DOGS belonging to homeless people in Bournemouth will be able to be checked over by a vet for free soon.

The innovative scheme to help homeless people with pets is being rolled out to Bournemouth by charity Dogs on the Streets.

The London-based organisation, set-up by Michelle Clark, specialises in in free vet care for homeless people's pets and is designed to relieve the pressure on them.

And it will be coming to Bournemouth on a monthly basis, with the first session scheduled for March 3, from 1pm until 4pm at St Paul's Hostel, 10 St Paul's Lane, Bournemouth.

Speaking to the Daily Echo about the roll-out of the scheme, Michelle said: "We offer free vet care, grooming, nail trimming and anything else as well.

"We have just been donated a mobile vehicle and can do first stage care as well.

"Medication and tests are included in that.

"We have a clinic on board and anything that goes past the initial stage we would engage with a local vet for them.

"We are a 24/7 service."

The charity began after Michelle took in dog Poppy for a homeless man who was unwell.

She looked after Poppy for a year, until she died recently.

"I feel she left me because she wanted to me take someone else in", Michelle added.

Asked why she was coming to Bournemouth, Michelle said: "We got called upon. We've been told there is a need.

"Sometimes the reason people are on the street is because they refuse to live without their animals. There is a real problem with access to housing when you have pets.

"For most rough sleepers their dog is their only companion and many will choose to feed their dogs over themselves."

The charity also gives out food, leads, collars, dog coats and other essentials.

They will be working with charities including Second Chance and the Big Issue.