats
Collapsible travel bowls

Visit Your Vet Beforehand

A pre-trip visit to your vet is important for several reasons:

To make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. Many hotels and boarding facilities will only allow pets that are current on shots.

To obtain physical copies of your pet’s medical records. Having quick access to this medical history can be life-saving in an emergency.
To obtain a health certificate if your destination state requires it. To find destination-specific health requirements for traveling with pets, visit the USDA’s website.
To get pet prescription refills. Don’t forget heartworm medication and flea and tick prevention, especially if you’re traveling to a high-risk area.

If you have older or ill pets, getting your vet’s okay for travel is also important. Your veterinarian is also an excellent source for travel tips and can prescribe safe, effective medications to make the trip easier on anxious pets.

Practice Car Safety

It’s important to always restrain your pet while you’re driving to avoid injury in an accident or if you have to stop short. For small dogs and cats, that means a secure, comfortable carrier. For larger dogs, car harnesses and seat belt restraints give your pet room to move while promoting safety.

Most importantly, never leave your pet in a hot car, even for a few minutes. The American Kennel Club warns that the inside of a car can hit 100 degrees F within 20 minutes on a 70-degree day, and opening a window doesn’t really help. Many states now have laws in place to protect animals left in cars.

While it can be challenging to always keep your pet with you if you’re traveling alone, safety should come first. Use drive-throughs, pet-friendly stores, and exterior vending machines so your pet is never left behind.

Make Sure Your Pet Has All The Proper Identification

Unfortunately, pets get lost, and losing your pet on the road is frightening. Ensuring your pet is microchipped and wearing an up-to-date tag that includes your cell phone number will give your pet the best chance of getting home safely if the unthinkable happens.

Many pet stores now sell battery-operated GPS locators, which attach easily to a collar and let you track your pet via a smartphone app. The app also alerts users on the network to lost pets nearby so they can mobilize to help your pet.

What If You Aren’t Traveling By Car?

If you’re flying to your new destination, research the airline’s policies for traveling with pets —many airlines now permit pets in the cabin —and talk to your vet about flight safety. When you’re ready to embark on a travel adventure with your furry best friend, search for great assignments or talk to a recruiter at AMN Healthcare.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 17, 2017

9698 Views

Traveling with Your Cat or Dog

Posted on May 17, 2017May 19, 2021 by The Gypsy Nurse

This article is provided by Premier Medical Staffing Services, LLC ®

Tips to stay safe on the road

Travel nurses are often drawn to their careers because of the excitement and adventure of living in different places. This also means that they leave their friends and family behind for a while. Pets often help fill that gap and provide companionship to ease the transition. As a result, many travel nurses embark on their assignments with their faithful friend at their side.

Traveling with your Cat or Dog

While people are quite accustomed to long car rides and travel, it can put unusual stress on dogs and cats. It’s important to realize that they can experience many of the same symptoms as humans when anxiety levels rise. Animals can suffer from increased blood pressure, motion sickness and nausea, nervous trembling, and digestive irregularities. Keeping pet health a top consideration for your trip will help them feel better and you worry less. Here are some important things to keep in mind when traveling long distances with your dog or cat.

5 Safety tips for traveling with your cat

1.) The safest way to travel with your feline is in a well-ventilated carrier when in your vehicle. It may seem unfair, but most cats are unsettled during travel. The tendency to jump around and crawl into small spaces to hide can pose a risk to the cat and driver. Despite the initial resistance to getting in the carrier, once inside and in a strange place cats often find comfort in smaller confinement.

2.) Set the carrier out at home so the cat can get familiar with it then introduce practice trips. Place a blanket that smells of home inside for added comfort. Secure the carrier in your vehicle so it cannot fall or tip over. Start with a very short drive and then gradually increase the distance. Keep the environment calming and as comfortable as possible by avoiding loud music and careful temperature control that does not blow into the carrier.

3.) Feed your cat about 3-4 hours prior to departure then plan ahead for feedings at their normal times. If your cat’s diet includes fresh food you will need to ensure it stays cold with ice packs. If a cooler isn’t feasible or too much trouble for the trip, you may consider canned food. If you plan to change the diet, it is important that you transition to the new food well in advance of travel. Take water from home so your cat stays hydrated and avoid stomach issues from strange water sources.

4.) For trips under 6 hours, your cat will be fine in the carrier the entire time. For longer travel, let your cat out of the carrier periodically to get a drink of water and use the litter box. Always make sure you are parked and never have a sunroof or windows open where the cat can escape.

5.) When you finally arrive at your destination, try to create an area in a room that is familiar. Use blankets, toys, items that smell and look like the previous home. Then although you might be busy with the move, be sure to give your cat frequent attention to help them settle in and be comfortable.

5 safety tips for traveling with your dog

1.) Get to know how your dog reacts to the car by letting him explore and taking short drives in your driveway or parking lot. Decide if a crate or harness is necessary for safety or state laws. If your dog remains calm, keep the dog out of the front seat and never travel with him on your lap. Distractions can sadly cause accidents and deployed airbags could potentially kill your pet. Avoid loud music or noises in the vehicle and be sure there is fresh air at an appropriate temperature at all times.

2.) Although they may seem to love the breeze, don’t let your pet to ride with his head outside the window. Small amounts of dust, rocks, or any flying object can cause injury.

3.) Before travel, ensure your dog gets enough exercise and is not full of pent up energy. Feed at least a few hours before and allow time for a potty break. This will help avoid restlessness and carsickness.

4.) Provide a few chew toys or new playthings to keep your dog occupied. You can also place a favorite blanket or a shirt that you recently wore to make a comfortable spot.

5.) Take breaks often. While your dog may need to potty more frequently, four hours is the maximum time you should travel without a break. Take your dog out on a leash at all times. Offer them water and a small snack and try to allow for some exercise with a walk or some short jogs.

5 best practices for traveling with any pet

1.) If your travel will require overnight stays be sure to research accommodations that welcome pets. Since many hotels have a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, try to call ahead for a reservation to ensure you will have the proper room.

2.) Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with a current ID tag. If possible, get your pet microchipped before a long trip.

3.) Put together a travel kit for your pet with appropriate paperwork, vaccine records, food, fresh water, bowls, treats, a harness and leash, and any supplements or medications, basic first aid items.

4.) Pack cleaning supplies in case of potty accidents or vomit episodes. Bring items to clean litterbox if traveling with a cat.

5.) Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle for more than a few minutes. Even with the windows open, a parked vehicle gets very hot quickly on warm days and can cause heatstroke. In cold weather, a car can hold in the cold and cause the animal to freeze to death.

We hope you found these tips for traveling with your cat or dog.

Tips for Traveling on Assignment With a Pet

Ground Level Entry

Bring a Kennel

Be Honest and Upfront

Check Photos and Reviews

Look for Fenced Yards

Ask the Landlord for Tips

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

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Tips for travel nursing with pets:

Take Your Pet to the Vet Before Your Trip

Thoroughly Prepare for Travel

Learn How to Pet-Proof Temporary Living Quarters

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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Visit Your Vet Beforehand

Practice Car Safety

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If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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