A pet foodbank in Deeside is partnering with a veterinary nurse to provide dog checks for those registered. 

The Deeside pet foodbank launched in August of last year, set up with the aim of supporting pet owners as they battle through the cost of living crisis.

The foodbank is based at an outbuilding behind the White Bear pub in Mancot.

Reflecting on the last seven months, founder Mel Oldfield said: "We have around 400 pets that we are currently feeding, a figure which has almost doubled since we launched.

"The demand is just getting higher and higher."

The pet foodbank offers weekly food packages for up to three pets per household for those who are eligible and need the service. 

The foodbank is open twice a week between 1-2pm on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Last week, the foodbank announced that starting on Thursday, March 30, during opening hours, a vet nurse from Daleside Vets will be attending to deliver "pet M.O.T's.".

The veterinary sessions will run on a monthly basis on the last Thursday of the calendar month. 

An experienced veterinary nurse will be offering a nose-to-tail health check for dogs registered at the food bank.

She will be able to give the dogs a quick weigh, a general health check and will be able to answer any questions you may have about your dog's health.

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Whilst the service will not allow dogs to be diagnosed or prescribed medications, Mel hopes this will take pressure off dog owners with concerns about their pet. 

Mel said: "The cost of vet services is astronomical so hopefully this can help those struggling to either have peace of mind about their pet, or they can be signposted to affordable options for veterinary care."

Posting via social media, Mel said: "We are extremely grateful to Daleside Vets for offering this service to us."

The foodbank asks that dogs accessing this service will be able to cope with waiting in an area with other dogs as this is on a drop-in basis. 

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In addition, the foodbank asks that dog owners are respectful and do not disturb the running of the pub. 

Due to limited indoor space the checks will be offered outdoors, therefore, should the weather be unfavourable the service may be cancelled. 

The service is exclusively for dogs that are registered at the foodbank already.

New users signing up to the foodbank on Thursday will not be able to see the veterinary nurse on the same day, however may be able to come to the next vet nurse session in April. 

Eligibility to access the pet foodbank is self-determined, and those in need of help with feeding their animal can contact petfoodbankdeeside@gmail.com to register. 

Mel said: "The foodbank takes a tremendous amount of work and without my incredible team it would never be possible."

The P.E.T Foodbank Deeside team is made up of Mel Oldfield, Linzi Davies, Lucie Davies, Dawn Bolton, Joel Bolton, Liz Moore and Martina Gates. 

Mel also voiced her gratitude to the community for their support through sharing posts and food donations.