MOVING HOUSE with pets

Follow these tips to help your fur baby navigate the big day with ease

- AMBER BRAMBLE

You've probably heard the saying that moving is one of life's most stressful events, right up there with death, divorce and major illness. While experts are divided on how accurate this really is, there's no doubt that changing homes can be challenging and that's just as true if you happen to have four legs. 'Moving can be quite unsettling for pets, especially cats,' celebrity vet Dr Lisa Chimes explains. Fortunately, a little bit of pet psychology can go a long way. Whether it's a dog, cat or bird, Here's how to make the big day as seamless as possible!

PREVENT GREAT ESCAPES

To prevent any Homeward Bound situations, it's important to give your pet time to get accustomed to their new digs. 'The most common problem we see with moving house is pets escaping and trying to return to their old address, so it's important to ensure your new home is secure,' says Dr Lisa. 'Keep as much consistency as possible use their familiar bedding, toys and routines. Using species-specific pheromone sprays and diffusers may help make the transition easier.

AVOID ACCIDENTS