If you want to work as a traveler in the healthcare industry, but are hesitant to leave your pet behind, you’re far from alone.
These days, many working people are just too attached to their furry friends to be separated. And pet ownership is up across the U.S.; Statista determined that 68 percent of all American households owned pets in 2017, up from 56 percent in 1988.
“Bringing your pets along on assignment allows you to bring your best friend, in many cases,” advises Sarah Wengert on Travelnursing.com. “You have a companion and a connection to home that is absolutely invaluable.”
Fortunately, many agencies are now dedicated to offering or helping you find pet-friendly accommodations during your assignments. Here are some suggestions for finding appropriate housing — and making it work for all involved — when you want Fido or Fluffy to join you on your next job.
- Because your agency has the time and resources to conduct housing research, it’s probably your best bet for finding you a place. Typically, agencies will help place you in long-term hotel stays with hotels they already have strong partnerships with, and they'll know who is, and is not, pet-friendly and save you the hassle.
- In many other cases, your housing options will be more limited with a pet. For example, you may not have access to a shared yard if other tenants in your complex aren’t as pet friendly. And you probably won’t see amenities like new carpet or hardwood floors; landlords tend to save such features for pet-free rentals.
- Try Craigslist, AirBnB, VRBO and similar services for alternative pet-friendly options. Online sites such as FurnishedFinder.com or this Facebook site may act as additional resources.
- Read the fine print before signing any housing agreement offered by your agency or another organization. Many landlords and rental companies require pet deposits or related fees in addition to the first and last month's rent amounts, and they will charge you for certain kinds of damage. Many also have specific rules about pets, limiting them to two dogs or cats of smaller weights and prohibiting breeds considered aggressive.
Talk to OneStaff Medical about finding an assignment, and a temporary pet-friendly home, that meets your needs. We're here to help streamline the entire travel process for you, it's what we do. We have Housing Specialists that are experts in that realm. So, are you ready to travel? Let's dance.