Advice

10 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog

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Bringing Your Four-Legged Friend on Assignment

Dogs are not only the best friends we could ask for, but they become an extension of our families and make excellent travel companions! However, traveling with a dog requires some planning, and many healthcare travelers aren't sure where to begin when considering bringing their pup(s) on assignment. To get the insider scoop, best tips, and tricks, we asked our FlexCare RN, Therapy, and Allied travel clinicians who love adventuring with their furry friends for advice on traveling with a dog. Check out the following for the top 10 tips for traveling with a dog as a healthcare clinician. 

Do you travel with your furry friend? In honor of National Dog Day, FlexCare is giving away exclusive doggy swag! Read to the end to find out how you can score some for your pup! 

  1. Car Ride Prep
    If you’re in for a long car ride, prepare your dog! Get them comfortable with being in a car and be prepared if they become anxious. Tools like ThunderShirts may help!
     
  2. Crate Training
    Consider crate training your dog. Crates give your dog their own space and help alleviate anxiety.
     
  3. Find a Sitter and/or Walker
    Use apps like Rover or Wag to find a sitter you can count on before you arrive.
     
  4. Dog-Friendly Housing & Accommodations 
    Use sites like FurnishedFinder or BringFido to find dog-friendly housing and accommodations. 
     
  5. Keep It Fun
    Only bring a few toys with you and rotate them weekly, so they always feel "new." Bonus Tip: use BarkBox for a monthly delivery of toys and treats.

     

  6. Bring Home with You
    Bring your dog's favorite blanket or something to remind them of home! This will help alleviate any uneasiness they may have in new locations.
     
  7. Microchips
    Ensure your dog is microchipped and their tags are up to date with your latest contact info.
     
  8. Vaccinations & Records
    Bring copies of your dog’s vaccinations. From housing to doggy daycare, it’s best to always have a digital or hard copy of your dog’s vaccinations.
     
  9. Doggy Duffle Bags
    Designate a doggy duffle bag. Having a specific bag for all dog-related items will make packing easy!
     
  10. Play by the Rules
    Don’t wrongfully claim your dog as an Emotional Support Animal. This tactic will only result in more difficult travel for everyone!

Do you have a dog that joins you on your travel assignments? We would love to celebrate them! FlexCare is giving away exclusive doggy swag for traveling pups – check out the details below for how to score yours:   1. Post a picture or video on Instagram of you and your dog together 2. Tag @FlexCareMedicalStaffing in the post 3. Include a caption noting what you love most about traveling with your dog 4. Add #FlexCareFurFriends to your post for a bonus!    That’s it! The first 150 submissions from FlexCare travelers will receive a special National Dog Day swag box! Giveaway ends September 6th; all entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM 09/06/22.

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Team FlexCare

Since 2006, FlexCare Medical Staffing has become a nationwide leader in travel nursing, allied health, therapy, and LVN / LPN staffing services for top healthcare facilities. With office locations in Roseville, California and Charlotte, North Carolina, FlexCare is committed to creating a transparent environment that prioritizes clinician experience. As a result, industry authorities like BluePipes, Staffing Industry Analysts, and Travel Nursing Central continually recognize FlexCare as a top healthcare staffing company.