Calling all dog owners! Braintree District Council has teamed up with PDSA, the UK’s leading veterinary charity, to help dog owners in the district keep their dogs in the best of health.

Owners who take their dog along to the PetCheck vehicle can get a free pet health check and talk to an experienced PDSA veterinary nurse about their pet’s weight, eyes, teeth, ears, coat condition and general fitness.

The PDSA can also carry out microchipping at a cost of �15.50 and nail clipping for �5.00. For safety reasons only dogs are welcome along, but the veterinary nurse can also advise on caring for other pets.

“In today’s tough financial climate it can be hard to find the necessary funds to keep pets in good health and so we’re delighted that PDSA accepted our invitation to make another welcome visit to the district,” said Cllr Wendy Schmitt.

“At our last event over 620 pet owners came along to benefit from pet checks and expert advice that didn’t cost them a penny. We hope to see even more this year.”

In September the PDSA PetCheck vehicle will be at the following locations from 10am-5pm (on busy days an appointment system will be in operation):

Tuesday September 25: Rosebay close play area, Witham CM8 2XS

Wednesday September 26: Wentworth Crescent, Braintree CM7 5QD

Thursday September 27: Shaw Road Community Office, Templars Estate, Witham CM8 2RR

Friday September 28: Chapel Street car park, Halstead CO9 2LR

Saturday September 29: Discovery Centre, Great Notley CM77 7FS

Braintree District Council employs two dog wardens who work within the Environmental Services Department. Their role is to focus on issues such as stray dogs, dog fouling and general dog control and, in addition, raise public awareness about responsible dog ownership.