Battersea Dogs & Cats home to offer free microchipping for dogs at Metro Bank

A bank in Windsor is teaming up with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to offer free microchipping for prized pooches.

Metro Bank customers and residents are encouraged to pop along to its branch in Peascod Street tomorrow (Saturday) to get their dog microchipped.

From April next year it will become a legal requirement for all dog owners to have their pet microchipped with their details, but data from the charity shows many dog owners are yet to chip their pet.

Battersea’s community engagement manager, Sharon Sealey, said: “Many dog owners don’t realise how helpful a microchip can be.

"It’s just the size of a grain of rice and can reunite a lost pet with their owner within hours.

"Losing your dog is distressing for you and your dog, who may end up in kennels relying only on the hope that their owner will think to call the centre they’re waiting in.

"Microchipping is the only permanent way of identifying your pet and it ensures that any lost pet can be reunited with its owner as quickly as possible.

"A quick reunite may also save you money in reclaiming fees.”

The Battersea team will also be on hand to offer free advice on responsible dog ownership.

It will take place between 11am and 3.30pm.