The dreaded visit to the vet turned into a fun day out for dogs, cats and their owners when a Romford animal hospital threw open its doors.

Ilford Recorder: The tour of the animal hospital showing the xraysThe tour of the animal hospital showing the xrays (Image: Archant)

More than 200 people visited the The PDSA Romford Pet Aid Hospital, in Danes Road, with four-legged friends on Saturday.

Pampered pooches ­paraded for the title of best dressed dog, won by Annie in a pink tutu and fetching yellow hat.

Eight-year-old Alana Hollands and her dog Pixie stole the show in the lookalike category with matching bee outfits.

Visitors were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of operating theatres and ­recovery kennels, where they met vets and charity volunteers. There were games to play and stalls.

The Ilford branch of the animal charity had a stall to raise money for stock their new shop after it burnt down earlier this year.

The open day has raised more than £1,000 so far, which will go towards the PDSA’s work providing free treatment for people on low incomes.

Veterinary care assistant Ria Hollands said: “It was a big achievement, even though the weather was against us.

“Everyone had a great time and a lot of people we talked to said they wanted to come back next year.”

Around 120 pets are treated every day at the Romford hospital, which performs 60,000 treatments a year, from life-saving surgeries to X-rays and long-term medication.

The £1million annual cost of the service is funded by public support through the animal charity.

Ms Hollands said: “I think it’s really good what we do for the animals – why shouldn’t people who haven’t got a big income not have a pet?”

Services are free for people who claim housing or council tax benefit and vets offer advice to other people on a low income.