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Pet Blood Bank UK is holding a dog blood donation session in Lancaster later this year, which runs in a similar way to a human blood donation service.

The charity needs happy, healthy and confident dogs to come forward as donors.

Pet Blood Bank collect blood donations from donor dogs across the UK, which then go towards helping to save the lives of other dogs in need. Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs. Dogs in Lancashire as well as all dogs across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it, so it really is a vital service.

The pet blood bank team in the donation room

To become a donor, your dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of 1 and 8, and be fit and healthy. It is also important that they are confident, enjoy meeting new people, and having new experiences as the dogs will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside in order to minimise risk during the pandemic.

The donation itself only takes 5-10 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% of dogs having this

blood type, keeping up with supplies is challenging, particularly during the pandemic. Therefore, Pet Blood Bank is also calling for certain breeds to come forward, as they are

more likely to have his vital blood type. These breeds include German Shepherds, dobermanns, flat and curly coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, Old English

sheepdogs and weimaraners.

The next blood donor session will be held at Vets4Pets, Lancaster City Retail Park, Mellishaw Lane on Sunday, November 7th.

Dogs needed for blood donations to save lives in Lancaster and Morecambe