COULD your dog be a lifesaver? That is the question being asked by Pet Blood Bank UK, which has announced that it is starting to run lifesaving blood donation days in Wells, and it needs the city’s dogs to come forward.
Wells Vets has partnered with the charity and is looking for donor dogs to attend their very first session on Saturday, May 10.
This is the first time the charity has visited Wells to run dog blood donation sessions and they say they are very excited to welcome lots of fantastic new donors to their lifesaving pack.
Pet Blood Bank is just like the human blood service, but for dogs. They 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 Wells, as well as all dogs across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it, so it is a vital service.
To become a donor, a dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of one and eight, and be fit and healthy. It is also important that they are confident, enjoy meeting new people, and having new experiences.
The donation itself only takes five to ten minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for about 35-40 minutes. Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and get plenty of 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.
Following their first session on May 10, Pet Blood Bank plans to visit Wells Vets, at Cathedral Avenue, Wells, every two or three months going forward, so owners are encouraged to register their dogs even if they will miss the first date.
Nicole Osborne from Pet Blood Bank UK said: “We are so excited to launch our very first dog blood donation session in Wells. We are looking forward to meeting lots of new donors and really getting the local community behind our mission to help save the lives of dogs across the country. We would love to hear from anyone interested in finding out more or coming along to our session at Wells Vets on Saturday, May 10.”
People interested in finding out more and registering their dog as a donor should visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call the charity directly on 01509 232222.
Launched in 2007, Pet Blood Bank UK is the only charity that provides a blood bank service for all vets across the UK.
As part of its charitable remit, its aim is to advance animal health and welfare and to relieve suffering by providing quick and convenient access to blood.
Donated blood is then taken to a 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 helps save up to four other lives, saving thousands of lives every year.