A LOW-COST veterinary clinic offering health checks, microchipping and welfare support for pets is coming to Cinderford this Thursday, giving Forest of Dean residents on means-tested benefits access to affordable care.

The Cotswolds Dogs & Cats Home (CDCH) will be running the session at Worcester Road Community Centre between 11am and 2pm on Thursday, December 11, with dogs, cats and small animals all welcome. Pet owners can book in advance or drop in on the day, although spaces are limited.

The Cinderford event forms part of CDCH’s wider welfare programme, which includes weekly 10-minute appointments at its rehoming centre in Cam, Dursley and regular free community drop-in clinics at venues such as community centres, food banks and churches. These sessions allow owners to access health checks, flea and worming treatments, microchipping, medication and advice without the cost of a private vet visit.

The charity can also provide prescription medication at significantly reduced prices, with a £4.50 dispensing fee applied, though pets must be seen at regular intervals as advised by the vet. CDCH additionally runs several support schemes to help owners manage larger or unexpected costs, including financial help for emergency treatment, fixed neutering contributions for a wide range of animals, and vouchers of up to £270 towards neutering XL Bullies ahead of the 30 June 2025 deadline.

Further guidance is available for pet owners facing decisions around end-of-life care, with the charity offering support on assessing an animal’s comfort and quality of life, and providing compassionate euthanasia services when needed, although this cannot be offered during a client’s first visit.

More information about Thursday’s clinic, welfare schemes and registration is available on the CDCH website or by contacting the reception team on 01453 890014 or [email protected].