Top 5 tips for traveling with your Pet

Pets are like family members; part of traveling the country and enjoying new places means enjoying them with your pets. For many travel nurses, traveling with their furry friends is non-negotiable. Plus, many travel nurses rely on their pets for emotional support after grueling shifts in the healthcare space.

For landlords, the decision to allow pets can be a hot-button topic. Often, landlords of furnished rentals choose not to allow pets because they fear increased instances of damage to their furniture, floors, and property overall.

As an experienced landlord, here are five tips for traveling with your pet that create a win-win experience for you, your pets, and the landlords whose homes you are occupying. I asked both travel nurses and landlords for their best advice and am thrilled to share their wisdom.

1. Bring your own blankets and furniture covers

Bringing your own blankets, throws, and furniture covers do more than protect furniture. For example, your pet will recognize the familiar item and draw comfort from it. If they see their favorite blanket draped across an unfamiliar couch, they’re likely to gravitate to what feels safe.

Additionally, by doing this, you are creating a barrier of protection for the furniture in the unit. Using a blanket or furniture cover prevents hair buildup, odor, and potential accidents.

Since furniture covers are not compatible with every single couch, it’s best to use a heavy-duty blanket that your pet appreciates. If your pet has a bed, even better! You can layer their bed on top of the blanket for ultimate protection and comfort for your pet.

Another great tip is to bring waterproof pet mats. These can be added to places like your dog’s crate, under your pet’s water bowl, or under a litter box. That way, when something gets spilled (and with pets, some things always get spilled!), you don’t have to worry about causing damage.

2. Have your own pet-specific cleaning supplies

Ah, cleaning. Most issues between travelers with pets and landlords come down to cleanliness. As any pet owner knows, pets require specific supplies to keep your space in top-notch shape. Here are three items to add to your travel bag for your next stay: ,

1. Carpet cleaner: These are sold in plastic bottles with a coarse-bristle head attached to the product. This makes it easy to remove, deodorize, and clean stains from carpets or upholstery.
2. Lint rollers: Sometimes even the best vacuum has trouble keeping up with what a lint roller can accomplish in a few simple swipes. Lightweight and practical, lint rollers are excellent for removing hair from couches, rugs, beds, floors, or whatever surface your pet has graced
3. Odor remover: Several powder products can be sprinkled on carpet and upholstery, left for a few minutes, and vacuumed up. The product penetrates the fibers and cleans from the inside without the hassle of a large carpet cleaner

For cat owners, a small handheld vacuum or handheld broom and dustpan set work wonders for tidying loose litter.

The bottom line: even a few small steps to clean the unit throughout your stay (and before your departure) make a huge difference. Better yet, guests can ask their landlord to hire their cleaner for monthly or biweekly cleanings during their stay. Landlords will love to hear their guests are taking pride in the unit.

3. Travel with your pet’s favorite toys and supplies

Those knowledgeable about training pets know that the antidote to fear is…distraction! A new environment for your pet could cause anxiety. What better way to help with that than to distract them? Bring your pet’s favorite toys and familiar supplies to show them that your new home is still their home, too.

For dogs, this might be their favorite crate, chew toy, stuffed animal, or blanket. Think of items that bring your dog joy, especially while you are gone. KONG makes rubber chew toys that can be stuffed with peanut butter to keep your pup entertained for longer stretches of time.

For cats, this might be their favorite plush bed, scratching post, or window cling (you can purchase the kind that suction-cups right to the window—no installation required!). Cats love to observe the room from high places, so attaching a window cling will not only make them feel safe but will allow them to gaze at birds all day long. And, of course, sunbathe. If you’re unsure what items to bring, think like a pet. If you were your pet, what would make you feel comfortable? What things would you need to feel safe in a new space? With some extra thought and care, your pet will thrive in new environments.

If you’re unsure what items to bring, think like a pet. If you were your pet, what would make you feel comfortable? What things would you need to feel safe in a new space? With some extra thought and care, your pet will thrive in new environments.

4. Use consistency to help your pet transition

In a world of ever-changing surroundings, consistency is key for your pet.

In a world of ever-changing surroundings, consistency is key for your pet. Keep everyday products like food, litter, and supplements the same during your travels. This prevents upset tummies and unnecessary stress. If you need to switch up your pet’s food, do so gradually as opposed to cold turkey (and, of course, consult with your vet before making any big dietary changes).

If your pet is prone to anxiety, it helps to use plug-in pheromones to regulate their system. Not only do the pheromones relieve stress, but they also have the ability to curb unwanted behaviors.

5. Don’t be afraid to invest in help

Traveling with a pet can be overwhelming. The good news? Help is available!

For example, many travelers invest in cleaning services once per month during their stay. Not only does this take the burden of cleaning off the traveler (meaning more time to relax and recharge between shifts), but it helps keep the property in tip-top shape.

If you need recommendations for local cleaning teams, your landlord is a great place to start. They likely have relationships with several cleaners in the area. Plus, since you are inquiring about touch-up cleanings throughout your stay as opposed to one large cleaning at the end of your stay, you might even receive the service at a discounted rate. Another bonus is that your landlord will know how proactive you are about keeping the space tidy, which creates a win-win relationship.

If you prefer to be more hands-on, rent a carpet cleaner to touch up the carpet and upholstery at the end of your stay.

Another way to outsource help is to hire a dog walker or pet sitter during long shifts. Travel nurses often work longer hours than most, and it can be stressful knowing you have a pet at home relying on you to take him/her out for potty breaks. Rover is a great resource for connecting you to local caretakers. You can choose the level of care you’d like for your pet and even schedule a meetup before hiring them to ensure that everyone feels comfortable.

Traveling with pets can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking a few extra steps, you can ensure a positive experience for you, your pet, and your landlord as you move from space to space. Just think: if we all took a little extra care (landlords included!), imagine the impact it could have.