Are you considering becoming a traveling healthcare professional, but you’re worried about what you will do with your pet? Maybe you are already a traveling therapist who dreams of the day you can bring a puppy home from the shelter. I have talked to many people who are nervous to partake in this traveling adventure when they have a pet. This post is to help you understand the benefits and challenges of traveling for work with a pet.
Challenge Number One: Housing
Airbnb in Maine 
Camper in Black Hills
I am a big fat cheater in this department, because I travel by camper. From my research, this is the easiest way to travel when you have a family or multiple pets. Campgrounds are typically family friendly, and as long as your pet doesn’t fall within the realm of an ‘aggressive breed’ (this is hogwash, in my opinion) most campgrounds accept dogs.
After I first found Chloe Rue, my family was nervous her papers would have rottweiler mix on them. We simply told the vet we thought she was a lab mix, and she liked to chase birds (which is completely true). Her papers say lab mix, and she is always accepted at campgrounds. It is a true mystery, the breed of Chloe Rue, but honestly it does not matter. If you socialize and train appropriately, all dogs are bred to be people lovers.
If the camper life isn’t for you, do not fear! Other options are here! I have successfully used Airbnb with the ‘pet friendly’ filter. The photo above is the airbnb Chloe and I stayed at in Maine over the winter. You can also call the chamber of commerce and ask for short term, pet friendly housing, post on the city facebook page, or use VRBO with the same pet friendly filter. Google searches, asking the local bar-man and talking to your co workers are other excellent strategies for housing! Many travelers are successful using these techniques. Chloe loved spending time at the farm in Maine!
Perk Number One: Adventure Buddy
I feel like this perk doesn’t need much of an explanation. I love to take solo adventures. From driving along the coasts, hiking in the most beautiful places in the country, finding pet friendly breweries or simply staying at home and having someone to talk to, a pet is an amazing companion when you are traveling as a health care professional. Chloe loves to explore this country as much as I do- can you imagine having that sense of smell, and the sensory experience of winter in Maine? Or hiking the rain forests of Oregon with the ferns brushing your face and mud seeping into your paws? Chloe is the best co-pilot and adventure buddy around.
Sugarloaf Trail, White Mountains, New Hampshire
Challenge Number Two: What does my dog do when I am at work all day?
This was my biggest fear when I decided to keep Chloe. Luckily, there are many options for dogs nowadays! We have used daycare services, Rover-walking services, and taken home health contracts where Chloe can come with all day. Many dogs are able to stay at home throughout the day, but I believe 4 hours is plenty long for a pet to stay in a crate. Many of the rural nursing homes I work are pet friendly as well, and as Chloe is training to be a therapy dog, she sometimes comes into the nursing homes.
Chloe has been a huge life saver for me, when it comes to avoiding burnout. Before I had Chloe, I worked a contract where 12 hour days were the norm. I was completely burnt out after this, and refused to ever work those long hours ever again. The best excuse to step away from work is having to pick up my dog from day care. Ever since I had Chloe, I have worked only 8 hour days, and even have taken lunch breaks. Cheers to having a reason to say no!
Perk Number Two: Safety
I am a solo, female traveling therapist, who lives in a camper. I feel like I should have a dog, who will bark when something approaches the camper. Don’t you?
Challenge Number Three: Where are all the Pet Friendly Areas?
If you are born and raised somewhere, you know which breweries are pet friendly, which areas allow dogs, where the ‘mean dog’ on the street is, and the best dog park in town. Luckily, technology has our side! I use google frequently to find dog parks in towns, as well as “BringFido” for pet friendly hotels, restaurants and areas. BarkBox has gotten into the habit of emailing me pet friendly areas with every move as well- so if you’re a subscriber, don’t forget to update that shipping address!
Perk Number Three: The Best Reason to get Outside Everyday
Since I’ve had Chloe, we have gone on morning and evening walks, as well as training time in off leash or fenced areas. Even though waking up at 7am every day might get old, I wouldn’t trade watching that sunrise while walking my pup for anything.
I hope this helps you decide if you can successfully bring your pet on a traveling health care adventure! Though there are challenges, I find the perks outweigh them by far, and have found there are many options available to make traveling with your pet successful. What challenges have you run across when traveling with your pet? What other perks have you discovered? Thank you for reading! Happy trails and Happy tails to you all.