A frequently asked question among new travelers is, “Can I bring my pets?” The short answer: Of course, nobody needs to be left behind to become a healthcare traveler! However, this will inherently make many parts of the experience different. So, in this article, we’ll provide some suggestions on how to get started, what to keep in mind, and a handful of resources to have on hand.
General to-dos before taking off
First, tell your recruiter immediately if this is something you want to do. That way, they can ensure a smoother housing hunt and offer assignment locations that are more pet friendly.
Assess your pet’s behavior: You’ll want to ensure they’ll travel well and adjust to your new space. This may mean discussing medication options with your veterinarian, especially if your pet is prone to anxiety.
Get your pet licensed at your tax home: Licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, so check with your destination city beforehand. It’s often as simple as Googling: (City) pet license.
Complete vet visits & obtain medical records: Most airlines will require a certificate of veterinary inspection issued ten days before travel. Take your pet to the vet for a wellness check and to obtain an interstate health certificate. Ensure your animal is up to date with all vaccinations and request copies of all documentation to bring with you, as requirements for things like rabies can vary from state to state. The same goes for spay and neuter certifications. Some properties or private owners may also request vaccination records or a photo of your pet at the time of move-in.
Some other smart prep solutions include:
- Investing in a sturdy crate or proper restraints for the trip can keep your pet calm, keep everyone safe, and allow you to concentrate on the road. Some examples of car travel include:
- EliteField Carrier
- The Rocketeer Pack
- Cat-in-a-bag
- Getting a portable water bowl to keep your pet hydrated: A good water bowl or bottle is excellent for your road trip and any hiking excursions. Brands like Springer provide some fantastic (and cute) accessories.
- Ensure your dog or cat has a well-fitting collar with ID tags: Include a current cellphone number.
- Microchip your pet: Some animals are more likely to escape when anxious or in unfamiliar territory. This is one of those preparations we always hope you don’t need to use— but it’s good to have just in case.
Finding pet-friendly housing
Unfortunately, housing options may be more limited in some destinations. Be prepared to pay an additional pet deposit and rent (likely nonrefundable). However, if you’re flexible, you will have better luck finding housing that permits animals.
According to The Gypsy Nurse, the following are currently rated as some of the top pet-friendly locations:
- Portland, OR
- Birmingham, AL
- Tampa, FL
- St. Louis, MO
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Reno, NV
- Lexington-Fayette, KY
- Colorado Springs, CO
- Cincinnati, OH
Apps like BringFido are excellent for finding pet-friendly accommodations. You can filter by various criteria, including permitted animal numbers, types, and fees. There’s a “best price guarantee” to help ensure you’re getting a good deal. You can book through the app, but agents are available by phone or email to help if needed.
If you can, arrive a few days early and establish routines to let your pet acclimate to the new environment. If you have a dog, take them on a walk to learn about the sights and smells of the neighborhood. Also, be sure to run errands or make excursions without them, so your pet can get used to being alone in the space before you begin work.
Emergency resources and must-have apps
Pawp: Yes, you could Google to find a vet in each city. However, if you’re looking for a particular specialty or don’t have an internet connection when you need it, use Pawp to get quick veterinary assistance instead.
Rover: Rover allows you to connect with experienced dog or cat sitters and walkers nationwide with just the click of a button.
Red Cross Pet First Aid: Like its human equivalent, the Red Cross released a tool for treating various pet-related issues. From allergic reactions to drowning and burns, the free Pet First Aid app walks you through appropriate treatments for 25+ everyday situations with a mix of text, pictures, and video. It also helps you learn valuable skills like correctly taking your pet’s heart rate and temperature and includes quizzes to test your knowledge before an emergency strikes.
Whistle Go GPS Tracker: Are you traveling with a frequent escape artist? Using AT&T’s cellular network (subscriptions start at $6.95/month), the tracker reports its location in real-time. You can see exactly where your pet has been at any point in the last 24 hours.
BringFido: Besides being helpful during the housing hunt, BringFido can help travelers find dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and beaches in the area. It lists beneficial resources like dog walkers, vets, and pet supply stores.
BarkHappy: Your pups can get lonely just as much as you during an assignment, so find them some friends! Create a profile for your dog, and you can search or be alerted to other dogs and owners in the surrounding area and message them for meet-ups or events! The free app shows nearby dog-friendly parks, restaurants, bars, and more, and there’s also a useful lost and found section to help owners reunite with their lost dogs.
Slobbr: Slobbr is another app to find pet friend accouterments while out on assignment. If you’re looking to find dog-friendly accommodations close to a specific park, restaurant, or other pinpoints, this can be quite a handy app. Also, by merely “checking in” to a location on the map, Slobbr and their partner, Wellness Pet, donate food or products to a preselected rescue that changes bi-monthly so that they can spread the wealth. It’s a win-win!
Stress-free traveling with your pet is a pawsibility with Blu Med
Blu Med is committed to making every experience as a healthcare traveler a memorable one. Traveling with a pet means making more considerations, sure, but at the end of a long day— their welcoming face will always be worth it, right?
Contact our team today to learn more about how Blu Med can make traveling with pets a little smoother.
