Pet owners are being urged to microchip their furry friends at Hemel Hempstead’s Pets At Home store this weekend, following the introduction of a new law.
The new government legislation will make it compulsory for dog owners to have their pets microchipped by 2016, or they will face a fine.
The animal supplies store is offering the service on Saturday and Sunday for just £10 instead of the usual £15.
The chip is roughly the size of a grain of rice and is given a unique reference number. It fits under the dog’s skin and contains contact information about its owner, making it easier for both to be reunited should they become separated.
Cat owners will also be able to get their feline friends chipped too.
Hemel Hempstead store manager Gerry McDermott said: “Microchipping is a simple, relatively painless and essential procedure for ensuring the welfare of your pet. It’s a foolproof method of keeping your pet safe.”
The first microchipping event in February saw more than 8,000 dogs microchipped across Pets At Home’s 340 stores in just two days.