Free dog ‘MOTs’ for Ballymena hounds

The veterinary charity’s annual UK-wide PetCheck tour will be visiting the borough and a PDSA Vet Nurse will examine the weight, body-shape, teeth, eyes, coat and general fitness of canine visitors, and will also offer free expert advice about how to care for other pets.

Microchipping and nail clipping will also be available.

For safety reasons only dogs can be brought along to the PetCheck vehicle.

The PDSA PetCheck will be at the following locations from 9am to 4pm:

· Monday, May 20 – Ahoghill car park, Cullybackey Road Link, Ahogill;

· Tuesday, May 21 – Tesco, Larne Road, Ballymena;

· Wednesday, May 22 – Harryville Community Centre, Brooke Park, Ballymena;

· Thursday, May 23 – Dunclug Park, Ballymena;

· Friday, May 24 – Ballee Shopping Centre, Ballee Drive, Ballymena.

PDSA’s PetCheck Tour is travelling the length and breadth of the country in response to PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report, which found that over 10 million pets are missing out on key health and welfare requirements.

In the vast majority of cases this isn’t deliberate – owners love their pets but just don’t always understand what they need to be healthy and happy, resulting in pets suffering unnecessarily.

Sean Wensley, PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, said: “These figures highlight the importance of our PetCheck tour in helping owners to have a deeper understanding of their pet’s health and welfare needs and how to meet them.

“Owners generally want the best for their pets, and by providing advice and support to owners PDSA aims to help owners to ensure their pets have happy, healthy lives.”

Ronnie Milsop, Campaign Manager at Dogs Trust Ballymena, which is supporting some of the events this year, added: “This is the first time we have teamed up with PDSA to offer joint events for dog owners, and we will be offering free microchipping* and neutering vouchers.

“A healthy dog is one of the fundamental elements of responsible dog ownership and we hope that via the PetCheck events this will make it even easier for local owners.”