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5 Benefits of Bringing a Pet with You on Locum Tenens Assignments
There are various steps you can take to make your “home away from home” more comfortable while on a locum tenens job. You can bring personal items like linens or photos. Video-chatting with loved ones can help you feel connected to what’s happening on the home front. And for pet owners, returning to the adorable, excited face of a family pet after each shift can definitely brighten any environment.
If traveling with your pet sounds appealing, speak with your All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant about pet-friendly accommodations. Restrictions may vary regarding sizes and breeds allowed on premises, and it’s possible a deposit may be required. Animal lovers will find it is likely worth the extra steps!
Indeed, most pet owners don’t have to read the multiple studies affirming the fact that unconditional love and attention freely offered from a family animal is beneficial to one’s demeanor and overall well-being. That said, researchers have concluded that interactions with a beloved animal produce several key outcomes, many of which could enhance the locum tenens experience, too. While you may not need a lot of reasons to bring your family pet along on assignment, here are five essential advantages to consider.
- De-stress and lift your mood
The research says being around animals can help lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.Benefit for locum tenens providers: Coming back to a pet who shows appreciation for your presence naturally initiates the decompressing process and probably puts a smile on your face.
- Increase your physical activity
The research says walking a dog a couple of times a day, for instance, adds to your general physical health.
Benefit for locum tenens providers: Bringing a dog along on assignment almost always means a post-shift walk. In addition to getting some aerobic exercise, walks are a great way to switch out of work mode. Plus, it’s an excuse to get some fresh air.
- Encourage mindfulness
The research says the act of petting or stroking an animal becomes an exercise of mindfulness or being in the moment.
Benefit for locum tenens providers: Practicing mindfulness has been shown to help individuals positively cope with stress and burnout. Read more about it on our blog, “Mindfulness Practices to Enhance the Locum Tenens Experience.”
- Form companionship
The research says, regardless of animal breed, one of the main reasons people add a family pet is for companionship.
Benefit for locum tenens providers: Not only does a pet on assignment offer companionship, but it serves as a reminder of family or becomes a comfortable friend with whom you can spend your off hours.
- Promote socialization
The research says friendly pets encourage human interactions.
Benefit for locum tenens providers: It is hard to resist greeting a cute animal out on a walk. Taking a pet out for regular walks helps you get to know the neighborhood or local parks as well as meet like-minded animal lovers. This can help you feel more connected to the community during your locums stay.
If you are an animal-lover but don’t have a pet or don’t wish to bring yours along on locum tenens contracts, you can still reap the rewards of being around various creatures. Visit local zoos, aquariums, and/or wildlife sanctuaries, or volunteer at an animal shelter on days off.
Pet Precautions
Before you pack up the doggie treats or cat toys, here are a few factors to consider regarding traveling with your pet.
- How well does your animal travel?
If your weeklong or multi-week locums contract is the first long-distance trip for your pet, then it is hard to tell if the change of environment will cause anxiety for the animal. However, if your pet has accompanied you on previous excursions, then maybe it is ready to tackle locum tenens together. Even still, there are many steps to preparing the pet for an airplane or extended car ride. For more details, go to our blog, “Should Your Pet Go on a Locums Assignment with You?”
- Can your pet adjust to a home away from home?
It’s important to realize the animal will be unattended while you’re on shift. A pet-friendly hotel, apartment, or other alternative accommodations may not be the best environment for a pet prone to barking or chewing items. Look into a local pet walker who can break up the day for your four-legged family member.
To learn more about how locum tenens can fit into your lifestyle, call an All Star Healthcare Solutions consultant at 800-928-0229, or contact us online, today!
