Traveling with your dogs

bagladyrn, RN · May 15, 2012

Traveling with 3 animals may prove problematic as many rentals which allow pets do restrict it to 2 pets and most have restriction on the size of the dog. You also need to consider the cost of pet deposits per animal every 3 months - not always fully refundable.

One option that some pet owners have found workable is to travel in an RV.

chicagotoots · May 16, 2012

There's the issue of "pet rent" which are charged monthly for the ability to have your pets with you as well as pet deposits which are usually non refundable. Consider also the cost of staying in motels which often only allow no more then two animals while traveling to/from assignments. We travel with a large lab and find that our housing is not as good as it was before we had the dog and often farther away from the hospital. Unless you have someone with you that will be able to care for the pets, it may prove too difficult with new environments, long shifts at work, and the $ and hassel involved. Good luck!

swansonmail · May 16, 2012

Thank you! We do have an RV but no truck to pull it...I guess I should start looking for pet sitters in my area.

swansonmail · May 16, 2012

It sounds like I should leave them with someone until after a few assignments...thanks for the input. Out of curiosity, how much is the average monthly pet rent per animal? My husband and two kids would come along to watch them. Thanks!

pdrgeez · May 22, 2012

I have been traveling with two dogs for about 3-4 years now. One thing that I've learned is: do NOT pay outrageous pet deposits. You may never get them back. The best thing that I can recommend is a Bissell QuickSteamer for your rugs. It works miracles. Try to shop for the best pet rates....don't be discouraged by people who "badmouth" pets. It is becoming more the norm now. My dogs have stayed in both hotels and apartments with me - and they are my comfort and my family. I do have a human family that is now grown, but my dogs are part of the "package". I've had furniture rental places comment on how wonderful the furniture looks when it is returned....and I have had "weirdo" neighbors complain. But my dogs are reasonable - they do not bark interminably and they are loving. One of my dogs is a little excitable - a chihuahua - but he is also very smart. He does not want "bad press" from me - so he does what he can to get along. Just remember to keep their surroundings as pleasing as you can. My dogs travel with a "potty patch" than they can go to if they become desperate. They way, it avoids them soiling the carpets.

swansonmail · May 25, 2012

I am seriously contemplating becoming a traveling nurse but have a cat, a small dog and a large dog...I know housing stipends can be used toward boarding them, but I want them with me...how realistic is it to find a place that will accept them (in any state)? Any good ideas or recommendations? I live in Florida and am very flexible as to where I can go. Thank you!

Thank you, pdrgeez, for your good advice!

pdrgeez · May 25, 2012

You are welcome Swansonmail!

I've had lots of tips from other travelers, so we just have to share it to take away the anxiety that comes from not knowing. I have a small Shark vacuum with a chargeable battery that comes apart into 3-4 pieces that I can stick in my trunk....and a Bissell Quicksteamer that is lightweight and travels easily and does a great job. The newest model that is all red - I bought it from Amazon ("The Zon"!) for about $88....and the Shark I got at WalMart for about $60. The Potty Patch I paid $34. for at PetSmart, but it's also on The Zon! I remember my first assignment, the recruiter took $600. out of my first pay for pet deposit and I was crushed! Not necessary - you can negotiate it - and that is really unreasonable as far as most people are concerned. Good luck with your crew! I just adopted a cockatiel at Xmas time (I'm very softhearted, and my old 23 year old cockatiel died two years ago and I've missed him)...and I told my latest travel company about him and they said: "bring the bird along!"

I did hear a story about a traveler who had a huge dog (Great Dane), a parrot and an Iguana who had to pay a decent pet deposit, though....

pdrgeez · May 25, 2012

....and a lot of travel companies will pay the pet deposit for you.

swansonmail · Jun 6, 2012

Dear Pdrgeez,

I did not mention we also have 12 chickens...any suggestions? LOL

Awesome that you get to travel with your bird!

swansonmail · Jun 6, 2012

What's your experience with Fastaff? Any particularly pet-friendly company?

pdrgeez · Jun 7, 2012

Have you seen the Foster Farms commercial?? Just make sure you're not speeding and that your chickens look healthy.