Moving with Pets in Rochester, NY

Before the Move: Preparing Your Pets

Pet-Specific Preparation Strategies

Different pets have unique needs when preparing for a move. Use these species-specific strategies:

• Dogs: Begin acclimating to travel carriers or crates several weeks before the move. Take practice car rides of increasing length. If your dog shows anxiety, consider consulting with a Rochester veterinarian about calming aids or strategies. Visit dog parks in your new Rochester neighborhood before the move if possible.
• Cats: Introduce carriers early, creating positive associations with treats. Consider using pheromone products like Feliway to reduce stress. When packing, maintain a dedicated "cat sanctuary" room with familiar items that's packed last. Keep cats indoors at the new location for at least 2-3 weeks.
• Small Pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits): Minimize handling on moving day. For longer moves, prepare travel containers with proper ventilation, bedding, and food. Small pets are particularly sensitive to temperature, a consideration for both summer and winter moves in Rochester.
• Exotic Pets (reptiles, birds, fish): These pets require specialized moving preparation. For reptiles, research appropriate travel containers with heat sources. For fish, consult with Rochester-area pet stores like PetSaver or The Fish Place about proper transportation methods. Birds may need mild sedation for longer moves; consult an avian vet.

Veterinary Records and Health Certificates

Prepare your pet's health documentation well before the move:

• Veterinary Records: Request complete records from your current vet at least 2-3 weeks before moving. Ask for both digital and paper copies.
• Health Certificates: If moving from outside New York State, health certificates are required for dogs, cats, and ferrets. These must be issued within 30 days of your move.
• Vaccinations: Ensure rabies vaccinations are current. New York State law requires rabies vaccines for dogs, cats, and ferrets.
• Microchipping: Rochester Animal Services strongly recommends microchipping before your move. Update your pet's microchip information with your new address.
• Medications: Refill prescriptions before moving, ensuring at least a 2-week supply to bridge any gap in finding a new veterinarian.

Finding a New Veterinarian

Rochester offers excellent veterinary care options to research before your arrival:

• General Practices: Monroe Veterinary Associates operates several well-regarded clinics throughout the Rochester area.
• Emergency Care: Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services (VSES) on White Spruce Boulevard provides 24/7 emergency care.
• Specialty Care: The Animal Hospital of Rochester offers specialized services including oncology, cardiology, and neurology.
• Exotic Pet Care: Exotic Pet Veterinary Services in Penfield specializes in non-traditional pets.
• Holistic Options: All Creatures Holistic Veterinary Center in Pittsford offers integrative care combining conventional and alternative treatments.

During the Move: Keeping Pets Safe and Calm

Moving Day Strategies

Create a smooth experience for your pets during the chaotic moving process:

• Dedicated Pet Room: Designate a quiet room that will be packed last, equipped with familiar bedding, toys, food, water, and litter boxes for cats.
• Identification: Ensure pets wear collars with updated ID tags including your cell phone number. Keep leashes and carriers easily accessible.
• Pet-Sitter Option: Consider arranging a Rochester pet sitter or boarding facility for moving day. Popular options include Happy Tails Animal Care (Greece) and The Dog Spa (Penfield).
• Moving Company Communication: Inform all movers about pets in the home and any door-dashing concerns. At Move It Along, our teams are trained in pet safety protocols.
• Vehicle Preparation: For pets traveling in your vehicle, ensure appropriate restraints, ventilation, and temperature control. Never transport pets in moving trucks.

Reducing Moving Stress for Pets

Minimize anxiety with these proven techniques:

• Maintain Routines: Keep feeding, walking, and play schedules as normal as possible before, during, and after the move.
• Calming Products: Consider natural calming aids like Rescue Remedy, ThunderShirts, or veterinarian-prescribed medications for severely anxious pets.
• Familiar Scents: Don't wash pet bedding immediately before the move; familiar smells provide comfort.
• Exercise Before Travel: For dogs, a long walk or play session before departure helps reduce anxiety during travel.
• Minimal Food Before Travel: Feed pets a light meal 3-4 hours before travel to reduce motion sickness.

Travel Safety Essentials

Pack a dedicated pet moving kit containing:

• Two days' worth of food and medications
• Water and travel bowls
• Favorite toys and comfort items
• Leashes, harnesses, and secure carriers
• Cleaning supplies for accidents
• Pet first-aid kit
• Recent photo of your pet (in case they get lost)
• Contact information for veterinarians at both locations

Rochester's Pet-Friendly Housing Landscape

Pet Policies and Restrictions

Understanding Rochester's pet housing policies helps you find the perfect pet-friendly home:

• Apartment Considerations: Many Rochester apartments accept pets but may have breed restrictions, weight limits, or pet fees. Downtown luxury buildings like Tower280 and The Metropolitan typically allow pets with deposits.
• Homeowner Associations: Some Rochester-area HOAs have pet restrictions; verify policies before purchasing.
• Breed-Specific Considerations: While Rochester itself doesn't have breed-specific legislation, some neighboring towns and many apartment complexes restrict certain breeds. Common restrictions include pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Dobermans.
• Pet Deposits: Expect pet deposits ranging from $200-500 in Rochester rental units, sometimes with additional monthly "pet rent" of $25-50.
• Multiple Pet Limitations: Many Rochester properties limit the number of pets allowed, typically 2-3 maximum.

Pet-Friendly Neighborhoods

Some Rochester neighborhoods are particularly well-suited for pet owners:

• Park Avenue: Walkable neighborhood with easy access to Cobbs Hill Park. Many rental properties accept pets, and the area features multiple pet boutiques and grooming services.
• South Wedge: Highly walkable with access to Highland Park and Genesee Valley Park. The neighborhood's many locally-owned shops often welcome dogs.
• North Winton Village: Access to linear garden and Tryon Park. Strong neighborhood association that hosts pet-friendly events.
• Brighton: Excellent dog parks and walking trails, including the popular Brighton Town Park. Many pet-friendly housing options.
• Charlotte/Lake Area: Proximity to Ontario Beach Park and numerous trails. Ideal for active dogs who enjoy swimming (during designated seasons).

After the Move: Helping Pets Adjust to Rochester

Creating a Comfortable New Home

Help your pets settle into their new Rochester environment:

• Familiar Setup: Arrange pet beds, crates, litter boxes, and feeding stations similar to your previous home's layout.
• Gradual Introduction: Allow pets to explore one room at a time, gradually expanding their territory as they become comfortable.
• Consistent Routines: Maintain the same feeding, walking, and playtime schedules used before the move.
• Pet-Proofing: Check for potential hazards in your new home, including small spaces where pets could get stuck, toxic plants, or unsecured screens.
• Attention and Reassurance: Provide extra attention and positive reinforcement during the adjustment period.

Rochester Pet Registration and Licensing

Comply with local regulations promptly after your move:

• Dog Licensing: Required in all Rochester-area municipalities. City of Rochester residents must license dogs within 30 days of residency through the City Clerk's Office.
• Proof of Rabies: Current rabies vaccination certificates are required for licensing.
• Fees: Rochester dog license fees are $8 for spayed/neutered dogs and $16 for unaltered dogs (subject to change).
• Cat Registration: Not required in Rochester, but microchipping is strongly recommended.
• Exotic Pet Regulations: Some exotic species require permits through the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Exploring Rochester with Your Pet

Rochester offers numerous pet-friendly venues and activities:

• Dog Parks: Ellison Park Dog Park (largest in the area), Greece Canal Dog Park, and Brighton Town Park Dog Park offer off-leash opportunities.
• Walking Trails: The Genesee Riverway Trail, Erie Canal Path, and Seneca Park offer pet-friendly walking options.
• Pet-Friendly Establishments: Many Rochester restaurants with outdoor seating welcome dogs, including Lux Lounge, Magnolia's, and The Old Toad.
• Pet Events: Lollypop Farm's "Barktober Fest," Cobbs Hill "Bark in the Park," and various seasonal pet-friendly farmers markets.
• Pet Services: Premier pet services include Doggy Daycare (South Wedge), The Dog Spa (Penfield), All Paws Inn (Henrietta), and multiple PetSaver Healthy Pet Superstore locations.

Special Considerations: Unique Pet Situations

Multi-Pet Households

Moving with multiple pets requires extra planning:

• Consider moving pets separately if they have different stress responses
• Create multiple quiet spaces at both homes to prevent territorial conflicts
• Maintain the established hierarchy by setting up dominant pets' spaces first
• Watch for unusual aggression triggered by the stress of relocation
• Consider temporary separation if tensions arise in the new environment

Senior Pets

Older pets need special accommodations during Rochester moves:

• Schedule a pre-move veterinary visit to assess travel readiness
• Plan for more frequent breaks during travel
• Create easily accessible spaces in your new home (minimize stairs if mobility is limited)
• Maintain medications and special diets without interruption
• Address joint discomfort exacerbated by Rochester's damp, cold winters with appropriate bedding and heating

Recently Adopted Pets

Moving with a newly adopted pet presents unique challenges:

• If possible, postpone adoptions until after your move
• For recent adoptions, create consistency with feeding, walking, and sleeping routines
• Use crate training to provide security during the transition
• Connect with Rochester's pet behaviorists if adjustment issues arise
• Allow extra adjustment time as the pet is adapting to both you and a new environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there pet restrictions in Rochester rental properties?

Many Rochester rentals accept pets, but restrictions vary widely. Downtown luxury apartments typically allow pets with deposits ranging from $200-500. Breed restrictions are common, particularly for large dogs and breeds like pit bulls, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers. "Pet rent" of $25-50 monthly is increasingly common. For unrestricted pet housing, focus on private landlords rather than large management companies, particularly in neighborhoods like South Wedge, North Winton Village, and parts of Brighton.

What veterinary care options are available in Rochester?

Rochester offers excellent veterinary care ranging from affordable clinics to specialty practices. Monroe Veterinary Associates operates several well-regarded locations throughout the area. For emergency care, Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Services on White Spruce Boulevard provides 24/7 service. The Animal Hospital of Rochester offers specialized treatments, while Exotic Pet Veterinary Services in Penfield caters to non-traditional pets. For holistic approaches, All Creatures Holistic Veterinary Center in Pittsford combines conventional and alternative treatments. Most practices are currently accepting new patients with wait times of 1-3 weeks for wellness appointments.

How can I help my dog adjust to Rochester's winter conditions?

Rochester winters present challenges for dogs unaccustomed to snow and cold. Gradually acclimate your dog with increasingly longer outdoor sessions as temperatures drop. Consider boots to protect paws from ice, salt, and chemicals used on roads and sidewalks. A properly fitted coat is recommended for short-haired breeds, seniors, and small dogs. Create an indoor potty option for extreme weather days (particularly important for apartment dwellers). Watch for signs of cold stress including shivering, lifting paws, or reluctance to walk. Local pet stores like PetSaver and CountryMax offer extensive winter gear selections.

What should I do if my pet gets lost during our move to Rochester?

If your pet becomes lost during a Rochester move, immediately contact Rochester Animal Services (585-428-7274) and Lollypop Farm (585-223-1330). File reports with both agencies and provide photos. Post on local Facebook groups including "Rochester NY Lost Pets," "Brighton Residents," and your specific neighborhood group. Place articles of clothing with your scent near where the pet was last seen. For cats, place their litter box outside your new home, as the familiar scent can guide them back. Consider hiring a pet-finding service like Rescue Runway, which uses trained tracking dogs to locate lost pets throughout the Rochester area.