Moving is tough enough when it’s just you and your stuff. Throw a pet (or three) into the mix, and suddenly you’re juggling a whole new set of challenges. If you’re a pet parent in Ohio planning a move, you’re probably worried about keeping your furry family members happy and calm during the chaos. Don’t worry—we’ve got your back with practical tips that will make moving day easier for everyone involved.
Making It Work for Every Type of Pet
Dogs
Your four-legged buddy picks up on your stress, so keep things as normal as possible. Stick to those daily walks and belly rubs! On moving day, you might want to send them to doggy daycare or to a friend’s place—it’ll keep them safe and happy while the heavy lifting happens.
Cats
We all know cats hate change. Set them up with a quiet room during the packing frenzy. Make sure it has their favorite bed, toys, and litter box. When it’s time to move, pop them in their carrier (easier said than done, right?), and give them time to explore the new place at their own pace.
Birds
These little guys need extra TLC during a move. Keep them warm, away from drafts, and cozy in their travel cage. A partially covered cage can help them feel secure, but make sure they can still get plenty of fresh air.
Fish
Moving with fish? That’s tricky. You might want to temporarily re-home them in smaller tanks for the journey. Better yet, chat with your local fish store for some expert advice.
Ohio Pet Rules You Should Know
Most cities require dog licenses, which usually cost between $15-25 per year, and you’ll need to get them within 30 days of your move. Each city handles pet rules differently—for example, Columbus requires both cat and dog licenses, while Cleveland only requires dogs to be registered.
Before you move, make sure your pets have current rabies shots and a health certificate if you’re coming from out of state. Apartment dwellers should double-check their lease agreements since landlord rules might be stricter than city laws. Your new city might also have limits on how many pets you can have in one home.
Key City Requirements:
- Akron: Dog license required, cat licenses optional, 3-pet maximum per home
- Cincinnati: Dog licenses required, cat licenses optional, 5-pet maximum per home
- Cleveland: Dogs only need licenses, no breed restrictions
- Columbus: Both cats and dogs need licenses, 5-pet maximum per home
- Toledo: Dog licenses required, special rules for restricted breeds
Pet-Friendly Spots in Ohio
Looking for the perfect neighborhood for you and your pet? Here’s where other pet parents love to live:
Columbus
Check out German Village or Clintonville if you love long walks with your dog.
Cleveland
Lakewood and Rocky River are total pet paradises.
Cincinnati
Hyde Park and Mount Lookout are full of pet-friendly spots.
Getting Ready for Ohio Weather
Summer moves: Ohio summers can be brutal! Move early in the day when it’s cooler, keep water handy, and blast that AC in the car.
Winter moves: Pack those puppy sweaters and booties—Ohio winters mean business! Keep your pets warm during the move and grab some pet-safe ice melt for your new place.
Your Moving Day Game Plan
Before the big day:
- Double-check those ID tags and microchip info
- Grab all vet records
- Pack a special box just for pet stuff
- Maybe get some calming treats (ask your vet first!)
- Take some recent pet photos (just in case)
On Moving Day:
- Keep breakfast light
- Take your dog for a good walk
- Find a quiet spot for your pets away from the action
- Never leave them alone in the car
- Keep their carrier somewhere safe
Making Your New Place Feel Like Home
Your pets might act a bit weird at first – that’s totally normal! Set up their old bed and toys right away, stick to their usual mealtimes, and give them lots of extra love. They’ll come around before you know it.
Remember, while we handle moving your boxes and furniture, you’ll need to have a solid plan for moving your pets. Every animal is different, so don’t hesitate to ask your vet for specific advice about your pet’s needs during the move.
Give yourself and your pets time to settle in. With some patience and these tips in your back pocket, you’ll all be feeling at home sweet home in no time!
Trust B2B Moving Company With Your Move
Let B2B Moving Company handle the logistics of your move while you focus on keeping your furry family members comfortable and stress-free. Remember to take advantage of these tips and download our Master Your Move Checklist to plan every step of your move. When you’ve got the right team managing your move, you can dedicate your attention to what matters most: your pets’ wellbeing.
Ready to start planning your move? Call us for a free moving estimate today!
