Moving house can be a traumatic time for even the most stoical cat or dog. If possible, cats should be boarded and only collected once the furniture is in. Ideally, dogs should be boarded or stay with a friend.

A few handy tips for clients when they arrive at their new home:

• Ideally, find a safe, quiet place for the pet whilst you unpack.
   
• Make sure that the pet's bedding, food and water are available on arrival.
   
• If a pet will be loose in the new house, be careful with gates, doors and windows whilst unpacking.
   
• Check gates and fences are secure before letting a dog loose in a new garden.
   
• Cats should be kept in for at least 10 days after moving into a new home (often up to 21 if nervous), so a litter tray will be necessary.
   
• When letting a cat outside for the first time, do it before a mealtime - a hungry cat is likely to return for its supper and is less likely to disappear.