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 The Gypsy Nurse

January 15, 2023

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Tips for Successful Travel Nursing With a Dog

Guest Post by: Valeria Litovchenko

A dog can be a great companion for a travel nurse. Travel nurses often have to be away from home for extended periods and can feel isolated or lonely. A pup can provide comfort, companionship, and unconditional love. Furthermore, dogs are also excellent stress-relievers and can help reduce anxiety and depression.

Travel nursing with a dog is possible, although it can be more challenging than traveling without one.

First, you need to make sure that the housing you plan to stay in is pet-friendly. Most travel nursing agencies will provide pet-friendly housing, but you should still double-check before making any commitments. Additionally, it’s important to have a reliable plan for taking care of your dog while you’re on assignment. Ask the agency if there are any local pet sitters or dog walkers they can recommend.

Second, you need to check with your travel-nursing agency to make sure there are no restrictions on bringing a dog. In some cases, you may be able to bring your pet with you on assignment, but it’s important to check with your company first.

Finally, you need to be ready for the cost of traveling with a dog. In addition to the cost of pet-friendly housing, you may need to pay for pet insurance, pet supplies, and vet bills.

There are a few things to consider when planning your trip with a furry friend:

  1. Do your research: Before you embark on your travel-nursing journey with a dog, it’s better to research the rules and regulations for pet-friendly housing, pet-friendly employers, and pet-friendly destinations.
  2. Pack the essentials: Make sure to pack all the necessary items your pup will need, such as food, water, toys, bedding, crate, leash, etc.
  3. Have the right documents: Secure all the necessary documents for your pet, such as vaccination and health records, ID tags, and a copy of their rabies certificate.
  4. Exercise your pup: Exercise is important for your dog’s mental and physical health while traveling. Make sure to take your pup out for regular walks and playtime.
  5. Be prepared for emergencies: Ensure that your pet is covered in case of an emergency. Have your vet’s contact information on hand and check if your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick medication. It’s recommended to have the best pet emergency fund for your dog, and such a service helps to be ready for everything.
  6. Stick to a routine: When possible, try to stick to your dog’s routine to help keep them comfortable and reduce stress.
  7. Socialize your pup: Introduce your dogs to new people and places to help them adjust to their new environment and build their confidence.
  8. Find pet-friendly activities: Take advantage of pet-friendly activities such as dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and restaurants.

Best dogs for travel nurse

When selecting a dog to travel with, it is important to consider its size, temperament, and energy level. The best dog breeds for travel nurses are:

  1. Greyhounds – great breed for travel nurses because they have a gentle, quiet demeanor, and they don’t require much exercise.
  2. Labrador Retrievers – intelligent, loyal, and energetic, making them great companions for travel nurses. They also don’t need a lot of exercise, so they’ll be content to sit in the car while their owners explore a new city.
  3. Poodles – intelligent and easy to train, so they’ll be able to adapt to changing environments quickly. They’re also hypoallergenic, so they’ll be great for nurses who have allergies.
  4. Chihuahuas – are small and don’t require a lot of activity, so they’re perfect for travel nurses who don’t have a lot of space or time to devote to a pet.
  5. Maltese – gentle, loving, and affectionate, making them great travel companions. They’re also low-maintenance, so they won’t need a lot of grooming or exercise.

Conclusion

Travel nursing with a dog can be a great way to experience the country, save money, and get some quality time with your furry friend. However, it’s important to make sure you do your homework before committing to a travel nursing assignment with a dog. Be sure to research each assignment thoroughly to ensure the facility is pet-friendly, as well as the housing options available. Finally, double-check that you have all the necessary supplies to make your pet’s experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With some planning and preparation, you can have a successful travel nursing experience with your pup by your side.

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 Amber Kendra

April 23, 2021

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5 Tips When Searching for Housing with a Dog

Travel nursing is an extraordinary experience. Traveling with a dog (or three) can make the experience infinitely better! I’m Amber from @shesoutwandering, and I have been traveling for over three years with my three Bernese Mountain Dogs @Lovedogs_Traveloften. We have lived in 9 different states while on assignment, and I cannot imagine this journey without them. They have brought me peace, comfort, and laughter after long shifts. They are my best friends,, and without them, I believe that life would be a lot less exciting.

We are currently living during a pandemic, and options will be limited due to extenuating circumstances. Before accepting a travel assignment with a pet, some things to consider include safety of the area; housing availability; accessible veterinary care; options for daycare, walkers or daily exercise; and your work schedule.

I am going to share five tips that will hopefully make your housing search a little less stressful.

Tips for Traveling with a Dog

Traveling with a dog

Train Your Dog

Train Your Dog! I can not stress this enough. Training in basic manners is an excellent start (to a level of canine good citizen is an excellent goal). I am a strong advocate for professional obedience training using positive reinforcement. Studies show that owners with behaviourally sound pets get more satisfaction and have a stronger bond with their pets. Having a dog that is well-trained, obedient, happy, relaxed, responsive, and easy for you to manage means, you will get more pleasure from dog ownership as a result. Dedicating time to obedience training also shows potential landlords that you are a responsible pet owner that cares for the socialization and safety of your dog. Everyone thinks they have the best dog, and none of them are wrong. You’ll simply have better results if you can prove it.

Traveling with a dog

Search Pet Friendly Cities.

Did you know that some areas are far more pet friendly than others? This inevitably makes finding housing easier. Consider basing your search for an assignment in an area that will welcome you and your pup as well as offer new experiences. City suggestions are Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; Asheville, NC; and Colorado Springs, CO to name a few. You’ll find delicious restaurants with unique menus for your dog, exceptional outdoor activities, and play areas etched into beautiful landscapes.

5 Tips When Searching for Housing with a Dog

Develop a Pet Resume.

Yep, you read that right. Compile training awards and certificates into a document with a photo of your pet. Include information on how often you groom your dog, vaccine records, what exercise plan you follow, and anything that would allow you to stand out as an exceptional pet owner. Ask previous landlords for written references. Contact your vet and groomer to request a recommendation regarding the care you provide for your dog.

Traveling with a dog

Have a Pet Savings Account.

Pets are family members, and many landlords are treating them as such. A rental with more than one human will likely result in additional cost and the same goes for pets. Expect to pay a refundable deposit or pet rent. These prices can vary from city to city and having a financial plan can be incredibly helpful during the search.

5 Tips When Searching for Housing with a Dog

Utilize All Resources.

Finally, use all available resources to search for housing. AirBNB, VRBO, Furnished Finder, Facebook Marketplace, hotels, and even local real estate agents can help expand the search allowing for more options.   

If you’re reading this then we can probably all agree that enjoying the views while hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, beach days at Cannon Beach outside of Portland and city adventures at Pike Place Market in Seattle are more enjoyable with a dog. Really anything is better with a dog so keep these tips in mind during your next housing search while traveling with a dog. Feel free to follow our adventures on @Lovedogs_Traveloften and share your adventures with us. We love to hear success stories from our pet loving friends! 

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

July 28, 2018

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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.

By The Gypsy Nurse

May 17, 2017

9732 Views

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Traveling with Your Cat or Dog

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

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.