PETS in Dorset can now accompany their owners abroad thanks to a microchip and passport scheme launched by Kingston Maurward College.

The innovative gadget also doubles as a pet identification to reunite lost animals with their owners.

Students can enrol on a course at the college near Dorchester to find out how to insert and scan the tiny devices, which bear a unique pet log PIN code and are inserted under the animal's skin.

The chips are used in line with a pet passport, and are read using a scanner like a barcode reader.

Entitled Microchipping Your Pet, the one-day course takes advantage of recent changes in the law and offers 12 people the chance to learn about legislation and animal health and disease.

A spokesman said: "It's aimed at kennel and cattery staff, veterinary nurses, dog wardens, pet store staff, rescue workers and breeders, and allows them to carry out the procedure themselves. Each student will receive a certificate that allows them to commercially insert and scan the microchips and register pets for their passports.

"They can put their knowledge into practice by bringing their pets along and microchipping them on the day."

The sessions are run by qualified veterinary staff, in conjunction with national specialists Pet Detect. Kingston Maurward College will be running the next course in the spring - to book a place, phone (01305) 215025.

For more details about microchipping pets, call David Humphreys, head of animal care at the college, on (01305) 215069 or contact your vet.