By Furnished Finder

October 25, 2024

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Tips for Traveling on Assignment With a Pet

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

pets

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!

pets

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 Alex McCoy

January 4, 2024

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How to Keep Your Pets Safe During RV Travel

Working as a travel nurse while living in an RV is a great way to bring your home with you wherever you go. There are a lot of reasons people may decide to live in an RV while travel nursing, but a huge factor for most people is being able to bring their pets along without having to worry about finding pet-friendly housing. 

Bringing your pets along in an RV can allow you to travel with multiple pets, elderly pets who are less able to adjust to new spaces, or bring along large breed dogs that may make rental housing difficult.

Tips for RV Travel With Pets:

rv travel

However, one aspect of living with your pets in an RV that does not get talked about enough is how to ensure your pets are safe when you are at work or sightseeing around town.

While modern RVs come with tons of features and amenities that can make your home on wheels, feel very much like a “regular” house. But keep in mind RVs are made to be lightweight and portable, which can cause the quality of different aspects to be less than what you would see in a regular house.

Safe Temperatures

One huge concern when traveling with pets in an RV is maintaining safe temperatures for your furry friends while you are out and about. Unfortunately, RV air conditioners and heaters can sometimes be temperamental, or thermostats might not be 100% accurate. 

In rare times when your heating and cooling malfunctions, it’s important to have a remote monitoring system to keep an eye on your home when you are away. Extreme temperatures can happen quickly in an RV since insulation is minimal, and the risk of freezing temperatures or heat stroke can be detrimental to your animal’s health. 

First, you will need a WiFi setup that connects to whatever monitoring system you choose. Some options for RV WiFi are using a hotspot or using mobile wireless systems. These are WiFi routers that act similar to a regular router, but rely on cellular service to provide your internet.

Temperature Monitor Options:

Next, you can decide if you want to use a simple temperature monitor or something more complex. The temperature monitors are actually great for monitoring things like underbelly temperature as well, especially if you are traveling somewhere that gets below freezing and you are worried about pipes freezing.

Basic temperature monitors are relatively cheap on places like Amazon, and you can usually buy multiple for around your RV. 

rv travel

If you prefer something more high-tech, you might consider looking into a specialized pet camera. Waggle is a very popular brand that has everything from temperature monitoring to treat dispensers and cameras. 

Waggle also provides some great information on heat stroke in dogs and why it is so important to keep an eye on their environmental temperature when you are away. 

Of course, paying for a dog walker or pet sitter to check in is always an option.

However, the risk of a malfunction happening right after someone leaves is still there, and the temperature in your RV may still be too high for your pets to survive until the next person is there to check in on them. 

RV Travel with pets is a great option for many travel nurses. Just like anything else, being informed and prepared is extremely important to keep your entire family happy and healthy. Don’t skimp on pet safety while traveling in an RV, even if you are convinced an accident won’t happen to you! 

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:

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

By AMN Healthcare

December 10, 2023

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Tips for Travel Nurses Traveling with Pets

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.

travel with pets

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

traveling with pets

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.

traveling with pets

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:

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

By Amare Medical Network

March 31, 2023

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Why You Should Consider Travel Nursing with a Pet

Amare Medical Network provided this article.

By Jaclyn Neilly, BSN, BA, RN, Director of Clinical Services at Amare Medical Network

What would we do without our pets? I don’t know about you, but my dog Coco is sometimes the sole reason for me getting up in the morning: partially to take her out and partly because if I don’t go to work, I won’t be able to afford dog food. All in all, I would be lost without her. She is my child, and wherever I go, she goes.

travel nursing with pets

Pets have been shown to have positive health effects on their owners, from psychological to physical ones. Animals provide comfort and support and can help be that ear that you vent to, that hug that you need, or that smooch when you walk in the door. They go on hikes and walk with us, which helps keep us moving and active. Pets can help improve our mental well-being in ways we may not think we could achieve. They provide an unbiased, unconditional love that we may not know we need but is so welcome.

travel nursing with pets

Travel nursing can seem like a big step into the great unknown, but what if you were able to bring your precious pet with you? Many travel healthcare professionals bring their dogs, cats, birds – you name it – with them when they are away. This helps provide stability and comfort in a time when the hardships of healthcare are so daunting. Bringing your pet along for the ride can also help ease the nervousness that comes with taking a new assignment in a place that you’ve never been to before.

Nicole Estep, one of our travel nurses at Amare, is a great example of why traveling with a furry companion(s) is so beneficial. “When I come home, I’m covered in dogs. Getting puppy kisses definitely helps cope with stress,” said Nicole. More than two years ago, she sold her home, packed up her 14 dogs, and took off in her RV. Even though Nicole has 14 dogs on her travels, I recommend starting slow! One pet is enough to reap the benefits.

Many housing providers allow pets and even encourage them. One of Amare Medical Network’s partners, Furnished Finder, offers these tips for travel nursing with pets.

Tips for travel nursing with pets:

·       Bring your own blankets and furniture covers

·       Have your own pet-specific cleaning supplies

·       Travel with your pet’s favorite toys and supplies

·       Use consistency to help your pet transition

·       Don’t be afraid to invest in help

travel nursing with pets

Our pets are a part of us. If your pet is a part of you and you are looking to travel around the US providing top-quality healthcare, then join our other healthcare providers who take their pets along for the ride at https://amaremedicalnetwork.com. Together, you and your pet can provide care worthy of a million smiles!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

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!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 11, 2021

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The Perks and Possibilities with Pets on the Move

This article is provided by Travel Nurse Across America®.

5 Considerations for Travel Nurses

No doubt when you are a travel nurse, it can sometimes feel like a vacation. It’s not all sun, sand, and fun, but it does offer the opportunity to see new places and explore. For most people though, even that sense of adventure can have its share of peaks and valleys. New areas are exciting, the people, the sites, the climate, even the food can bring significant joy. But what about when you first arrive and feel a bit like a fish out of water? Or have been in town a while and newness wears off? For travel nurses, loneliness can sneak up and the desire for some stability often creeps in. Pets can easily fill that void for many travel nurses. The friendship, companionship, and affection of animals have been proven to calm anxiety and boost spirits. In fact, the CDC cites the benefits of pets include decreased blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and even triglyceride levels. So where should you start when it comes to Fido, Rover, Whiskers, or Midnight?

It may seem fairly simple at first, adopt a dog or cat and it’s a win-win for everyone. To help ensure a positive experience all around it’s worth thinking carefully about the big picture. Here are five areas worth investigating before bringing home a furry friend.

1. Housing

Consider where you will live and what the pet policy is regarding the type of animal you desire. Some places have size as well as breed restrictions; you may have to pay a pet deposit as well as monthly pet rent. If there is any damage or wear and tear that can be attributed to the pet, then you will likely forfeit all or some of your pet deposit. Pet rent is a flat fee that basically increases your rental expense.

2. Care

As a travel nurse, you are committed to the well being of your patients. That same philosophy is true as a pet owner. Animals need daily care and some animals have special needs that require more maintenance. Think of the following in terms of your schedule and availability: feeding times, regular walking, temperature, potty breaks, and even the type of animal such that it is not lonely if isolated for a long period of time. What’s more, you will need a backup plan in case you are called away at work unexpectedly.

3. Expenses

Don’t forget the cost of owning and caring for an animal. There are numerous things that add up, be sure you can afford such expenses in your budget. For example, food, wellness veterinary care, periodic sick care, town licenses, litter, cages, and the possible cost of a daily pet sitter or daycare if you are away for extended times.

4. Selection

There are hundreds of choices out there when it comes to pets. Take some time to research the common traits of different breeds of cats and dogs if they are under consideration. Certain dogs are very high energy and will require a lot of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Certain cats shed a lot and will require extra housekeeping. Puppies require a great deal of attention, in the beginning, to train and nurture into a good companion. Older dogs may suffer from ailments.

5. Commitment

Pets rely on their humans for everything to survive. They typically thrive on interaction. Think about your willingness to stick by the animal through thick and thin, to be fair and compassionate to the animal. It is often stressful for animals to change owners, and sometimes to move a lot from place to place. Try to take into consideration as much as possible from those who can’t speak for themselves

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!)

By The Gypsy Nurse

January 5, 2019

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20 Pet-Friendly Cities for Gypsy Dogs

The top 20 pet-friendly cities

Travel nurses often find great companionship in the four-legged members of their family. Dogs can be great friends and help nurses deal with job stress, change and occasional loneliness. Since travel nurses often get to choose the destination of their next assignment, here are some things to consider if you have a dog in tow.

In WalletHub’s 2016 study, it compared the 100 most populated cities across three key dimensions: 1) Pet Budget, 2) Pet Health & Wellness and 3) Outdoor Pet Friendliness.  Several metrics were evaluated, ranked, and weighted.

Results concluded that these cities have the most pet-friendly restaurants per capita: New Orleans, LA; San Francisco, CA; Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA and Orlando, FL. And, living in these cities could yield lower veterinary costs: Stockton, CA; Columbus, OH; Corpus Christi, TX; Milwaukee, WI; and Omaha, NE.

And the winners are…the research revealed these top 20 cities for overall pet-friendliness:

pet friendly cities
Photo provided by Liz Greenwalt
  1. Orlando, FL
  2. Birmingham, AL
  3. Tampa, FL
  4. Lexington-Fayette, KY
  5. Scottsdale, AZ
  6. Reno, NV
  7. Colorado Springs, CO
  8. Cincinnati, OH
  9. Las Vegas, NV
  10. St. Louis, MO
  11. Baton Rouge, LA
  12. Boise, ID
  13. Henderson, NV
  14. Atlanta, GA
  15. Plano, TX
  16. Oklahoma City, OK
  17. St. Petersburg, FL
  18. Portland, OR
  19. Gilbert, AZ
  20. Albuquerque, NM

Based on these stats, here are some areas you may want to avoid:

  • Fewest dog parks per capita: Newark, NJ; Santa Ana, CA; Corpus Christi, TX
  • Fewest pet-friendly restaurants per Capita: Newark, NJ; Detroit; MI; Boston, MA
  • Highest veterinary-care costs: New York, NY; Washington, DC; Newark, NJ; Philadelphia, PA

Wherever you end up, remember that dogs require commitment. Be sure you have the time and money to provide ongoing quality care. What’s more, housing restrictions vary everywhere so be sure your lease or rental agreement allows pets.

Take-Away

What are the best pet friendly cities for travel nurses to bring along their furry friend?

The TOP 5 pet-friendly cities are: Orlando, FLBirmingham, ALTampa, FLLexington-Fayette, KYScottsdale, AZ

What are the worst pet friendly cities for travel nurses?

Newark, NJ Santa Ana, CA Corpus Christi, TXDetroit; MIBoston, MANew York, NYWashington, DCPhiladelphia, PA


Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!


By The Gypsy Nurse

August 24, 2018

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Can I Take a Travel Nurse Assignment with a Pet?

Travel Nursing with a Pet can have its own questions and difficulties.

This is one of the foremost things on pet owners’ minds when considering travel nursing. The answer…YES!!

Something to keep in mind is that every pet is individual, and you should look at your pet’s personality, health and safety first and foremost. For example, traveling might be too stressful for an older animal; leaving them at home with a trusted family member might be best. There are pros and cons to travel nursing with a pet, and only you can decide if it’s favorable.

PROS:

  • Having a pet is the same as travel nursing with a trusted friend and companion. It can be helpful to help you get through the loneliness.
  • Having a dog will encourage you to get out of the house and explore. It’s always more fun to explore with a friend.
  • Having a dog is an instant conversation starter. When walking my dog, I am constantly approached and have met some great people this way.
  • You’re never alone!

CONS:

  • Expense. Having a pet is an added expense: deposits, daycare, etc. Most housing options that allow pets require a non-refundable deposit. I have paid as much as $400, non-refundable, to have my furry friend with me. If you change jobs after each contract, it can get costly.
  • Limited options for housing. This is dependent on the area. Some places are much less pet-friendly than others.
  • Increased preparation. If you’re going to take a weekend away and explore the local area, you will either have to plan to take your pet with you or find alternate care. Not only can this be expensive, but you DO have to plan for it.

Do you have experience travel nursing with your pet? Leave your suggestions and comments below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

July 28, 2018

6316 Views

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Tips for Flying with Pets

Traveling to a new city is common for a travel nurse, but traveling with a pet is nerve racking. Pets can respond differently when flying and it can be very scary for them. To make traveling easier with your pets, here are some tips for flying with pets.

1.) Book as Early As You Can
Most airlines can only take so many pets per flight, so you should book your tickets as soon as you know you are moving. You should also check before you book your ticket to make sure that the airline has a ‘pet seat’ available. You should try to book with the agent who confirmed the ‘pet seat’ so you are sure that you are both on the same flight.

2.) Direct Flight
If you can, book a direct flight with no stops. This will mean that your pet is not waiting hours in its carrier waiting for the flight to take off.

3.) Buy the Right Carrier
Before planning your trip, you need to buy the right carrier. Your pet is going to be in it for a few hours, so you should think about what would be comfortable for them for that time.

There are many other considerations when traveling with a pet, from housing options, care, and expenses. Don’t take traveling with a pet lightly. Do a little pre-planning and research, and your furry friend can travel with you, enriching both your lives.

Being a travel nurse means that you will be traveling a lot, so you may need to take your pets. Planning is the number one thing that you need to do when you travel with your pets. We hope you found these tips for flying with pets helpful. Do you have tips on flying or traveling with your pet? Please post your suggestions in the comments below.

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 16, 2018

10115 Views

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Top 10: Travel Pet Products for the Travel Nurse

Many travel nurses travel with a furry companion.  Check out these top 10 Gypsy Nurse picks for Travel Pet Products! Your pet will love them and they will make your travels fun and easier!

#1 Popware for Pets Collapsible Travel Cup with Bottle Holder

Save space and always have a quick drink ready for your best travel companion with this collapsible water bowl.
More Details/Buy Now

 #2 Buttoned Up Pet Doc Agenda

Don’t forget to keep track of your pet’s health. Everything is easily accessed and organized with this Pet.Doc
More Details/Buy Now

 #3 Uncle Milton Nat Geo Wild Pet’s Eye View Camera

#3 Want to see what your furry companion gets excited about?  Check out this Pet’s Eye View Camera.
More Details/Buy Now

#4 Wall or Door Hanging Pet Gear Organizer by Yep Yup – “Heliotrope”

Keep all of your Pet Supplies in one place and easily transported with this wall/door organizer.
More Details/Buy Now

#5 Furry Travelers To Go Pet Bowl

Keep your Furry companion hydrated on the road or during your new city Explorations with this Furry Travelers To Go Pet Bowl
More Details/Buy Now

#6 Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan Walkie Belt, Black

Ever wish you had an extra hand to be able to drink or talk on the phone while walking the dog? Check out this Hands-free Dog Walking Belt
More Details/Buy Now

#7 Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA Petbook

New at Traveling with a pet?  Check out this Book for some great tips.
More Details/Buy Now

#8 Dog Lovers Companion Guides

Do you enjoy exploring a new city with your Dog?  This is a great Book Series with many cities available.
More Details/Buy Now

#9 Skinny Mayday Pet First Aid Kit for Dogs

Always be prepared with this Pet First Aid Kit
More Details/Buy Now

#10 Mighty Pack-and-Go Pet Backpack

Mighty Pack-and-Go Pet Backpack
More Details/Buy Now

What are your ‘Must Have’ Pet Travel Products?  Is there something that you found for traveling with your pet that you love and can’t imagine doing without?  Share it in the comments below.