travel nursing with a dog

tatarn2b2007 · Nov 11, 2009

Hi. I am a travel nurse, but I am traveling with a little dog...14 pounds. I think it depends on where you go. I know the complex I am living in now has a weight restriction. I would talk to your agency and see what they say regarding weight limits and such. Good luck! Traveling with my dog has been wonderful!

EmergencyNrse · Nov 11, 2009

I would consider your work schedule first.

If you're working 12's do you really think 13 or more hours in an apartment is fair to a 70# dog?

If you start with a puppy even 2-4 hours is too long for a poor puppy-bladder...

I am NOT a crate person either. I think it's cruel.

Think about the consequences first....please.

I have my "puppy" with me but I have someone that walks her 3 times/day.

emilee1978 · Nov 11, 2009

I think it depends on your work schedule as well. I travel with my dog, and yes, the company finds me dog-friendly housing, but that can also compromise a true "travel" experience. I'm currently on assignment in the Boston area, and instead of being housed downtown near night life, bars, restaurants, I'm housed in a suburb about 8 miles outside the city. Every major sitter for the most part offers dog-walking services, which is what I use when I'm at work. I have the sitter come over when I'm at work to break up the 12-14 hour day. I also crate my dog, and I don't quite understand the comments about "cruelty". He's 9 years old, has always been crate trained and LOVES his crate, in fact he often rests/sleeps in there when I'm not at work and lounging around. Just be careful about the moving around as well, dogs are creatures of habit, moving every 3 months can cause problems like barking, whining, etc. that willl surely upset your neighbors and make for a long assignment.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · Nov 12, 2009

I live by the beach (3 blocks away) and have a bike with me. I would take him out in the morning and night when I work and would also likely get a dog walker on the 3 days that im at work as I know they have a lot of energy. Also even though im a travel nurse, I usually extend my contracts. I dont like to pick up and move evey 3 months. I think I could make it work, it would just take a lot of sacrifice. I just want to know if there are other travelers that do the same.

tazzyjo · Nov 20, 2009

I travel with 2 cocker spaniels and it all depends on where you are planning on going how dog friendly places are. I've primarily done CA and AZ in my travels and with the exception of Santa Barbara had no problem with the agency finding me a place that takes dogs. Just remember some places have size as well as breed restrictions, you may have to pay a pet deposit and a monthly pet rent. My stint in Santa Barbara had me commuting from Ventura (up to 1 hour one way, depending on traffic) as I could not locate my own housing in Santa Barbara that would allow for pets. Good Luck, you'll love having the companionship of the dog!

DavidPDX · Nov 21, 2009

I am on a travel assignment and was given a stipend. I work 8 hour shifts and have my 6lb chihuahua with me. I found my own housing at a hotel and they allowed me to have my dog. Not glamorous living but quiet and safe and my dog is trained to use a "potty pad". It seems to be working well for me. Not sure if there is a big difference if you have a larger dog or not? I am glad to have my pet with me - especially since I don't know anybody here and it is a small town.

lilmeg1016 · Dec 29, 2009

I have a little Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and she is the world's best travel companion. When I got her, I originally wanted to get a lab or a golden, as I love them and feel very safe with them. But the more research I did on traveling with pets, the harder I felt it would be to travel with big dog. Most apartment complexes have weight restrictions, not allowing anything larger than 30-50 lbs, especially in big cities. I know it's the trend in LA to charge a pet deposit ($500+, usually refundable), as well as $50/mo pet RENT that will come out of your own pocket. (I thought that was crazy, but hey, I'm in LA- most things are). Also, don't forget how EXPENSIVE a new puppy is- vaccinations, toys, crates, yadda yadda. Plus, I couldn't imagine packing up everything I own in my little car, plus trying to squeeze a 75lb dog & all her stuff in there too. It was bad enough with a 15lb-er on my lap trekking across country!

So back to the choice of breed. I chose the Cavalier because they are known as great companions and the world's best lap dog. They really don't care about the enviroment they are in (i.e. don't mind moving around), as long as their owner is closeby. I had just recently gotten out of a long term relationship, too, and wanted something that could take care of me, just as much as I could take care of it! My little Bella has done just that. Yes, it was hard intially to potty train being gone 12 hours, 3 days a week, but she eventually got it. I leave her in the bathroom with a "potty pad" while I'm gone, and she is just fine! Loves her long walks on the beach to tire her out before I go into work.

Good luck finding a furry friend!

emadore · Jul 3, 2014

Crating your dog is not cruel. It's actually safer. They don't like it at first but eventually it becomes "their room" and they love it. They'll go in there on their own. They also get used to the 12 hour shifts. I always put a pad in the kennel - just in case and of course water. I have happy dogs!

LadyTiger44 · Jul 4, 2014

I travel with my little shih tzu. I have a boyfriend now, but when I first started I didn't. She was fine with a puppy pad. I agree though, maybe consider something smaller. Plus, look at rescue dogs. A lot of times they come potty trained if they are a little older.

niknak25 · Aug 27, 2014

This is my first assignment that I was able to bring my boys. I don't regret it at all. The first assignment was a quick move and across country and I chose to leave them bc it would have prob been very hard on them. I am now in NC and couldn't be happier with the. I found my own housing and had lots of options. I have a 10 lb schnauzer and 80 lb blue heeler/lab. I do work 12 hr shifts nights. My boys seem to do fine. I walk them multiple times a day and then they sleep while I'm at work. Then they sleep again when I get home :) I do like the idea of a sitter/dog walker but if you work nights how does this work they come after you go into work?! I do take them to day care on some days If it seems like I haven't been able to get them out as much as I would like due to weather or whatever! On my days off I make it a point to explore and take them with me! My boys are 9 and 4 and i don't feel like it's cruel at all. I felt it was cruel leaving them behind. There is nothing better then coming home to that wagging tail!!! In all I would say...adopt a dog they will change your life!!!

alkhalfcambo · Sep 22, 2016

You're the first person I've seen who travels and works nights. I'm going to travel in the next year and have two boxers that I'm crate training now in anticipation of traveling. I've only left them in there a max of three hours so far....we're getting there. I'd love to know more about the walk/feed routine you do with yours when you're working. Everyone so far has told me to hire a dog walker bit I work nights!