DARLINGTON dog owners can take advantage of free health checks for their canine companions this week.

The PDSA is stopping off in the town as part of its annual countrywide PetCheck tour and will be at the Asda car park in Whinbush Way on Wednesday, followed by Cockerton Green on Thursday and North Lodge Terrace car park on Friday.

On board the tour bus, a PDSA nurse will examine the weight, body-shape, teeth, eyes, coat and general fitness of canine visitors, and will offer free advice about how to care for other pets.

Microchipping and nail clipping will also be available at a low cost.

The tour initiative is in response to PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing Report which found that more than ten million pets are missing out on key health and welfare requirements because their owners do not know enough about their care.

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