Traveling with a pet

Reigen · Feb 14, 2011

I travel with 2 dogs. I am very upfront I tell the agency I have 2 dogs, I must have a pet friendly apartment, pet deposit for the place I understand is my responsibility, and I think that $100.00 per pet is my limit of what I am willing to pay. I also will not pay pet rent per month on top of a deposit.

I will ask if your dog can hold its bathroom time for at least 14 to 16 hours? If not, then you might need a pet sitter/walker or doggie day care for the hours that you work.

Also try to put together a dog resume, don't laugh, this can be a comfort to strangers renting a short term rental. Get referrences that your dog has not torn up other places you have lived at with your dog.

Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date, and be sure that you take along that record with you. Also be sure that your dogs tags include your name and a a phone number (your cell phone) on the tag, just in case your dog gets out.

Carry a door tag that has your pets name breed etc on it, and put it on the front door, so again just in case there is a fire, the fire department can rescue your dog.

Please carry doggie bags when your dog does yard duty, and pick up after your dog. That makes for happy neighbors. Leashes and a strong harness. Car safety belts for your pet as well.

If your apartment has an elevator, teach your dog the word corner.. and when you are in the elevator have your dog learn to be in the corner of the elevator, saves tails and the dog from becoming territorial about the elevator.

I hope this helps you and your best friend adjust to life on travel.

bagladyrn, RN · Feb 14, 2011

I traveled with a small dog for 13 years until she died last year. Reigen's post is very comprehensive. I would add only that the first thing I have done at all new assignments was to find a vet and a boarding kennel at my new location. I'd visit each and just ask appropriate questions so that I'd be prepared if the need arose.

I had on occasion been able to negotiate down the cost of pet deposits by asking them if they would prorate it for a 3 month stay since the amount quoted was what a year lease tenant would pay. Doesn't always work, but worth asking.

LadyTiger44 · Mar 1, 2011

Great advice from the previous posters. The only other thing I would ask is about lighting around the apt. There are areas in my apt where the lighting isn't very good, so I make sure to take a flashlight, but on my next assignment I will make sure the lighting is good at night around where ppl walk their dogs.

Nomad5150 · Mar 1, 2011

What about flying? What have you guys experienced in regard to air travel with a small pet? We plan to bring ours as carry on in a sherpa soft crate. It's a shih tzu so he can't fly below nor would we ever want him to..