You’re ready to bring your nursing skills on the road with you, but you’re wondering what to do about your beloved pooch. Or maybe you’re a seasoned travel nurse and the time has come to choose the faithful companion you’ve been longing for.
But, is travel nursing with a dog even a thing?
You bet!
And while there are tons of breeds who can comfortably hit the road or hop on a plane, we’re going to share the top 10 best dogs for travel nurses in this blog.
Table of Contents
- Can You Be a Travel Nurse With a Dog?
- Top 10 Best Dogs for Travel Nurses
- Travel Nursing With a Dog: Tips and Tricks
- 3 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Breed
- Are You Interested in Travel Nursing With a Dog? Contact Trusted Nurse Staffing to Learn More About Your Options
Can You Be a Travel Nurse With a Dog?
Yes! Not only is travel nursing with a dog a great way to ensure companionship on the road, but it’s also an added safety feature for single travelers in new cities.
The best dogs for travel nurses are usually those with patient and obedient personalities who don’t need constant attention.
After all, you will be working 12-hour shifts, so choosing the right companion matters. Below, we explore the top 10 best dogs for travel nurses and what you need to consider when taking your best friend on the road with you.
Top 10 Best Dogs for Travel Nurses
#1: Pomeranian
Not only do Pomeranians have a cuteness factor of a thousand, but they’re also highly compact and can fit into a medium bag for easy getting around. They also won’t need to be stored in the carriage of the plane.
However, all that extra fluff means a lot of extra shedding.
Keeping your pom on a regular grooming schedule will cut down on having to deal with hair all over your rental.
#2: Labrador Retriever
Labs are fiercely loyal and so much fun to be with. Perfect for nurses with active outdoor lifestyles, a labrador retriever is happy to hop in the back seat and follow you on all of your excursions.
Labs love to exercise, so hiring a dog walker might be in your best interest. But your reward will be a happy pooch waiting faithfully at your door after a long shift.
#3: Chihuahua
Small, portable, and easy to care for, chihuahuas make fantastic travel nursing pets! Not only do they require very little exercise, but you also don’t need to pack a ton of food for chihuahuas as they only eat about half a cup to one cup of food daily.
Chihuahuas are loyal, fun, and compact, making them one of the best dogs for travel nurses.
#4: Yorkshire Terrier
Cute as a button, highly social, and perfect for nurses who love an urban lifestyle. Yorkies can literally go anywhere, whether it’s to the local cafe for your morning coffee, or to the dog park where she’s sure to make friends.
And what’s best is that these dogs are extremely compact, making them easy to travel with, no matter your method of transportation or your final destination.
#5: Golden Retriever
This dog is ready for adventure and always up for a road trip. If you love spending your days off at the water or on the hiking trail, your golden retriever is sure to follow.
They’re also a very trainable and obedient breed, which means they aim to please and likely won’t chew up your rental when you’re on shift.
Be aware, they are energetic, so plenty of walks and exercise between shifts will keep this faithful friend from acting out.
#6: Maltese
Maltese top the charts as one of the best dogs for travel nurses because they are incredibly low maintenance and the quintessential lap dog.
They love to sleep, which makes it easy to leave them alone for long periods — and far less likely that they’ll chew anything while you’re gone!
They are a long-haired breed, so daily brushing is necessary to keep them looking and feeling their best.
#7: Boston Terrier
They’re droolers, but they’re also perfectly content to snooze the day — or night — away while you’re on shift.
These kid-friendly pooches make great companions for travel nurses because they’re very trainable and easy to care for.
But, the short nose on these dogs means they probably shouldn’t fly as they can asphyxiate on planes due to narrow airways.
#8: French Bulldog
This laidback canine is just as happy to be left alone for a long snooze as he is to get outside and run around the dog park with some furry friends.
They’re low maintenance and don’t require much grooming, making them one of the best dogs for travel nurses who love road trips.
Snub-nosed dogs don’t do well on flights, though. So just like all brachycephalic dogs, they are prone to respiratory problems. You should stick to airlines that allow them in-flight or destinations that can be reached by car.
#9: Portuguese Water Dog
This non-shedding breed is a playful companion who loves being outdoors and spending time with family.
They love to swim, so choosing locations with lakes, ponds, or rivers for your pooch to enjoy will ensure his happiness.
They’re easy to train, aim to please, and ready to hit the road with their best friend.\
#10: Mutts
Mutts not only make fantastic pets but saving a dog from a shelter ensures you’ll have a forever friend.
Choose a mutt that is a combination of breeds that are great to travel with and you’ll have a companion that’s ready for adventure.
Travel Nursing With a Dog: Tips and Tricks
No one wants to start their travel nursing adventure with a doggie disaster, so make your life easier by following a few of our tips and tricks for travel nursing with a dog.
Get Your Documentation in Order
Schedule a trip to your vet in advance of travel to ensure that all of your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and to ensure that he’s fit and healthy for travel.
Both airlines and certain states will have documentation requirements, such as a health certificate.
In addition, you’ll want to consider time frames for obtaining the certificate as it will vary from airline to airline.
Be ready to take your dog for diagnostic testing and to administer any medications before your flight.
Be Prepared
Being well-prepared for traveling with your pooch will make the process much smoother. Along with documentation, these supplies will be necessary for the trip:
- Food, water, and treats
- Favorite dog toys
- Harness, collar, and leash
- Airline approved travel crate
- Dog car seat or seat belt; and
- Motion sickness medication
In addition to these basics, consider whether you’ll require extra luggage to bring along larger items, such as a dog bed or dishes, or whether you plan to purchase those upon arrival.
Consider Hiring a Dog Walker
Most nursing assignments will require long shifts, which leaves your furry friend home alone for extended periods.
Hiring a local dog walker with good references will give you peace of mind knowing that your pooch has the opportunity to do his business and get some much-needed exercise and socializing.
Find Local Activities Your Dog Will Enjoy
Does your dog love nature? Maybe a trip to the beach?
Seek out local dog parks or doggie daycare in advance of your move and make arrangements to explore the new sights and smells with your canine companion.
Choosing locations that are suitable to your dog’s lifestyle preferences will ensure an enjoyable time for you both.
3 Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Breed
In addition to preparations, there are a few other factors to consider before travel nursing with a dog.
If you haven’t taken your dog on an assignment with you yet, keep these things in mind as you begin your journey.
#1: Your Activity Level and Lifestyle
Be honest with yourself about your level of activity and the kind of lifestyle you’re accustomed to.
Many times, people think that a new city will mean a new lifestyle. This is not usually the case.
If you love to curl up with a book and a coffee on your days off, then choosing a dog that requires a lot of attention just won’t work.
If you’re adventurous and want to hike the mountains in Colorado or explore the Grand Canyon, then a pomeranian won’t be your best companion.
Matching your personality to your potential new best friend will make for a more meaningful and pleasurable life together — whether or not you’re on the road.
#2: Your Location and Accommodations
Will you have roommates? Are you planning to find your own boarding? Does the travel nursing agency allow pets?
These are all things to consider when travel nursing with a dog.
The best accommodations will allow pets, of course, but will also be conducive to the dog you have.
Lazy lapdog? Maybe an apartment with a balcony where your dog can enjoy laying outside without actually having to do much.
Active pooch? Finding a property with a yard might be beneficial.
Consider all of your options, and speak to your travel nursing agency in advance for advice on finding the best housing options for you and your dog.
Travel Nursing to Hawaii With Dogs
It’s no secret that travel nurses love Hawaii. We don’t blame them!
But, Hawaii has unique and strict requirements when traveling with pets, so be sure to check for updated information here before you board your flight to the beautiful beaches and volcanoes of the islands.
#3: Training Your Dog
It’s not recommended to hop on a flight or take a road trip with an untrained dog. If your dog is new to you — especially puppies — consider taking some training classes first.
Puppies are difficult to manage and need way more attention than adult dogs. The proper training will make all the difference in travel nursing with a dog.
Are You Interested In Travel Nursing With a Dog? Contact Trusted Nurse Staffing to Learn More About Your Options
Travel nursing is a rewarding career, there’s no doubt about that. But travel nursing with a dog can make the experience all that more enjoyable.
If you’re thinking about hitting the road with your pooch, or you’re already nursing and plan to get a dog, speak to one of our recruiters at Trusted Nurse Staffing.
We are here to make your journey a unique and memorable experience with your dog. Contact us today and we’ll answer any questions and give you the best guidance on travel nursing pets.