A PET shop in Cirencester is offering microchipping for the discount rate of £10 this weekend.

Dog and cat owners in Cirencester are being encouraged to attend a microchipping event on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, to help protect their pets from being lost or stolen.

Microchipping is the most effective way of increasing the chances of a missing pet being returned safely to its owner and for dog owners this will soon become compulsory.

In April 2016 it becomes law in England and Wales that all dogs have to be microchipped by eight weeks old.

Pet owners can bring their cat or dog to Pets at Home Cirencester any time on Saturday or Sunday and get their pet microchipped for the special rate of just £10, down from £15.

James Seale, store manager at Pets at Home Cirencester, said:  “As the government deadlines approach, we want to highlight the benefits of microchipping to help owners avoid the heartache of losing a pet.

“Microchipping is a simple, relatively painless and essential procedure for ensuring the welfare of your pet.”

The chip is roughly the size of a grain of rice, fits under the pet’s skin and contains information about its owner, making it easier for both to be reunited should they become separated for whatever reason.