PET Blood Bank UK is appealing for dogs in Solihull to come forward as blood donors to help save the lives of other dogs.
The charity works with several veterinary practices across the region and is looking for happy, healthy, and confident dogs to register for their donation sessions.
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 across the West Midlands, as well as all dogs across the UK, have access to the lifesaving blood should they ever need it.
Stumpy the golden Labrador is a recently retired donor from Coventry.
He is one of the top donating dogs in the country having reached an incredible 30 donations.
Stumpy’s life has been very different from what was intended for him. Originally, he was bred to be a Guide Dog, but because he was born with deformed legs, he was retired from the programme.
Becoming a blood donor, though has meant he’s helped to save the lives of up to 120 other dogs.
To become a donor, your 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 as the dogs will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside, to minimise risk during the pandemic.
The donation itself only takes five to 10 minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 35-40 minutes.
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 have this blood type, so keeping up with supplies is challenging.
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 include German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat and Curly Coated Retrievers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.
To register your dog to become a lifesaver or to book an appointment visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.
Dog blood donation sessions are held at Balsall Common Vets.
