Happy National Dog Month, a time to appreciate just how much our canine friends make our lives better! Being a travel nurse can keep you on the road and away from home for what feels like a million days in dog years. Luckily, that doesn’t have to be the case any longer—you can bring them with you!
Travel nursing with a pet is a pretty common occurrence and helps bring travel nurses extra comfort of home for those harder days. Their companionship can be unmatched by anything else in life—even other people! There are a few things you should consider and set up in advance to ensure you both have an amazing travel nursing adventure. Here are a few tips to help you have a successful travel nursing assignment with your furry friend.
Make Sure Your Pet Is Ready For Travel Nursing
After telling your travel nurse recruiter you’re ready to bring your pet for an assignment, it’s time to ensure your pet is also prepared. Think of them as a patient and have their health checked before you start traveling so you know they’re fit to go on the road with you. The vet has the best information to keep your pet happy and healthy, so it’s important to let them assess what you may need to bring for the travel nurse assignment. Collect all necessary paperwork and essentials, including up-to-date vaccination records, medications, food, and water.
Also, keep some forms of identification when traveling. A collar tag is good, but a microchip is better. Often when animals are exposed to new surroundings, they itch to explore. So, make sure you can always locate them to ensure their safety and your peace of mind.
Plan Your Journey With Your Pet In Mind
Whether driving or flying to your next travel nurse assignment, having your four-legged friend along for the ride changes things. Housing is one of the trickiest parts of travel nursing, so be clear with the potential owners or company—never assume somewhere is pet-friendly. You will probably be looking at paying a pet deposit, but that beats being hit with a hefty fee later on or even eviction.
The travel nursing journey can be taxing, especially when driving—you need rest, and so does your pet. Incorporate plenty of relief stops and breaks so you can both get out, stretch your legs, and go to the bathroom. Fun stops like a dog park or a short hike can keep your pet relaxed and refreshed. Invest in a sturdy crate to keep them calm and a portable water bowl to keep them hydrated during the drive or on a short walk break. Remember, your pup’s eating and bathroom habits may change due to stress, so cleaning supplies are good to pack.
Make It Feel Like Their Home Too
After arriving at your new location, give yourself and your pet time to acclimatize to your new environment. Travel nurses with dogs need to take some time to explore the neighborhood, scope out pet-friendly restaurants and shops, and maybe even find some new dog friends in the area! The last thing you want to do is leave them home alone in new surroundings before they’re comfortable. This is also one of the easiest ways for travel nurses with pets to feel a sense of community while working their travel nursing job.
Find A Doggy Schedule/Routine
Travel nurse shifts can be long, but your furry friend needs love and attention just like your patients. When your schedule changes, so do theirs. If your dog needs to be walked every few hours or you have an animal that takes medication at a specific time of the day, try to establish a routine at the beginning of your assignment. Consider getting a pet sitter or finding pet daycare services. Your pet will be less stressed, and so will you when you know they are in good hands while you are at work.
When you return home, you can sit back, relax with your best friend, and give them all the attention they want.
Travel nursing offers freedom and flexibility in your job choices while allowing you to share your travel adventures with a loyal companion. Keep these tips in mind when you’re ready to head out with your pet. Visit our job board to find available travel nurse jobs in the top travel nurse locations perfect for you and your furry friend. If you’re looking for a helping hand, reach out to our travel nurse agency.
Safe travels!
