FAT cats and podgy pooches are to be offered free slimming weight clinics.

Westway vet surgery in Eden Hill at West Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, is now seeing so many overweight pets, staff are introducing new obesity classes.

Starting on Monday, January 16, owners will be encouraged to bring their cats, dogs or rabbits in six times over a 12-week period for free advice on the correct diet and exercise to suit the animal’s size and breed.

Senior Veterinary Nurse Nicola Hennessy said: “Obesity is becoming a major issue in pets as we have seen a surge in the number of overweight pets coming in over the years.

“Many owners transfer their own eating habits to their pets and spoil them with too many titbits, treats and scraps off their own plates.

“Just like many humans enrol in slimming classes in January, we will be setting up clinics with our nurses to advise owners on the best diet for their pets”.

Westway is also offering the clinics at its veterinary hospital on West Road in Newcastle

To make an appointment, please ring 0191 3700 369.