Is it possible? And how do you do it? You have questions, we have answers
Yes, You Can Travel Nurse with Pets or Family – Here’s How
So, you’re dreaming of becoming a travel nurse – but you also have a beloved cat, dog, or even a family. Maybe all three! Travel nursing seems like the perfect way to combine work with adventure, but you’re probably wondering: Can I really bring my furry friends or loved ones along for the ride? The short answer is: absolutely.
The great news is that travel nursing with pets or family is totally possible. You don’t have to put your career or your loved ones on hold. The not-so-great news? It takes a little more planning, especially when it comes to housing and relocation logistics. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to help make the transition smoother.
Traveling with Pets
With many travel assignments include provided housing, not all are pet-friendly. But don’t panic – especially in larger cities, there are plenty of short-term rental options that welcome pets. Platforms like Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and even local property managers often have month-to-month leases that allow your furry companion to join you.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely be charged a pet deposit or monthly pet fee. If your agency-provided housing isn’t pet friendly and you choose to find your own accommodations, most travel nursing contracts will include a housing stipend to offset these costs.
It’s also important to consider how well your pet handles travel. If your dog isn’t a fan of long car rides or your cat get anxious during flights, it might be worth looking for assignments closer to home. For example, a trip from California to Oregon may be much more manageable than a cross-country move to New Hampshire.
Traveling with Family
Bringing your family along on assignment is also completely doable! If the provided housing doesn’t suit your family’s needs, you can search for alternative options that offer more space or amenities. Airbnb, travel nurse housing groups on social media, Craigslist, and property management companies are great starting points.
If you have school-aged children and you’re only planning to take one-short term assignment, the summer months might be the ideal time to travel. But if you’re taking a longer assignment and your kids attend traditional school, homeschooling or remote learning may be worth exploring.
And if relocating your whole family isn’t possible, there’s another solutions many travel nurses use: working close to home. By accepting assignment withing 100 miles of your residence, you can travel during the week and be home on your days off. Some nurses stay in Airbnbs or extended-stay hotels to make this setup work.
Final Thoughts
Travel nursing is an exciting way to see new places, grow professionally, and break free from routine. And when you bring your loved ones, furry or human, it can make the experience even more meaningful.
Yes, it takes extra planning. Yes, it may involve a few more logistics. But with the right support and mindset, it’s entirely possible and incredibly rewarding.
Ready to Start Your Travel Nursing Adventure?
Whether you’re brand new to travel nursing or searching for a staffing partner who understands your needs, TotalMed is here to help. Click here to join the TotalMed family and start building the travel nursing career, and lifestyle, you’ve been dreaming of.
