Whether you’re taking your pooch with you on a travel nursing assignment or are in the midst of planning your next adventure across the country, it’s great to have an idea of what’s around you. After all, according to Spots.com, about 63 million American households are homes to – you guessed it – dogs.
These apps provide the down-and-dirty about all things four-paws-friendly, from hotels to restaurants to parks and playdates:
1. BarkHappy
Available on iOS and Android, this location-based app connects users with everything dog-friendly, including dog parks, restaurants, lodging and more. You’ll have the chance to meet other pups (and their humans) in your area to meet up for a planned play date, and maybe even share a pup cup from Starbucks afterward!
2. BringFido
BringFido has nearly 20,000 reviews on iOS. It’s the go-to app for pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, trails, beaches, and more. Search hotels near you, and sort by distance, popularity, rating, and price. If you have a large dog or multiple dogs, simply utilize the filter feature to find accommodations that allow them. You can even narrow results to browse hotels that don't charge a pet fee!
In addition to hotels and dog-friendly parks, users can view a variety of local resources, such as dog walkers, groomers, sitters, veterinarians, and pet supply stores. Help out your fellow travelers by leaving reviews of your favorite pet-friendly attractions! This app is available on iOS and Android.
3. Rover
Hold on to your tails, folks! Between users on iOS and Android, Rover has nearly 300,000 reviews! The average rating on this app on iOS is 4.9 stars – a true showstopper. It is rated the #1 pet-sitting and dog-walking app.
Rover offers a variety of services for both cats and dogs. That’s right, we didn’t forget about the cat lovers. Whether you need a dog walker for the day or extended overnight boarding for your pet, Rover has a match. Choose from a pool of vetted professionals who offer the following services: dog walking, doggy daycare, drop-in visits, full-blown house sitting, and grooming. Rover customers can receive real-time photo updates of their pets and can pay for services easily through the app. Find the purr-fect person for your furry friend within minutes, all from the comfort of your own home.
We’ve covered the fun stuff. But what about you, as the parent? We know you’re great with caring for humans in times of medical crisis. How confident are you in recognizing changes in behavior or physical appearance in your pet?
Every pet parent should be prepared in case of a medical emergency. Of course, the vet should be contacted as soon as possible. To give you a bit more peace of mind, the Red Cross offers a Cat and Dog First Aid course! This 30-minute course is available via desktop, laptop, or tablet. For a minimal cost of $25, pet parents can sign up for this course to learn:
- Information about vital signs, and how to become aware of irregularities
- Detailed instructions for what to do if your pet is choking, needs CPR, has a wound or is having a seizure
- Tips on preventative care
LeaderStat specializes in direct care staff, interim leadership, executive recruitment, travel nursing and consulting for healthcare organizations nationwide.
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