Free health checks for dogs

The PDSA animal charity is returning to Renfrewshire to offer free health MOTs to dogs later this month.

It is part of the vet charity’s campaign mission for every pet to have a happy and healthy life.

This year’s PetWise tour is supported by the players of People’s Postcode Lottery and is travelling across the UK providing free health checks and offering expert pet care advice.

A PDSA vet nurse will be on board one of the charity’s PetCheck vehicles.

Nurse Emma Mcdonald said: “We would love to catch up on the progress of all the dogs we saw on our last visit, and meet any that didn’t manage to get to us.

“We expect to be busy, so we advise pet owners to call and make an appointment.

“By offering free, friendly advice and support, we can help owners make small changes that often make big differences to the wellbeing of pets in Paisley.”

Emma McDonald will deliver PDSA’s specially developed ‘PetWise’ MOT for every dog, which assesses the five elements pets need to be healthy and happy, known as the welfare needs.

These are diet, environment , companionship, behaviour and health. A simple traffic light system gives each pet a score, and a personalised action plan to help owners improve their pet’s wellbeing.

Additional ser vices including nail clipping, ear cleaning and microchipping – which is now a legal requirement for all dogs – are also available free of charge, although donations are welcome.

Cats Protection neutering vouchers are also available.

Go along to the following locations between 10am to 5pm.

The dates are: Thursday, July 19 – Barshaw Park, Glasgow Road, Paisley

Friday, July 20 – Houstoun Square, Johnstone

Appointments should be booked in advance by calling 01952 797306.

PDSA’s PetCheck vehicle will return to the area later in the year. More information is available on PDSA’s website at