Lifesaving dogs needed to become blood donors

Pet Blood Bank UK is looking for happy, healthy, and confident dogs to register for donation sessions.

Roxy the donor dog

The blood bank is like the human blood service, but for dogs. It collects blood donations from donor dogs across the UK which are used to help save the lives of other dogs in need.

Each donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.

Dogs across the West Midlands, and across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it.

Stumpy the donor dog

To become a donor, a dog must weigh more than 25kg, be aged between one and eight, and be fit and healthy. They must also be confident, enjoy meeting new people and having new experiences as the dogs will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside to minimise risk during the pandemic.

The Pet Blood Bank UK team in the donation room

The donation itself only takes five to 10 minutes, but owners can expect their dogs to be with the team for around 35 to 40 minutes.

Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and they get a goody bag and toy to take home.

Like humans, dogs have different blood types and negative blood is in very high demand as it can be given to any dog in an emergency.

However, only 30 per cent of dogs have this blood type so keeping up with supplies is challenging - particularly during the pandemic - so the Pet Blood Bank is calling especially for certain breeds to come forward, as they are more likely to have his vital blood type.

Jack the donor dog

These include German Shepherds, Dobermanns, flat and curly coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, old English sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.

Anyone keen to register a dog to become a donor or wanting to book an appointment for a future donation session can visit petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.

Dog blood donation sessions are held at Vets4Pets in Stourbridge and Manor Vets, Cradley Heath.