Pets feel a move more than anyone. Before you arrive, it helps to know the license and vaccination steps for Washoe County, and how to keep an animal calm while the house empties.
Dog licenses
Washoe County Code requires dogs 4 months and older in the county's congested areas to be licensed, even dogs that never leave the house. Regional Animal Services issues the license and asks for a copy of the current rabies certificate. Licenses are renewed every year. You can apply online through the county's licensing system, by mail or in person at the shelter at 2825 Longley Lane, Suite A in Reno.
Bring your out-of-state license papers, if you have them, and the rabies certificate from your vet.
Rabies and vaccines
Rabies vaccination is required for dogs and cats, and county pages describe low-cost vaccination clinics. If your pet's vaccine expired during the move, update it before you license. Keep copies of vet records in a folder with your first-night supplies.
Before moving day
Pets do best when the routine stays steady. Our guides on moving with dogs and moving with cats suggest a quiet room with the door closed while the crew works, or a friend's home or boarding for the loading day. Fish need a separate plan.
Tell your estimator about animals at the in-home visit so crews know which rooms stay closed and where gates must remain shut.
Arriving in Reno
Dry air, altitude and cold nights are new for animals too. Keep fresh water out, check paws on winter sidewalks and walk dogs early or late in summer when afternoons reach the 90s F on about 65 days a year. Wildfire smoke can irritate lungs; see smoke season.
Check lease rules on pet deposits; see renting in Reno. Keep a collar with a tag showing your new address.
Pets and the move
Your pets travel with you, not on the truck. Moving to Nevada from another state, you book with O'Brien's and we coordinate the move from your origin through the Bekins network, then deliver, unpack and store in Sparks. A free in-home estimate comes with 10 free heavy-duty boxes you keep; call 775-359-6683. See also the new resident checklist.