How do agents work?

Hello everyone! We're about to make the big move (exactly one month from today, ah!) but we still don't have a place to live. FYI, our living situation is a bit complicated because we're bringing along our two cats.

I'm still feeling a bit confused about what the agents actually do. Am I supposed to choose one to work with on finding a property that will allow cats? Or does one talk to several agents at a time? Do they charge fees for a consultation, or are they only paid after we've rented a place? Any advice at all on this topic would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

So you'll have to call each individually.  They don't work together.  Explain your circumstances and see what they say.  You'll likely have to call many agents.

You don't pay until you submit an application for a property and then there will be an application fee per applicant.

I would recommend finding a place on Air Bnb that allows pets for your first month and then looking for something longer term when you are here.  Pictures/floorplans/locations can be very deceiving online.  You can't smell mold through the internet!