A CHARITY is appealing for dogs to come forward as blood donors to help save the lives of other pets.
New Priority Vets in Patcham, Brighton, is looking for happy, healthy, and confident pooches to register for their donation sessions.
The Pet Blood Bank, a registered charity, collect donations from donor dogs across the UK, to help save the lives of other canines in need.
Dogs living in Brighton have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it.
Donor dogs must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of one and eight and be fit and healthy.
They must enjoy having new experiences and meeting new people.
A charity spokesman said: “The donation itself only takes five to ten minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 35-40 minutes.
“Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and get showered with treats, fuss, and attention throughout their appointment.
“They even get a goody bag and toy to take home, as well as the pride of being a lifesaver.
“Like humans, dogs have different blood types and negative blood is in very high demand as this can be given to any dog in an emergency.
“However, with only 30 per cent of dogs having this blood type, keeping up with supplies is challenging.”
Pet Blood Bank is also calling for certain breeds to come forward, as they are more likely to have this vital blood type.
These breeds include German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat Coated Retrievers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.
The charity launched in 2007 and is the only organisation of its kind to offer blood bank services to vets across the country.
The blood is then taken to our processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into red blood cells and plasma products, and then stored ready for dispatch.
Every unit of blood can help to save up to four lives.
If you are interested in registering your dog to become a lifesaver or would like to book an appointment at the next donation session at New Priory Vets, please visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here