Matt Whittaker,manager at Pets At Home, Swindon, writes about your pets.

Moving house can be very stressful, but it can also be a stressful time for your pet with so much going on, and a new environment for them to get used to. However, here are a few easy ways to ensure that they feel at home.

Start out by ensuring your pet is as comfortable as possible. Leave items such as their toys and beds out until the last part of the move.

I’d also advise using pheromone sprays such as Feliway or Adaptil whilst packing and in the new home, as they are specifically designed to help keep pets calm and relaxed. These can be bought from Pets at Home stores.

When you’re physically moving your pet it’s vital to make sure you use a suitable carrier or harness. If you allow them to familiarise themselves with the carrier beforehand it will reduce the stress on the day.

Once you arrive at your new home, make sure you attend to your pets individually whilst they are getting used to their new surroundings. You can help to minimise the impact by accompanying your pet around the new home for the first time, and ensure all external doors and windows are shut.

Another tip when moving is to make sure you have a comfortable spot ready for your pet. For example, cats and dogs should have a specific room in which some familiar items with familiar scents are put to make them feel comfortable. Rabbits should be placed in a sheltered, draught free spot which is away from extreme temperatures.

Make sure that your dog or cat’s ID tag is changed before letting them outside and always make sure their microchip database entry is updated with the new home’s details. In April 2016 it becomes law in England and Wales for all dogs have to be microchipped by eight weeks old, this can be fitted quickly and painlessly.

Alternatively you could take your pet to a kennel or cattery for the duration of the move which is a great way to keep stress levels at a minimum. Just make sure you make a fuss over them when they finally do move in!