Dog blood donors: meet the lifesaving pets helping their fellow canines - and how you can help in Manchester

Meet the hero dogs who have come to the rescue of other animals in need - by donating blood.

Alfie, Jack and Roxy are just a few of the canine saviours who have stepped in to help provide the lifesaving service for dogs in need of urgent treatment.

They are now acting as ambassadors for Pet Blood Bank UK, which has donation centres in parts of Manchester as well as across the country.

So how does dog blood donation work, how will it affect your pet and where can you help?

Donation process

A spokeswoman for the charity says the donation process takes five to 10 minutes, though as dogs are checked over by a vet first, it’s best to leave half an hour or so.

She added it should not be a scary process for owners or their pets, with plenty of consideration for the owners: “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.”

Criteria and the most in-demand breeds

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 in order to minimise risk during the pandemic.

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. But only a third of breeds have this type, so Pet Blood Bank is particularly interested in hearing from owners of German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat and Curly Coated Retrievers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.

How can I help in Manchester?

The next donation sessions in the area are:

Woodcroft Veterinary Hospital, Stockport – Thursday 30 September

Valentine Vets, Rochdale – Saturday 16 October

If you are interested in registering your dog to become a lifesaver, to book an appointment at one of the upcoming donation sessions or search for more locations, visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call 01509 232222.