The best way to break in a new city is to bring something from the home base with you. What better item to bring than a four-legged, fluffy supporter? Leaving pets behind for weeks at a time is hard (especially since we can’t text them for updates on their day) – we’re lucky we have the option of traveling with pets, so take advantage!

    Travel Nurse Infographic
     
    If you need a little convincing to get on the road, read these four benefits to get you over the hump. Traveling with pets will surely make every travel assignment immediately feel like home.

    Avoid Cabin Fever

    With all that technology brings us, it’s very easy to learn a new city with a few app downloads like Zomato, AllTrails, Like a Local and Skip the Dishes, just to name a few. Chances are, the day (or night) shift will knock you out, but coming home to those sweet cabin-fever eyes will get you out of the house looking for a park to walk around.
     
     
    Finding a dog park or even pet store can be a great social networking activity for both you and the furries! This will familiarize you with other pet owners in the community and could spark some new out of office friendships.
    Plus, you can’t be 100% reliant on your pets to keep you social. Use them as leverage to get “in” on the community. Psychology Today says being social helps with the longevity of your life, strengthens physical and mental health, and lowers risk of dementia.

    Endless Non-Verbal Support

    Human friends are great for support, but if you’re new to the area, furry (or scaly) friends are the best support out there. Studies have even shown that pets are better at helping us reduce stress than human companions. According to Dr. Kay Judge and Maxine Barish-Wreden in the Seattle Times:
    “Pet owners had less stress and quicker recovery from stress when they were with their pets as compared to when they were with their spouse or friend.”
    Go on and on about the latest coworker gossip without being stopped by a complaint, because well, they can’t complain! Unless they just get up and walk away, that’s your sign enough is enough.

    In-Home Security

    Animals have a way of telling us when something isn’t right. Our animals have an instinctual need to keep their human friends safe, which is the best security blanket money can buy in any new place. Even in a safe neighborhood, a furry security alarm snoozing next to you will be far better than battling weird noises at night alone.

    You’re Automatically a “Local”

    If you’re out walking around your new neighborhood, you’re more likely to “blend in” if you have a dog with you.

    As Gigi Griffis, author at Dogster, says: “Having a dog with me, I’m immediately seen as someone who belongs, a local, a contributor to the city’s culture and economy…I feel like we’re part of the story, part of the landscape – not just observers.”

     
     
    This can help ease the discomfort that sometimes comes with learning the ropes in a new city. Instead of feeling like a frantic traveler, get the simple look and feel of a confident local.
     
    On your next assignment, try taking your furry friends with you, and we don’t want to be overly confident, but this is the best way to travel, every time! What better way to spend the holidays than with a peppy and supportive travel buddy.
    At Freedom Healthcare Services, we ensure you always have the opportunity to bring your dog, cat or other furry friend with you on your travel nursing assignment. See our open travel nurse jobs.
     
    Have experience traveling with pets? Tweet us your best (and worst) travel stories! @FreedomHCS

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