DOGS can have a free vet's 'MOT' next month.

Leading vet charity, PDSA, will be returning to Middlesbrough with its national pet wellbeing tour offering free health checks for dogs.

The charity’s PetCheck vehicle visited a number of locations in the area earlier this year and is now returning to offer further expert pet care advice, free health checks and reduced cost microchipping.

On board the specialised coach will be PDSA vet nurse Tina Scrafton who will check dogs’ eyes, ears, weight and general condition as well as running through PDSA’s PetWise MOT, which assesses each of the five welfare needs.

Additional services including nail clipping and ear cleaning are also available free of charge although donations are welcome. Middlesbrough Borough Council will also be offer free microchipping, which became mandatory for dogs from April this year.

Ms Scrafton said: "We met so dogs and their humans last time we came and are really looking forward to seeing them again and meeting even more local pooches. These events are open to everyone but I’d encourage anyone who attended our previous events to come along. We’d love to see how people are getting on with our personalised action plans – we want to keep tails wagging in Middlesbrough.”

The coach will visit Hemlington Recreaton Centre on Tuesday, August 16 from 10am-5pm, Albert Park on Wednesday, August 17 from 10am to 5pm, North Ormesby Market Place on Thursday, August 18 from 10am to 5pm and Stewart Park on Friday, August 19 from 9am to 4pm.

Appointments must be booked in advance by calling 0800-917-2509.