Can Fido or Floofy come with me on my travel nursing adventure? It’s a question that plenty of travel nurses frequently ask. After all, what pet lover wants to leave their lovable puppy or indifferent cat behind for several months? Fortunately, there is good news…It is entirely possible to take your pet along on your work journey. And, as a bonus, there are benefits to traveling with your pet.
If you aren’t certain whether you want to bring your pets with you, looking at the benefits they provide might be the deciding factor. Here are just a few of the top reasons for bringing your pet, as well as some services you can use while working.
They’re good for your mental health.
Let’s face it, working as a travel nurse can be lonely from time-to-time. Moving from one city to another and meeting an entirely new group of people can take its toll on your mental health. Your furry companion can be a constant, familiar force in your life. Not only will they help keep the homesickness at bay, but they’re also the perfect “person” to vent to after a long and stressful day.
They’ll encourage you to get out and meet people.
This primarily applies to travel nurses with dogs. You’ll have to get out and take him or her for walks. This means you’ll get some much-needed fresh air and exercise on your days off, instead of giving in to the temptation to lounge around in your PJs all day. At the same time, a pet is a great way to meet new people. Taking your dog to a dog park is a casual way to meet people other than co-workers or at a bar.
By the way, if you have a cat, you can take them for a walk too. People are usually amazed to see a cat on a leash. Plus, your cat’s reaction to a leash will probably be hilarious. It is a great conversation starter, especially if you tend to be a bit introverted. Who knows whom you’ll strike up a conversation with?
They offer extra security.
As a travel nurse, sleeping a new place can be challenging. While it is most likely a safe place, it can still be hard to adjust to new outside noises, particularly if ever creak makes you think of your favorite horror movie. Most pets have a desire to look out for their owners and a sixth sense when something is wrong. Your pet can serve as the perfect furry security blanket you never knew you needed.
Now that you’re seeing the benefits of traveling with your pet, here are a few tips for making your stay as easy as possible for you and your furry friend.
Come prepared.
Before you head to a job, make sure that your apartment accepts pets. Some places require an extra deposit or have a limit on the size of the pet. If your chosen place doesn’t accept pets, search for another one. Usually, one can be found. Resist the urge to sneak your pet in without the approval of the leasing company or landlord. You could lose your deposit or worse be faced with getting rid of the pet and possibly eviction.
Be sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and he or she is wearing an ID collar. Even if you have an indoor pet, this is a good idea. Be sure to have a copy of your pet’s vaccines, as well as any pertinent medical or surgical records you could potentially need. You might want to consider getting pet insurance. Knowing that you have easy access to a licensed veterinarian anywhere, you may end up working, as well a plan for paying for any unexpected pet medical expenses will give you peace of mind while traveling.
It is also a good idea to have your pet microchipped. It usually costs less than $50 for a vet to insert the chip and about $20/year for your pet to be monitored. The peace of mind though is priceless. Finally, if your pet is prone to anxiety, arriving a few days early, giving everyone time to settle in, will make the change easier.
Have a care plan in place.
If you are working long shifts for days at a time, take advantage of the services offered by pet sitters on Care.com or Rover.com. From pet sitting on a regular schedule to drop-in visits when you end up staying late, you’ll be amazed by all the services you can find on these sites. For example, reputable groomers, walkers, and trainers are all available. This means you can rest assured your pet will be taken care of while you work.
Check out https://www.bringfido.com/ for over 200,000 places to stay, play, and eat with your dog.
Are you ready to hit the open road with your furry best friend? Talk to Focus Staff to begin you and your pet’s big adventure today.