Moving is always a big event, but when you have pets, the transition can feel even more complicated. Pets are sensitive to changes in their environment, and a move—whether across Los Angeles or into a new neighborhood—can create stress for both animals and their owners. Fortunately, with some thoughtful planning, you can ensure a smooth, safe, and comfortable experience for your furry companions.
Los Angeles, with its diverse neighborhoods, bustling freeways, and unique climate, adds extra considerations when relocating with pets. From navigating traffic to adjusting to a new urban or suburban environment, it is important to create a strategy that keeps your pets calm, healthy, and happy.
Below are essential tips for moving with pets in Los Angeles, making the process more manageable for everyone involved.
1. Visit the Veterinarian Before the Move
Before moving day, schedule a checkup with your vet. If you’re relocating to a different part of Los Angeles—or even just switching neighborhoods—your pet may be exposed to new environmental factors, such as different pollen, plants, or even wildlife. A vet visit ensures that vaccinations are up to date, medications are refilled, and health records are ready to transfer if you need a new veterinary clinic.
If your pet suffers from anxiety, your vet can also provide calming aids or recommend strategies to make the move less stressful. In a city like Los Angeles, where traffic can mean long car rides, preparing ahead is especially important for animals that don’t travel well.
2. Update Identification and Microchips
Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and pets can easily get disoriented in a new neighborhood. Update your pet’s ID tags with your new address and phone number before moving. If your pet has a microchip, contact the registry to ensure the information matches your new home details.
This small step offers big peace of mind—especially if you’ll be walking your dog in busy areas like West Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown LA, where pets may be startled by noise and activity.
3. Prepare a Pet Moving Kit
Just as you’ll pack an essentials bag for yourself, your pets need one too. Include food, treats, water, medications, grooming tools, toys, and bedding. Keep this kit easily accessible so you don’t have to dig through boxes during the transition.
In Los Angeles, where temperatures can spike quickly, always carry extra water and a portable bowl for your pets. Hydration is especially important if you’ll be transporting them during the hotter months.
4. Keep Pets Safe on Moving Day
Moving day can be chaotic, with movers coming in and out, doors left open, and loud noises filling the house. To prevent stress—or worse, an accidental escape—keep your pets in a quiet, secure space away from the action.
For cats or small dogs, a carrier in a quiet room is ideal. For larger dogs, consider dropping them off at a trusted friend’s house, doggy daycare, or boarding facility for the day. In busy Los Angeles neighborhoods, open doors can quickly lead to pets running into traffic or getting lost, so this precaution is vital.
5. Plan Car Rides Carefully
Most Los Angeles moves involve driving across town, which means pets will spend time in the car. If your pet isn’t used to long car rides, start acclimating them weeks before the move with short practice drives.
On moving day, secure pets in carriers or with harnesses designed for car travel. Never let animals roam freely inside the vehicle—it’s unsafe for both them and the driver. If you’ll be navigating LA traffic, plan for breaks to let dogs stretch their legs in safe areas.
6. Introduce Pets Gradually to Their New Home
Once you arrive at your new home, don’t let pets roam freely right away. Start by confining them to one safe room with familiar items like their bed, toys, and food. This helps them adjust slowly without feeling overwhelmed.
In Los Angeles homes with larger outdoor areas—like those in the Hollywood Hills or Pacific Palisades—introduce pets to the yard only once you’ve confirmed fencing is secure. Coyotes are common in many LA neighborhoods, so ensuring outdoor spaces are safe is a top priority.
7. Maintain Routine Amid the Chaos
Pets thrive on routine, and moving disrupts their sense of stability. Stick to regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedules as closely as possible. This consistency helps reassure pets that even though the environment has changed, their daily lives remain familiar.
In Los Angeles, where many neighborhoods are walkable, taking your dog out for regular walks also helps them acclimate to new sights, sounds, and smells. From strolling along Melrose Avenue to exploring quiet residential streets in Brentwood, regular walks can make the transition smoother.
8. Explore the Neighborhood Together
Los Angeles is a pet-friendly city with plenty of dog parks, trails, and pet-friendly cafes. Once your pets are comfortable in the new home, take them out to explore the neighborhood.
Check out local dog parks like Runyon Canyon or Silver Lake Dog Park, or visit pet-friendly outdoor dining spots in Venice or Culver City. These outings not only help pets burn off energy but also establish positive associations with their new surroundings.
9. Watch for Signs of Stress
Even with preparation, pets may experience stress during a move. Look for changes in behavior such as hiding, whining, excessive grooming, or loss of appetite. Cats may retreat under furniture, while dogs may bark more than usual or become clingy.
If these behaviors persist, consult your veterinarian for advice. In Los Angeles, where the pace of life is fast, it’s easy to overlook subtle signs of stress, but taking the time to address them will help your pets adjust more quickly.
10. Find Local Resources
Once you’ve settled, locate nearby resources supporting your pet’s health and happiness. Identify a new veterinarian, groomer, and pet supply store in your neighborhood. Los Angeles offers countless services, from luxury pet spas in Beverly Hills to organic pet bakeries in Santa Monica.
Building a support system in your community ensures your pets receive the care they need, especially if you’re new to the area.
Moving with Exotic Pets in Los Angeles
While dogs and cats are the most common, Los Angeles is also home to exotic pet owners. If you’re moving with birds, reptiles, or other unique animals, check for any specific regulations in your neighborhood or homeowners’ association. Transporting these pets often requires special carriers, temperature controls, or permits. Consult with a vet specializing in exotic animals to ensure the transition is safe.
Final Thoughts
Moving with pets in Los Angeles requires planning and patience, but the reward is seeing your animals adjust happily to their new home. By focusing on safety, routine, and comfort, you’ll help your pets make the transition with confidence. After all, they’re more than just pets—they’re family.
Work with The Barrentine Group
When planning a move in Los Angeles, working with a real estate team that understands the housing market and the unique needs of families—including pets—makes all the difference. The Barrentine Group, Los Angeles real estate experts, are here to guide you through every step of the process. Whether you’re buying a home with a spacious yard, seeking proximity to pet-friendly parks, or selling your current property, their knowledge and dedication ensure your move is seamless.
Visit The Barrentine Group today and discover how they can help you find the perfect home for you and your pets.
