Top Five Tips for Dog Travelers

This is for not just any traveler, but specifically traveling healthcare workers. However, if you travel a lot for other types of work; this is also probably a SUPER helpful read! In my days as a traveler I’ve learned the importance of being SUPER persistent for finding housing, ways to find the best doggy daycares, ways to help make the transition between jobs smooth for Chloe and how to keep veterinarian and training paperwork close at hand. Most importantly though, Chloe and I have learned to be where we are, or we will miss our life (pretty sure Ghandi says that?) and embarking on adventures is the best part of traveling!

Tip #1: Be A Housing Shark

You know that student who was always the annoying over-achiever? The one who called professors days in a row to double check facts? Well, that’s the best way to tackle the housing hunt with your dog!

I recommend:

Furnished Finders, Airbnb, Craigslist, Facebook Groups, Facebook Marketplace, Hipcamp.
Compile a list of all of your options with the pros/cons
Communicate constantly
Doggy Resumes always win

Tip #2: Diggin’ that Doggy Daycare

Some dogs do just fine spending a whole day at home before their walk and exercise. Most dogs, however, thrive off of having a couple days a week at daycare. You can find daycare using:

Literally Google! Look at the reviews and be sure they offer constant supervision for safety.
The Rover App is AWESOME, and I love to do meet and greets too.
Wag offers dog walking
Local Facebook Group Search for Dog Walkers or Dog Daycares

Tip #3: Relish in those Routines

Dogs thrive off of routine! Many dogs struggle with moves and feel their life was uprooted when they leave their homes for a different home. To avoid some regression and doggy sadness I recommend:

Food Schedule! Set an alarm for the food schedule, so you don’t forget to feed your dog despite time zone changes! They might remind you anyway.
Maintain your walking/exercise routine! If you’re a walker, don’t change the time of those walks. A fetcher, keep that fetch game. A mix of fetch/walks/bike rides and enrichment games- well you’ll be great at being a housing shark! Just kidding, that’s awesome! Just be sure to stick to those routines.

Tip #4: Paaaaaaperworrrrrk

I hope you all read that with an eye roll and a grimace. Because that’s how I wrote it. I hate paperwork. But it’s great to have your dog’s nicely organized, especially for those yearly veterinarian checks!

Health Insurance for your dog is SUCH a good idea. We use Embrace, and a $5,000 surgery only cost $250! Plus, it’s fun knowing that my dog has better health insurance than I do. 40$/month, well spent.
Keep a Binder and/or Google Docs folder of all of your dog’s Vaccinations. Digital versions are awesome, because who remembers to grab a binder in an emergency? Not me! And not Chloe unfortunately.
Some travelers use veterinarian chains, like Banfield, or VCA. This way whichever veterinarian you see, in whatever town in the world: they’ll have access to all of your pet’s info. It’s a pretty awesome option!

Tip #5: Embrace the Adventure!

There are so many fun, new things to see when you’re traveling around the country! From waterfalls, to painted hills; starry nights on a mountainside to ocean waves at sunrise. Your dog will love ALL of these things! Allow your dog the opportunity to explore and absorb the incredible activities you also love. Of course, be sure you can recognize when your pup is stressed, and needs a break as well. I use these strategies to find dog friendly activities:

Bring Fido! This app is AWESOME for dog friendly businesses near you, including hotels and restaurants!
All Trails does a great job mentioning if a hiking trail is pet friendly or not! They also describe the traffic as light, moderate or heavy; which can help decide if you’ll have a chance to run around with your dog off leash (because let’s be honest, who really holds the leash on hikes? It’s certainly not me.)
Freecampsites.net is a website I use constantly for camping! It’s awesome because if there is a camping spot near me, it is most likely deserted, beautiful and awesome for Chloe to explore.
Facebook events, farmers markets, outdoor seating at coffee shops and restaurants, outdoor festivals and typically most places that don’t serve food- all are usually pet friendly! Never hesitate to ask if you can have your pet with you; because the worst they can say is no.

Oregon to South Carolina to Massachusetts to Nevada…

You’re Traveling with your dog! You are awesome!

Those special moments when your dog is munching on a stick while you sit there watching them being adorable- to those incredible views out your window, the open road and a new adventure every few months- that is why we are traveling healthcare professionals! And the top of the paw, is enjoying every moment with our furry best friends.

I had an incredible weekend, chasing down adventure in the rural parts of Oregon! I hope you all did as well! As always, many happy tails and happy trails to you.

Barking Embarkers