Preston’s Lanes Vets is looking for life-saving donor dogs

A vets in Preston is appealing for dog owners in the area to come forward with their pets as blood donors to help save the lives of other fur-babies.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Lanes Vets in Preston is one of Pet Blood Bank UK charity’s host venues and they are 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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs as every unit of blood can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.

Donor dog RoxyDonor dog Roxy
Donor dog Roxy

How can your dog become a donor?

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.

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. 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.

Read More
Video shows Australian Wallaby bouncing through Lancashire town during heatwave
The Pet Bank team in the donation roomThe Pet Bank team in the donation room
The Pet Bank team in the donation room

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

If you are interested in registering your dog to become a lifesaver or would like to book an appointment for the donation session at Lanes Vets, please visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.

When was Pet Blood Bank established and what all does it do?

Pet Blood Bank UK launched in 2007 and is the only charity that provides a blood bank service for all vets across the UK.

Donor dog AlfieDonor dog Alfie
Donor dog Alfie

As part of its charitable remit, the aim is to advance animal health and welfare and to relieve suffering by providing quick and convenient access to blood.

Similar to the human blood service, pet owners kindly bring along their much loved companions to give blood at one of our many sessions across the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The blood is then taken to the processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into red blood cells and plasma products, and then stored ready for dispatch.

Can any dog breed give blood?

Donor dog JackDonor dog Jack
Donor dog Jack

To be a dog donor the criteria is:

Fit and healthy.

Happy, confident, and enjoys meeting new people.

Between one and eight years.

Weigh more than 25kg.

Have a good temperament.

Have never travelled outside of the UK and Ireland.

Not on any medication.

For more information CLICK HERE.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.