Healthcare Traveler - February 2009 - (Page 8)

Paws for Thought Wave runners E N S U R I N G P E T H E A LT H AT H O M E A N D O N T H E R O A D When most people think of taking an assignment in a vacation destination, they often think of white sand beneath their feet and dogs retrieving pieces of driftwood from gentle ocean waves. Kim Kilmer I f you are thinking about taking Fido along to an assignment at the beach this year, you’re in luck. There are beaches from California to Maine, and Illinois to Texas, that will welcome visitors with well-behaved dogs. Resources or the National Park Service (www.nps.gov) for rules and regulations appropriate for each setting before you make the trip. Some do have unique features that you’ll need to be aware of prior to your visit. Safety considerations I, for one, take the sea and its inhabitants seriously. The last four times that I have ventured into the sea, I stepped on a crab, was whacked by a fish, got hit by a dead horseshoe crab, and was stung by a jellyfish. Ocean 4 – Kim 0! If you have a dog that enjoys being in the water, heed all warnings about high surf and currents as well as warnings for any sea creatures that you might not want your pet to encounter. Your best bet is never to turn your back on any body of water, but especially when you’re visiting the West Coast, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii, where the ocean’s wave heights and currents are particularly unpredictable and often dangerous for humans and pets that are not paying the utmost attention. It is also a good idea to research the types of local wildlife in the area before visiting the beach so you do not disturb mating seasons of creatures that live nearby. Of course, when visiting any beach environment, always take the tropical climate into consideration. Keep a close watch on your dog to make sure he does not become overheated and offer him a comfortable place to lie down in the shade, with plenty of fresh, cool water in an appropriate travel bowl. Store treats in a resealable bag, away from sunlight, blowing sand, and curious insects. Also, be sure your pet is properly vaccinated according to the protocol Ask Kim I am an RN who is very interested in traveling. I have two cats, which I don’t think will be a problem, and two dogs, who are pretty much our babies. Not bringing them with us would really not be an option. They are mediumsized; one is 40 pounds, the other, about 50 pounds. I am concerned about housing. Do travel companies offer options to RNs who travel with dogs of this size who would require a yard? Would a company be willing to work with us? — Angel Follow the rules Some of these beaches require leashes or have posted “pet allowed” hours or seasons. For example, I am close to Ocean City, Maryland, and both the beach and the boardwalk are open to pets on leashes from October to the end of April. Such is the case with many vacation beaches that have “off-seasons.” When visiting any beach environment, always take the tropical climate into consideration. Other beaches designate themselves as “dog beaches” where well-socialized pets that are under vocal control can enjoy some freedom. Many of these areas are in regions with eternal summers—or are highly trafficked tourist destinations. When considering the locale of your next assignment, keep in mind that a number of state and national parks—which often are close to beaches or include protected seashores—also allow pets. If you plan to visit a park, be sure to check with the state’s Department of Natural 8 Healthcare Traveler Febrruary 2009 When evaluating different travel companies, inquire specifically about their pet policies, including pet rent and deposits. Finding housing with a yard may depend on the geographic area and market availability. You may need to pay for this upgrade or you could receive a stipend to find your own lodging. Remember, too, that some housing complexes don’t accept animals. Those that do may have restrictions on breeds, size, and quantity of pets allowed. Optimally, your dogs should have good house manners, be housebroken, and have Canine Good Citizen certificates. » Attention travelers! Do you have a question for Kim? Send it to plederman@advanstar.com and it could appear in the next edition of “Paws for Thought.” www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.nps.gov http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - February 2009

Healthcare Traveler - February 2009 Editor’s Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes Med Ec-cerpts The Economic Meltdown What Really is a “Tax Home”? Beach Therapy Drug Update Professional Update Advice of Counsel Cityscape Advertisers’ Index Name It Contest Rules On Assignment Tax Facts Dot.com Big Deals Allied Corner Going the Distance Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - February 2009

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