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!)