They are cute, cuddly and warm. They greet you at the end of every day with a wagging tail and a positive outlook. They provide friendship and encouragement and love you unconditionally. When you’re getting ready to travel on a short-term assignment, it’s best to choose what is safest and most comfortable for your pet, since they rely on you for their health and safety. Here are tips for traveling with your dog or cat to your next assignment.
No Roaming Allowed — Dogs and cats should not be allowed to roam freely in the car. It is a safety hazard for the driver and pet. Dogs do well with safety restraints such as seat belts, keeping them in place and protecting them in case of an accident. The safest way to travel for your dog and cat is in a carrier. Animals with anxiety issues will feel safer when enclosed in a carrier, and the carrier is designed so the animal doesn’t bounce around and hurt themselves. Carriers and pets should be kept in the back seat of the car since airbags can injure your pet. Dogs and cats should also keep their heads safely inside the car. Although your furry friend may like hanging his head outside, the wind against their eyes creates tear duct problems and can damage their eyelids. Particle and debris can also get deposited in the eyes.
Plan For Rest Stops — Plan to stop at least every two hours to allow your pet to exercise, eliminate, drink and eat their meals. It’s vital they never leave the car without their collar, ID tag, and leash. It’s easy for a dog to get distracted or frightened in strange surroundings. While you’re stopped, don’t leave your pet in the car. When it’s 72 degrees outside, the temperature inside the car can heat to 116 degrees within a short time. At 85 degrees with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.
Notify Your Recruiter — Your short-term housing assignment may or may not accept pets, so it’s important your recruiter knows the type of pet you’re bringing. Some landlords will accept cats but not dogs, birds but not cats and some will say no to everything.
Pack the Paperwork — Whether you plan to travel by plane or car, you’ll need documentation for your pet. Your dog or cat will need a rabies certificate and since vaccine requirements vary from state to state, be sure to check with your destination prior to leaving. Some jurisdictions require proof of spay or neuter in order to get a license in the area.
Talk to Your Vet — You’re likely staying for several weeks, so you’ll want to be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep a safety travel kit with you for your pet including supplies you can use if they get injured or sick. Include any necessary history for your pet’s healthcare, medications they take and their food. Remember to stay calm while you’re traveling. Your pet has a way of reading your moods and they sense when you’re getting anxious. To keep them calm, you need to stay calm.
Arrive a Couple of Days Early — This will allow your pet time to get acclimated to his new home before you start picking up your shifts at the hospital. They’ll have time to get comfortable in their new surroundings and you’ll have time to find local doggie daycares or a walking service for a midday play time if you’re so inclined. Run a couple of errands on those first few days so your pet gets used to being alone in your new home before you’re gone several hours at work. During this time, set up a new routine with your pet so they get used to your new schedule, especially if that means they’ll be fed or taken out at different times of the day.
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We know your pets are important to you. At Prime Healthcare Staffing, we will help you find housing to accommodate your needs and help you get settled in your new area. Contact us today so you and your furry friend can start exploring together!