--- title: Moving With Dogs: Tags, Travel and Washoe Rules url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-dogs/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - Moving with dogs # Moving with dogs Update the microchip and the tag before moving day, keep the dog away from the crew in a safe place, and plan a rest stop every few hours on the road. After you arrive, check Washoe County dog licensing and vaccination rules, since local rules govern leashes and licenses. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) Dogs handle a move through their people, so a calm owner makes for a calmer dog. The risks are practical: a dog that slips out through a door left open for the crew, a dog left in a hot car, and a dog that arrives in a new place with an old tag. This guide deals with those risks in the order they come up. ## Identification comes first Before the move, confirm that the microchip company has your current phone number and that the collar tag has a cell number that will not change. Add your new address to the microchip record the day you arrive. A dog that gets loose in an unfamiliar neighborhood cannot find its way home, and a current chip is how a shelter reaches you. ## On moving day - Put the dog in a room with the door shut, or with a friend or at a kennel for the day. - Keep a leash and the dog's food and water bowls out of the boxes. - If the dog is anxious, a crate with a blanket from home helps. - Tell the crew where the dog is, and ask them to keep the front door closed whenever they can. - Walk the dog before the car ride begins. ## On the road Plan a stop every few hours for water and a walk, and keep the dog on a leash at every stop. A harness or crate belted into the seat keeps the dog from moving around. Never leave a dog in a parked car, since the inside of a car heats up quickly in summer sun, and cold nights in the Sierra are hard on dogs too. For a long-distance move, choose lodging that accepts dogs and keep a copy of the vaccination record in the glove box. ## Arriving in Washoe County Washoe County Regional Animal Services sets the rules on dog licenses, vaccinations and leashes for the county. Look at its page after you arrive and license the dog on its schedule. Other towns, like Carson City or Truckee, have their own animal control offices with their own rules. The Nevada Department of Agriculture handles animal entry rules for the state. ## Altitude and weather Reno is near 4,500 feet. Most dogs adapt without trouble, though a dog from sea level may tire faster on its first hikes. Hot pavement in summer can burn paws, and winter nights are cold, so check the weather at the places you take your dog. Dry air can also make water bowls empty faster, so refill them. ## A routine in the new house Keep feeding and walking times the same as before. Put the bed and bowls in a similar place, walk the new neighborhood with the dog on a leash, and keep the yard gate latched until you have checked the fence. See [moving pets to Washoe County](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/moving-with-pets-to-washoe-county/) for more local detail, and [moving with cats](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-cats/) if you have both. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [Washoe County Regional Animal Services](https://www.washoecounty.gov/animal/) - [Nevada Department of Agriculture](https://agri.nv.gov/) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [Moving with cats](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-cats/) - [Moving pets to Washoe County: licensing and rules](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/moving-with-pets-to-washoe-county/) - [Moving-day tips from a family mover](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-day-tips/) - [Living at 4,500 feet: altitude and moving](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/altitude/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Moving with fish](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-fish/) - [Moving with kids](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-with-kids/) - [Moving in winter in the Sierra](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-in-winter/) - [Moving to high altitude](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-high-altitude/) - [Downsizing for seniors](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/downsizing-for-seniors/) - [Moving a parent to assisted living](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-a-parent-to-assisted-living/) - [Handling an estate move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/estate-moves/) - [Moving for a new job](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-for-a-new-job/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### Should my dog be in the house during the move? A closed room, a friend's home or a kennel keeps the dog safe while doors are open for the crew. ### Do I need to license my dog in Washoe County? Washoe County Regional Animal Services sets licensing rules. Check its page after you arrive. ### Is it safe to drive with a dog in a pickup bed? A harness or crate inside the vehicle keeps the dog safer than an open truck bed. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) P Patrick R. September 19, 2026 The two gentlemen that helped me move today were very Helpful and professional! T Tommy B. August 21, 2026 Great local business. Very family oriented with highly knowledgeable staff with remarkable employees going the extra mile. If you need a moving service for any reason, go here. ### Owner's reply Thanks Tommy appreciate you giving us a review. R Robert B. June 22, 2026 The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job. ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070