Dog owners are being urged to get their pets microchipped before the new law kicks in this April.

The team at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home will be pulling up in Feltham to offer free dog microchipping and tag engraving as well as advice from the experts about canine behaviour and training on Saturday (January 23).

With less than three months to go, the deadline is fast approaching and Battersea’s community engagement team are constantly on the road helping to make sure dog owners avoid the potential £500 fine.

Sharon Sealey, Battersea community engagement manager, said: “A microchip means you can be reunited with your dog quickly if they ever get lost.

“Losing your dog is distressing for you and your dog who may end up in kennels. A microchip and a quick reunite may also save you money in reclaiming fees.”

Can you give two-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Solo a home?

The animal charity takes in 3,000 stray dogs every year, and in 2014 only 41% had been microchipped, meaning hundreds of dogs could not be reunited with their owners.

Just two weeks ago, two-year-old Solo, a Staffordshire bull terrier was found and taken in at the kennel but without a microchip the team have been unable to locate the owners and can do nothing but wait until they come and find him.

If he had been chipped the owner could have been contacted within hours and Solo would be home where he belongs.

With so many incidents like this, Battersea supports the government’s decision to make microchipping compulsory for all dogs in England from April 6 2016.

A microchipping service will be held at Adrian Hall Garden Centre, Feltham, on Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

Thanks to the People’s Postcode Lottery, the Battersea team can use their new van to provide more people with advice and free microchipping across London.

For more information visit Battersea Dogs & Cats Home Chip & Tag Events.

To give Solo a home call Battersea on 0843 509 4444.