WEST Oxfordshire residents are being offered more chances to have their dogs microchipped free of charge.

Dog owners who want to take advantage of the offer must book an appointment before taking their dog along to one of the microchipping events being held at the WFS Country Shop, in Burford Road, Minster Lovell, on January 14, 18, 28 or 30 next year.

A few spaces are still available for sessions on Monday and Friday next week.

The council’s regular microchipping service, normally costs £16.50.

The council’s dog warden picks up hundreds of strays every year, many of which are never reunited with their owners, with new homes having to be found.

Microchipping helps ensure dogs can be easily identified by the details embedded in the computer chip, so their owners can be traced if pets go missing from home or are involved in an accident.

David Harvey, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Microchipping enables a dog to be quickly identified and returned to its owner, saving time and expensive kennelling fees, as well as giving a dog’s owner peace of mind.”

Dogs Trust is supplying the microchips to the council as part of the charity’s Dogs in the Community project.

This free offer is only available to residents of West Oxfordshire.

Appointments can be booked at westoxon.gov.uk/dogs or by calling 01993 861020.