Some travel nurses might think that bringing pets on an assignment isn’t a good idea, however, this can actually be a beneficial experience for you and your pet. By bringing your pet with you on travel assignments, you’ll always have a buddy with you. This can be comforting when you're in a new location, or when you just need someone to keep you company. Your pet will also love traveling with you because they’ll get to spend quality time with you while you’re on your adventure. This blog will give you helpful tips on how to be a good pet owner while on travel assignments, and it will also show you that bringing your animal with you isn’t as hard as you might think.
Visit your vet before leaving for a travel assignment
First and foremost, you will want to make sure that your pet visits the vet and gets cleared to travel. Some animals may not be fit to travel for long periods of time, so it’s important to get the go ahead from your vet. You’ll also need to get a copy of all your pets’ medical records in case your animal needs to see an emergency veterinary on the road.
Ensuring your pet has all their vaccinations up to date is another key step before taking them on an excursion, especially if your pet spends time outdoors. Many property owners or temporary housing units will need to see proof that your pet is caught up on their vaccinations, so it’s beneficial to come prepared to avoid any complications. Lastly, you’ll want to ensure you have all your pets' required medications before going on any sort of trip. Anxiety medications may also be a topic you’ll want to ask your vet about if you know you have a pet with anxious tendencies. These medications may be useful when taking your pet on a long car ride, or even on a plane.
Have all the necessities ready to go
Pets often require many daily essentials. Creating a list will make remembering all the essentials much easier for you when it’s time to pack. Make sure to bring necessary items such as your pet’s food, food and water bowls, treats, toys, medications if needed, leash, collar, grooming tools, pet carrier, bed, and of course any other items that may be specific to your animal. For instance, you’ll want to remember to bring litter and litter box if you have a feline friend.
Try to follow a similar routine as you would at home
The best way to get your pet acclimated to a new location is by following your normal routine. If you feed your pet at 6am and 6pm when at home, then try to do the same on your travel assignment. Similarly, you’ll want to play with them and take them on walks just as you normally would. Some pets thrive off routines, so it’s important to stick to them so your pet feels more at home and comfortable in their new environment. It might even be beneficial to arrive at your travel assignment a few days early so that you can get your pet acclimated to their new home before you start working long shifts.
If your pet is active and loves to go on walks, you may also want to consider looking into a pet walking service or pet sitter. Prices for walking services vary from location to location but are often not over-priced. Considering a daycare service is also a smart option if your pet requires a lot of exercise and attention when you’re away working a shift.
Be prepared in case anything happens to your pet
Before you decide to bring your pet on a travel nurse assignment with you, it’s a good idea to research the nearest emergency vets to where you will be staying. Another proactive approach to keeping your pet safe is to download the BringFido app and the Pet First Aid app.
Excellent for dog owners, the BringFido app provides you with various locations that are pet friendly. From restaurants to hotels, the BringFido app will make traveling with a pet easier than you’d think. This app is also unique because it provides many valuable resources including nearby veterinary clinics, pet grooming services, pet stores, and much more.
Created by American Red Cross, the Pet First Aid app is a great resource to have when traveling with pets. The app conveniently provides lifesaving information and advice from veterinary professionals at any time. Pet First Aid also has valuable resources when it comes to the safety and health of your pet.
If you’re curious about other apps that are perfect for travel nurses when on assignments, read our Must Have Apps for Travel Nurses blog.
Let your pet explore with you!
Looking to go on scenic hikes or walks along the beach when on travel nurse assignments? Bring your pet with you! This will no doubt be your pet’s favorite part of traveling with you. If your pet doesn’t typically go on walks, consider bringing them in a stroller or in some sort of carrier so they can still enjoy exploring with you on your adventure. This might take you and your pet a minute to get used to, but if you’re both comfortable, then it’s worth trying to bring them along!
Traveling on assignments with pets can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for both you and your pet. If you think your pet isn’t adjusting well at first, don’t worry. Some pets don’t love change and it may take them a little longer to get comfortable in their new space. Just remember to keep this in mind and know that things will get better once they’ve had time to properly acclimate. We hope this blog helps you if you plan on bringing your pet on a travel nurse assignment in the future!
