Pets at Home, which will open a new store in Hedge End, Hampshire on September 8, has revealed that it has received more than 500 applications for the 10 jobs created.

The 7,000sq ft. branch will feature a groom room, which will offer a range of services including micro chipping, and nail clipping; a Vets4Pets veterinary surgery will also open in-store and will be equipped with digital x-rays, ultrasound facilities and an on-site laboratory.

The new surgery will be owned and run by veterinary surgeons Przemyslaw Jelonek and Andrew Thornton. An adoption centre, run by independent charity Support Adoption For Pets, will also open.

Pets at Home area manager Alan Smith said: “There was a strong demand from Hedge End pet owners for Pets at Home and Vets4Pets to come to town, and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish.

“Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Hedge End.”