Moving is one of the most stressful experiences for pet owners, and finding a new home that welcomes animals often adds an extra layer of difficulty. But this challenge is not limited to international moves. It can be just as complicated when relocating within the same city or to a different state.
Searching for housing with pets comes with unique obstacles. Some apartments ban animals entirely, while others charge additional fees or limit the types of pets allowed.
This guide will walk you through each stage of the process, from securing a pet-friendly rental to helping your four-legged companion adjust to life in a new city. With the right approach, you can make the transition smoother for both you and your pet.
Start Your Search for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Looking for a rental that welcomes pets takes smart planning and lots of patience. Studies show all but one of these rental properties in the U.S. are pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean every pet gets the green light. Your cats will have an easier time getting approved compared to dogs, especially the bigger breeds.
The good news is you can try several proven ways to make your search easier.
Use pet-specific filters on rental platforms
The quickest way to spot pet-friendly apartments is to use trusted rental websites with built-in pet filters. Websites like , RentCafe, Zillow, and let you search specifically for pet-friendly places. RentCafe’s listings are a great example – 86% of their apartments welcome pets. These filters help you avoid wasting time on places that might turn down your furry friend.
You might want to reach out to:
- Local real estate agents who handle rental properties
- Apartment hunters in your target area
- Large concierge companies that staff apartment buildings
Ask landlords about pet policies early
Being upfront about your pets is vital from day one. The sort of thing I love to recommend is reaching out directly to landlords when listings don’t mention pet policies. This saves you time and helps avoid disappointment later.
Private homeowners and smaller complexes might be more flexible than big apartment buildings. Don’t try to sneak pets into a no-pet property. A better approach is creating a “pet resume” that shows off your pet’s good qualities, training certificates, and previous landlord references. This shows you’re a responsible pet owner and tenant.
Check for breed or size restrictions
Landlords often have specific rules beyond just allowing pets. Some won’t accept certain dog breeds they see as dangerous, like pit bulls and Rottweilers. Others set weight limits and won’t take dogs over 20 pounds. These rules exist because some insurance companies won’t cover properties with certain breeds.
Make sure you know these details before applying:
- Which types of pets are allowed
- Weight and size limits
- Breed-specific rules
- Extra pet deposits or monthly fees
Your best bet might be to look for “no breed restriction” apartments, though they might still have weight limits and pet fees.
Prepare Your Pet and Home for the Move
Moving can be an overwhelming experience, not just for people but for pets as well. New environments, loud noises, and unfamiliar routines can create confusion and anxiety. Planning ahead with your pet’s well-being in mind helps reduce stress and supports a smoother transition into the new home.
Creating a calm and predictable experience gives your pet a sense of security during each stage of the move. With the right approach, you can help them feel safe and supported as they adjust to the changes around them.
Pack gradually to reduce pet anxiety
Your pets can sense unusual changes in their environment quickly. You should bring in moving boxes gradually instead of all at once to minimize anxiety. This approach helps your furry friend adjust to changes without feeling overwhelmed. Start by placing a few boxes around for your pet to explore and get familiar with their scent. Pack a few boxes each day instead of rushing everything.
Your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule should stay consistent because it provides security while surroundings change.
Keep essentials like food and toys available
Your pet needs a dedicated travel kit that has:
- Regular food (enough for the move plus a few weeks after)
- Food and water bowls
- Favorite toys and comfort items
- Bedding and blankets
- Medications and first-aid supplies
- Leashes, harnesses, or carriers
- Cleaning supplies and waste bags
These items should be packed last and kept easily available throughout the move. Your pet’s food should remain unchanged during this stressful time to prevent digestive issues.
Visit the vet for a pre-move checkup
A veterinary visit should be scheduled at least a month before your planned move. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current for your new location during this appointment. Some areas have specific health requirements that might differ from your current residence.
Get physical and electronic copies of vaccination records from your veterinarian and discuss whether calming aids or motion sickness medication might help during the trip. Long-distance moves might require a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).
Update microchip and ID tags
Your pet’s identification should be updated as soon as you know your new address. This update covers both physical ID tags and microchip registration information. Many pets don’t reunite with their owners because of outdated contact details.
Your microchip registry company needs your updated address, phone number, and emergency contact information. The update process is typically free and can be completed online, by email, or over the phone.
How to Handle Moving With a Pet
Moving introduces a lot of new sights, sounds, and routines that can easily unsettle pets. Even animals that usually adapt well to change may feel uneasy during a relocation. With some thoughtful preparation, you can help your pet feel more secure and reduce the chance of unnecessary stress.
Creating a smooth experience takes more than packing their favorite toy. It involves providing comfort, maintaining structure, and keeping your pet shielded from the noise and activity that often come with a move. A calm environment and consistent care can make all the difference.
Choose the safest transport method
The right way to move your pet depends on distance and their personality. Secure your pet in a carrier or use a pet seatbelt in the backseat during car travel. Your pet should never ride unsecured or in the front seat. A lightweight cloth over the carrier helps reduce visual stimulation. Your pet needs test drives before the move to adjust to car travel.
If you’re planning a relocation within the region, working with experienced moving companies in Northern Virginia, such as Craig Van Lines, can make the entire process smoother for both you and your pet. Professional movers help minimize stress during transition so you can focus on your pet’s comfort and safety.
Airlines require at least 24 hours notice to confirm their pet policies. Small pets under 20–40 pounds can usually travel as carry-ons under your seat. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage in climate-controlled cargo areas. Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds face flight restrictions because of breathing issues.
Keep pets in a quiet space on moving day
Your pet needs a peaceful room away from the chaos on moving day. “Moving is very stressful for a family. That stress is also experienced by the pets,” says Dr. Larry Hawk, former ASPCA president. A trusted friend’s home makes the best pet-sitting option. Another choice is having a family member watch your pet throughout the move.
Stick to familiar routines during the move
Your pet needs stability through their regular schedule. Feed them at normal times and keep up with walks and playtime. These familiar routines show your pet that life stays normal despite the changes around them.
Use calming aids if needed
Anxious pets might benefit from these calming products:
- Pheromone-based collars, sprays, or diffusers (like Adaptil for dogs)
- Calming shirts that provide gentle pressure
- Anxiety-reducing supplements
Your veterinarian can prescribe medications to reduce travel stress in severe cases.
Helping Your Pet Adjust to the New City
Your pet needs time to adjust when you move into a new city apartment. Even the most adaptable animals feel overwhelmed during their first days in a new home. They can’t grasp what’s happening or why everything around them has changed.
A safe, well-laid-out space will help them transition smoothly.
Pet-proof your new apartment
Take time to check your new apartment for potential hazards before letting your pet explore. Your pet’s safety should be your main goal during this adjustment phase. Here’s a checklist of pet-proofing tasks you should follow:
- Tuck away electrical cords and cables that your curious pets might chew
- Remove any poisonous houseplants (many common varieties can harm pets)
- Make sure all windows have secure screens to prevent falls or escapes
- Check that no pest-control poison traps remain in the apartment
- Install childproof latches on cabinets with cleaning supplies or chemicals
- Cover small spaces where pets might get stuck
- Secure trash cans so pets can’t access harmful items
- Check that heating/air vents have proper covers
Cat owners should think over getting scratching posts or cat trees to keep cats from damaging furniture. You’ll also need multiple litter boxes (vets usually suggest one per cat plus an extra) to help prevent accidents while your cat adjusts.
Introduce one room at a time
You might want to let your pet explore the entire apartment right away—but don’t! A new environment can trigger anxiety behaviors when pets feel overwhelmed.
Pick one quiet room as your pet’s “home base” and include all their essentials:
- Their familiar bed or crate
- Food and water bowls
- Favorite toys and comfort items
- Litter box (for cats)
Let your pet get comfortable in this original space before showing them more rooms under your watch. Dogs might benefit from leashed tours of new areas to learn appropriate spaces. You can slowly give them access to more areas as they show comfort with each new part of your home.
Regular feeding times and walking schedules will help your pets feel secure in their new urban environment.
Conclusion
Relocating with pets in an urban setting can feel overwhelming, but the process becomes much more manageable with preparation, patience, and a pet-first mindset. From finding a rental that welcomes your furry companion to helping them settle into their new environment, every step you take contributes to a smoother and less stressful transition.
Your pet depends on you to create a sense of safety during uncertain moments. With thoughtful planning, clear communication with landlords, and consistent care throughout the move, you can help them adjust with confidence. The result is more than just a successful move—it’s a fresh start for both of you in a home that feels safe, welcoming, and full of new adventures.
Certified Veterinary Technician Ethan Brooks has cared for companion animals in clinics and shelters for 13 years. Joining us in 2025, he shares health advice, training hacks, and product reviews that keep pets happy and owners informed. Off duty, Ethan rehabilitates injured wildlife and competes in agility trials with his border collie, Scout.
