Traveling with pets can be very rewarding as a travel tech, but it does present unique challenges that you need to consider.
We’ll take a look at the good and the bad, how to make it work, and a few things to consider if you do decide traveling with your fluffy loved ones is something you just can’t live without.
Pros of Traveling with Pets
Companionship
Bringing along that little fluff will definitely make traveling solo that much better! If you’re traveling with a partner or some kids, well, the party just got even better.
There is just something special about the human pet relationship.
Their companionship will help you through the hard days during your challenging assignments. The good days will be that much better!
Protection
Having a dog can be especially great if you’re in an unfamiliar area. This could be that you’ve rented in a place you don’t know yet, or even in an undesirable area.
Remember, crime happens in the nicest of areas, too!
However, your fluffy companion could make a shady character thing twice about messing with you or your stuff.
A Home Feels More Like Home
It can be difficult to spend months away from your familiar space.
Bringing along your beloved pets will make that home in a new city feel that much more homey!
Traveling with Pets: How To
RV Life
Traveling in a RV is likely going to give you the most freedom when it comes to traveling with pets.
There are a lot of pros to using an RV for travel work, including:
- You pet becomes familiar with the space and experiences less anxiety
- You don’t have to sacrifice your money on pet fees or pet rent
- Traveling long distances will be more comfortable for your pet
- Storage of your pet’s food and medication can take up space in the RV, not your vehicle
Keep in mind that RV parks tend to fill up fast these days, and it is very possible they will be a further distance from your assignment than an apartment.
However, the added flexibility is always going to be a positive for you and your fur children.
As a reminder, it is always wise to check housing options in an area BEFORE you submit to an assignment.
Extended Stays
If you can’t find ANYTHING in the area that allows pets then odds are your local Extended Stay hotel will house you… with a few caveats that we will discuss.
First, the Extended Stay is going to be, hand down, more expensive over the course of your assignment compared to an apartment or RV park.
Here are two recommendations to help you handle this increased expense:
- Don’t book the Extended Stay for the entire duration of your assignment.
- Go month to month if you’re able to so that you can keep an eye out for more comfortable housing in the area. If it does, jump on it!
- Check the Furnished Finder website to see if that Extended Stay is listed! Many of them are and they give discounts to travel techs who contact them through Furnished Finder.
- See if you can find a discount code and call the Extended stay to confirm the discounted rate. This could cut your cost per night IN HALF in some cases!
Second, there is a chance that an Extended Stay might be more dangerous. Just something to keep in mind.
Third, you are likely going to be paying extra fees, including:
Additional Pet Rent
This amount is tacked onto your monthly rent. You will pay an extra dollar amount each and every month. I have seen this range from $0 to $50 extra per month in some cases.
Pet Deposit
This is a REFUNDABLE deposit just in case Fido eats half the carpet or makes too many “messes”.
Pet Fees
A fee is typically NON REFUNDABLE. This is similar to a cleaning fee, so don’t expect to get this money back at the end.
Don’t let these deposits and fees scare you away from an Extended Stay, as you’re probably going to see them at other places you’re looking to rent.
Just be aware that they do exist, and get those numbers BEFORE you sign anything.
Unfurnished Apartments
Unfurnished apartments are a viable options because many apartments allow pets these days! Keep in mind that many apartment complexes will have weight and breed restrictions in place.
Call the office or check the website of the apartment building you’re interested in before starting your application.
There are a few things you should keep in mind when looking at unfurnished apartments as a potential option.
First, and to reiterate, some apartment complexes have weight and breed restrictions.
Second, unfurnished apartments tend to be more expensive as you are responsible for more things, including:
- Pet rent, fees, and deposits
- Electric, gas, and internet
- Most of your utilities will be included in the cost of rent for something like a Furnished Finder or AirBnB.
- Higher than advertised rent
- Most apartments want you to sign a 12 month lease, and will raise monthly rent on 3 or 6 month lease terms for the same unit.
- Application fees
- Cost to furnish the apartment
- There are ways to do this on the cheap that we will discuss in a future post!
Furnished Finder or AirBnB
It may be difficult to find either that will allow you to have pets, but I have seen Furnished Finder rentals that are flexible about this.
Unfortunately, AirBnB has removed the “pet friendly” option in the search terms, so you’ll just have to reach out to the host directly. Always be sure to read the description before you start firing off messages to everyone and their brother.
However, if you are unable to find either a furnished finder or AirBnB in the area that does not allow pets it is worth asking a few of your top picks if they would CONSIDER it in your case.
Let the host know that you’re willing to pay ADDITIONAL MONIES whether that be a deposit, fee, or more rent to allow your furry friend to live with you during your assignment.
Agency Provided Housing
If all else fails you can let your agency find housing for you.
Make it VERY CLEAR that you will be traveling with pets, and give them details about your pets so they can find appropriate housing. Some apartments do have breed and weight limits.
Keep in mind that if you go this route you will be sacrificing your entire housing stipend.
Want to read more about how to find the best housing as a travel tech?
Check out Part 7 and Part 8 of the Getting Started with Travel Work Series!
Cons of Traveling with Pets
Multiple Deposits
Remember that each new contract you travel to will likely involve paying extra deposits, and possibly non-refundable fees.
This can eat into your take home pay, but we all know traveling with your pet is worth it!
Pet Rent
You’re likely going to pay more each month to have housing that allows your furry friend.
I have seen pet rent range from $0 (my favorite) all the way up to $50+ per month! Make sure you know how much you will be paying before you sign that lease.
Flying is More Difficult
If you hate driving, or maybe just love flying, then taking your pet is going to make things a little more complicated.
Yes, you can fly with your pet, but do you want to do that every few months?
Consider the stress placed on your pet. We will talk about some things to consider when traveling with your pets below.
Things to Consider When Traveling with Pets
Up to Date Vaccinations
Keep a record of your pet’s vaccinations and have them ON HAND.
Many apartments will require this information in addition to a meet and greet at some apartment complexes.
Get Negotiations in Writing
If you negotiate anything with a host that isn’t in their standard lease then get that negotiation IN WRITING!
Nothing verbal is ever legitimate.
Even an email addendum to the lease will suffice.
TSA Approved Carriers
If you choose to fly with your pet make sure you are flying with a TSA approved carrier.
Also, be aware there are typically fees associated with flying your fluffball to your next destination.
Anxious Pets
Consider discussing your future as a travel tech with your vet, and see if they have any recommendations to make this a more comfortable process for them.
This might involve a prescription medication to calm their nerves before long drives or flights.
New to Travel Work?
Visit our entire travel work series here.