Affordable pet care, in a bid to cut down on the number of suffering animals, is to be introduced at a vets in Northfleet.

The RSPCA will launch a new clinic at the Shrubbery Veterinary Practice on Perry Street tomorrow for pet owners in receipt of benefits.

The clinic will run every Wednesday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4pm.

RSPCA inspector Vikki Dawe said: “Many of the animal welfare problems we see are the result of pet owners failing to provide routine veterinary care for their pets.

“If untreated even a minor problem like fleas can go on to cause a pet a huge amount of suffering.

"We are therefore delighted that the Kent North West branch of the RSPCA is looking to work with local vets like the Shrubbery to make sure that veterinary care is affordable.

"This subsidised RSPCA clinic will be a real help for pet owners in the area.”

The Kent North West RSPCA branch is run by volunteers and is partly funded by the RSPCA charity shops in Gravesend and Dartford.

Clients will have to contribute towards the cost of any treatment and medicines but the RSPCA contribution means this will be at a reduced rate.

Proof of one of benefits, such as housing benefit, income support, job seekers allowance, state retirement pension or state widows benefit, must be taken along. You must also live in a DA or BR8 postcode area.

People will pay a reduced rate of £15 towards the cost of a consultation with the vet and the RSPCA will subsidise the difference.

Routine treatments for common problems such as fleas and worms are available, as are vaccinations.

Visits will be strictly by appointment only and those interested should call the branch on 01322 286720 or contact the Shrubbery Practice direct on 01474 534891 to book an appointment.