Moving is stressful for pets. Dogs and cats are territorial and routine-dependent — disrupting both at once requires a thoughtful approach. This guide covers finding a pet-friendly apartment, keeping pets safe on moving day, and helping them settle.
Finding a Pet-Friendly Apartment in LA
Pet deposit: Typically $200–$500 per pet, refundable if no damage
Pet rent: $25–$100/month per pet added to base rent
Weight and breed restrictions: Very common. Dogs over 25–35 lbs often restricted. Some buildings ban "aggressive breeds" regardless of temperament.
Number limits: Most landlords allow 1–2 pets max.
Use Zillow and Zumper's pet filter but verify directly with landlords — "pets OK" often means "cats only" or "small dogs only."
Best Neighborhoods for Pet Owners in LA
Silver Lake: Extremely dog-friendly — reservoir path, Silverlake Dog Park nearby
Los Feliz: Griffith Park access for dog hikes
Culver City / Mar Vista: Walkable, good parks nearby
Long Beach: Rosie's Dog Beach is the only off-leash beach in greater LA
Pasadena: More spacious, better for larger dogs
Moving Day with Pets
The week before: Keep packing boxes visible so pets acclimate gradually. Update microchip info and collar tags with your new address. Maintain feeding and walk schedules.
Moving day: Confine pets to one room with food, water, and bed — put a note on the door so movers don't open it. Transport pets in your car, never the moving truck. Bring a familiar blanket or toy to the new home immediately.
First night: Set up the pet's food, water, litter, and bed first. Keep them in one room initially rather than giving full access. Expect 1–2 nights of disrupted sleep — normal for cats especially.
Adjustment Timeline
Dogs: 1–2 weeks. Consistent walk routines help most.
Cats: 2–6 weeks. Some hide for days — don't force interaction.
Small animals: Temperature stability critical during transport. Cover cages to reduce visual stress.
LA-Specific Pet Resources
LA Animal Services: multiple shelters across the city
BluePearl and VCA: 24/7 emergency animal hospitals throughout LA
Off-leash dog parks: Silverlake, Laurel Canyon, Westminster (Venice), Barrington (Brentwood)