A Lancashire veterinary practice is to host its inaugural pet blood donor session next month, following an appeal launched in memory of a donor dog who helped dozens of others.
So far, 11 dogs have signed up for the event at the Stanley House Veterinary Group practice in Barnoldswick on 2 September and more owners are being encouraged to do so.
The initiative supporting Pet Blood Bank UK was launched in response to high demand for blood transfusions.
Further donation dates are also expected to be planned as the register grows.
‘Fantastic response’
The appeal is being led by branch co-ordinator Portia Keates, whose late greyhound Ryker is estimated to have helped up to 50 dogs during his lifetime. Her current greyhound, Blake, is also a donor.
She said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from the community in such a short space of time and there is still scope for more pet owners to get involved.
“Stanley House Vets has treated dogs that have needed blood transfusions. As pet owners, we don’t want to think about emergency situations, but the pet blood bank is a vital lifeline if and when they do happen, so this is a really good cause to support.”
Donation criteria
To be considered as a donor, dogs need to meet the following criteria:
- Be fit and healthy
- Aged between one and eight years
- Weigh more than 25kg
- Have a good temperament and happy being handled
- Have never travelled outside the UK and Ireland
- Not being on any medication
All donor dogs will be given a full health check by a Pet Blood Bank vet before the donation.
More information is available by contacting the practice or via its Facebook page here.
Credit to: Lancashire practice to host pet blood donation day (Vet Times)
Vet Times. (2023). Lancashire practice to host pet blood donation day [online]
Available at: https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/lancashire-practice-to-host-pet-blood-donation-day/
