It’s been a long day at work – you’re tired, your feet hurt, you have a headache from the daily stresses from your job and you just want to get home and veg out on the couch with some take out and your favorite shows. However, when you walk through the door there is someone else waiting for you with another plan. You hear that all too familiar sound of your four-legged furry friend (or friends) running toward you. They suddenly throw themselves at you, roll over and beg for a tummy rub. No matter how long of a day it has been this scene can usually change any ill feelings from a bad day.
Our pets can teach us so many things like how to love unconditionally, or even though its been a long day that some cuddle time on the couch can make the day better. Pets become like family and should be treated as such. Especially when it comes to their healthcare. You and your family go to the doctor when you are sick, so should they. You visit the doctor for check-ups, so should they. You have health insurance for you and your family, and…so…should they? Well I’ll leave that one up to you to decide.
Can travel nurses have pets?
For those of you who are travel nurses you may be thinking, “Well I travel so much I can’t have a pet” – WRONG! You can! There are tons of options available to you when it comes to housing. However, just make sure to keep things fair for your pet. If you have a large-breed dog, living in an apt wouldn’t be fair to them since they need more room to run. Medical Solutions’ site has a great section on finding pet-friendly housing assignments. Just keep in mind a few tips when looking for pet-friendly housing:
- Know the difference between pet fees and pet deposits. Fees you won’t get back, deposits you may get partial, or full reimbursements.
- Breed restrictions – most apartment complexes will have breed restrictions. If you don’t already have a pet and are wanting to get one to travel with be sure to do your research on common breed restrictions.
- Relocation can be stressful for you but also your pet. Make sure to check into resources on how to make their transition easy.
Providing the right healthcare for your pet
With the demands of traveling and the stress of relocation may come some health complications. Your pet is going to need a really good vet wherever you end up. No, it’s not easy to know who to take your pet to when your new to an area and don’t know who is best. You can use resources like LocalVets.com or HealthyPet.com to begin your research. MyVeterinarian is another helpful resource to help you find a vet in your new area.
When you go to the doctor, or take your spouse or children to the doctor you want to go to someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Your veterinary experience should be no different for your pet.
Things to consider when looking for a vet in a new area:
- Be sure the vet is AAHA-accredited
- Don’t be afraid to switch vets, if you ever feel uncomfortable or feel that your pet is not receiving proper care.
- Questions! Questions! Questions! Don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions to the veterinary clinic.
- Recommendations – ask your fellow nurses if they have pets and where they go.
Paying for vet bills can be expensive, what about pet insurance?
Pet insurance exists? Yes, it does! Just as you consider health insurance for yourself and/or family members, you can consider insurance for your pet.
Veterinary care enables your pet to live a happy and healthy life. The expense, however, can be difficult to manage. The important thing to remember, is that although vet visits/expenses may not happen often but will you be prepared financially to take care of your pet if a need were to arise?
Just as there is with health insurance for yourself, there are many options and plans to consider for your pet.
VPI pet insurance offers multiple plans depending on how old your pet is, or the type of pet you own. They have a interactive survey that helps you choose which plan is best for you. There are other companies out there that offer pet insurance besides VPI, the important thing to remember is to find a plan that offers what you need and is affordable for you.
Things to consider when choosing a pet insurance plan:
- Just as you pay for a co-pay with your doctor visits, you will have to pay a co-pay at the vet. This also is the same for deductibles.
- Be sure the plan allows you to choose your own vet.
- Understand your plan – some plans cover simple things like vaccinations, some plans do not.
- Check with your vet about pet insurance – you may be able to purchase a plan from the clinic or they may be able to recommend a company to you.
Adopt! Adopt! Adopt!
On a personal note, if you are considering a pet to take with you during your travel assignments as a form of companionship or as a constant in your ever-changing life, consider adoption. Give a pet a chance at a healthy, happy life that they deserve.
Benefits of adoption:
- You will save their life, and in some cases they will save yours.
- Spaying/Neutering and current vaccinations will be taken care of for you.
- Save money – an adoption fee is far cheaper than paying hundreds or thousands of dollars on a pet that you will still have to take care of vaccinations and spay/neuter fees.
- You will have numerous options to choose from! So many different types of breeds will be available for you to pick.
