One of the nicest things about being a mobile vet at this time of the year is getting to see everyone’s houses beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Every home we enter is festooned with lavish garlands, twinkling lights and lovely Christmas trees dressed for the season.

It’s funny to see the trees with cat defences around them to stop our feline friends climbing up and scattering baubles playfully.

It never ceases to amaze me how clever people get in this game of one-upmanship with their cats.

Owners trying to preserve the tree in all its glory and the cats, mesmerised by the sparkles, and unable to avoid the call of the branches.

There is often a wonderful smell of baking in the air on our arrival. Ovens filled with cookies, and pastries, and all sorts of delicious treats.

We regularly get to sample these fresh-baked goodies and are always willing taste-testers. I do find myself frequently repeating the old mantra of “remember to not leave food stuffs, cookies, chocolate or candy under the tree”, as our amazing dogs can easily sniff out these tasty delights and will make an eager meal of them. (Cue the emergency vet visit for vomiting and pancreatitis.)

I love to see the stockings hanging over the fireplace; mum, dad, kids, pets, each with their name lovingly stitched in felt.

It reminds me how much we consider our pets as family members, so much so that we include them in celebrations they have no concept of, but are very willing to participate in.

When I was younger, the stable manager of the yard where I rode horses always hung a stocking for each horse, stuffed with pony nuts, polo mints and all sorts of other treats.

He was a gruff kind of gentleman, so it always amused me to see this softer side come out.

Animals have a special knack for bringing out our soft underbelly. There is just something about their animal magic that can melt even the coldest snowman’s heart.

One observation I see a lot on my house calls at this time of year is just how important pets can be to people living alone at Christmastime.

It’s easy to forget, in the hustle and bustle of busy family life, that many people will be alone this Christmas and they will gain comfort and much needed affection from having a beloved pet with them.

Animals fill a great many roles in our lives but the relief of loneliness and the giving of a reason to get up every day must be one of the more significant ones.

Whatever your plans this holiday, stay safe, be happy and spend time with your family, including, of course, your wonderful pets.

• Lucy Richardson graduated from Edinburgh University in 2005. She started CedarTree Vets in August 2012 with her husband, Mark. They live at the practice with their two children, Ray and Stella, and their dog, two cats and two guinea pigs. She is also the FEI national head veterinarian for Bermuda