Could your dog help save the lives of beloved pets across the country?
That's the question one pet charity is asking dog owners to consider ahead of their visit to the North East this month.
After a year away due to the pandemic, Pet Blood Bank UK is returning to Northumberland to run a blood donation session on Sunday, June 27.
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And they need dogs to come forward to donate blood and help save the lives of UK pets.
Pet Blood Bank is just like the human blood service, but for dogs and every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.
Once donated, the blood is taken to the charity's processing centre in Loughborough where it is separated into red blood cells and plasma products, and then stored ready for dispatch.
The charity has helped to save the life of thousands of pets and blood donation days in Northumberland will resume at Alnorthumbria Vets, in Morpeth, on June 27.
While the dog blood bank service did continue to run during the pandemic, some venues had to pause their donation sessions to protect the safety of their teams and clients.
Alnorthumbria Vets is now able to welcome back Pet Blood Bank with new safety measures in place and looks forward to having many local dogs attend their upcoming donation session.
But after a one-year break, more dogs are needed to come along to ensure enough blood can be collected.
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 Coated Retrievers, Pointers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.
To become a donor, dogs 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.
Owners will be asked to wait outside in order to minimise risk during the coronavirus pandemic.
The donation 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 also get a goody bag and toy to take home.
Anyone interested in registering their dog to become a donor or would like to book an appointment for the donation session at Alnorthumbria Vets on Sunday 27 June, please visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.
