As we all know, moving house is such an upheaval for all the family - even more so for your pet, here a few tips that will make the event less stressful on your pet.

Make sure your pets are identifiable in case they get lost en-route or before they have settled into their new home - therefore microchipping is a must!. (an important tip: don't forget to change your contact details with the appropraite authorities). If your cat or dog normally don't wear collars it may be a good idea to get them used to one about four prior to the shift and keep it on them for about four weeks after you arrive at your new home - even if they are microchipped

In the days before the move, keep to your pet's usual routine as much as possible.

Talk to your vet about ways to make the journey less stressful for pets who suffer from severe travel sickness or anxiety in a car. NEVER leave pets of any kind in a car as the car can quickly become very hot.

Don't pack all of your pet's food in the removals van. If it's a long journey, you may need to stop and feed them. Ensure that the cat's litter tray is easily accessible and schedule in walks on the lead for your dog en route. Make sure that plenty of water is available for your pet at all times...

Keep pets in a quiet room with their bedding and favourite toys while your belongings are taken out of the house. Secure the door and hang a "Do not open - pets in here" sign.

When moving your cat (or small dog), use a secure basket. Leave the carrier around for a few days before your move, so the pet becomes used to the sight and smell of it. Put your pet inside the basket before the removal men arrive.

When in the car, secure larger dogs with a car safety harness and keep smaller pets in a pet carrier securely fitted to the seat or in the foot-well. Do not put pet carriers in the removal van or the boot of your car and never let your dog put its head out of the car window.

As soon as you arrive at your new home put your pet in a secure and quiet room with their familiar bedding and toys, and provide them with food and water. Make sure that doors and windows are shut and fireplaces blocked to prevent cats from escaping.

Keep cats inside for the first two or three weeks to give them time to learn the geography of the new home and to become accustomed to the smells. When you are ready to let it out accompany your cat into the garden. Let it explore for a little while before calling it in for food. Repeat the exercise several times, allowing it to go a little further and for a bit longer each time. You may want to start this process by using a cat harness and lead so you can control your cat's first few trips outdoors.

Ask the occupants of your old house to call you if your cat turns up on their doorstep. Your old neighbours and new house owner mustn't give the cat any attention or food. In this way your cat will begin to recognise the new house, rather than the old one, as its source of food and shelter.

Keep dogs on a lead when you take them out in the garden for the first few days and check your boundary fencing to make sure that it is secure and free from any gaps before letting your dog run free.

As you settle in to your new home, remember to walk your dogs regularly to help them adjust to their new surroundings. Give both cats and dogs sufficient, but not excessive, amounts of food and attention. A regular routine will help during the adjustment period and small frequent meals will give you more contact with them in the first few weeks, helping them relax.