When you are preparing to make the big move to Italy, it is essential not to forget the most important members of your family.

This is undoubtedly an enormous and life changing experience, not just for you, but also for Fido, Felix or Nemo who will not have had any say whatsoever in your plans so far.

The good thing, at least where Fido and Nemo are concerned, is that they will be happy wherever they go, just as long as their family (and plenty of tasty food) is there with them. Tiddles may find it a little harder to settle in, but you will know your own cat, and will possibly have already moved house once during its lifetime and so will be prepared to undertake the necessary steps to ease the transition.

As far as paperwork is concerned, there are no requirements for bringing pets from the UK onto the continent. However, for the animals’ own good, I would strongly recommend that all their inoculations are up to date - especially the one for rabies.

Rabies does still exist in mainland Europe, and although in most countries only bats are the main carriers, you can never be too careful.

The rabies jab is especially important to keep up to date if you are thinking of bringing the pet back to the UK at any point. The jab needs to be given every year, and within the twelve month period. It was previously required that the animal have a blood test to ensure the presence of antibodies, but from January 2012, proof of the yearly booster shot should be sufficient. Personally I would err on the side of caution and obtain the blood test as well, but that will require a minimal six-month period before the pet can be transported back to the UK.

For trips home, your pets will also have to have a microchip inserted, which is now standard procedure in most countries.

An additional precaution to take in Italy is the purchase of an anti-Leishmaniasis collar. This disease is carried by some mosquitoes and sand flies, and can be fatal, especially for dogs. The most dangerous periods are spring and early summer. Late summer and early autumn are also danger times. It is recommended that a blood test be carried out every year in January/February to check that the animal has not contracted the disease, and to ensure immediate and life-saving treatment if it has.

The transport of your pet from the UK to mainland Europe is a fairly simple process, especially if you are coming by car. All ferry companies allow animals, for an additional cost – although you may want to bear in mind if you are taking a longer crossing, that the animal must stay in the car and that you will not be allowed to access the car deck to check on it. If you are travelling at times of extreme temperature – either hot or cold – please bear this in mind when leaving the car. In the height of summer a car deck can get very warm indeed, so windows open and plenty of water are a must. Ask one of the operators to check on the pet every so often if you have any concerns, they are usually happy to do this.

Other than the low-cost airlines, most major airlines are also happy to transport pets. Cats and very small dogs are often allowed to fly with you, as long as they remain in their carry bags. Larger animals will be put in the hold in their travel cages. It is more and more common to transport pets in this way, but keep in mind what you know about your pet, and perhaps try to find an alternative form of transport if it is elderly or of a very nervous disposition.

Italians in general love animals, so Fido, Tiddles and Nemo are pretty much guaranteed as warmer reception as you yourselves  will receive!