Dog owners in Yorkshire are being encouraged to do something amazing and sign their beloved pets up to the blood donor register, to help save canine lives.
Calder Vets, which has 12 surgeries across Yorkshire, is planning to host a donation day with the Pet Blood Bank charity, but this can’t happen until a minimum of 50 dogs have been registered.
Donor dogs need to be between one and eight years old and weigh at least 25kg. They also need to be calm animals who are free of medical problems and up-to-date with their vaccinations.
Calder’s head receptionist Suzanne Silverwood is already a firm supporter of the donor register, and is encouraging others to follow suit.
Alice (pictured), her one-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd, has been signed up – and it’s definitely a family affair, as son Joshua’s mastiff cross Lucy is also on the register and has donated in the past.
She said: “We are all animal lovers in the family so we wanted to help. Giving blood for dogs is just like having a blood test, so as long as they are relaxed then it is easy.
“We’d love to hear from any other dog owners who think their pets would be able to join Alice and Lucy on the blood donor register.”
It’s not just dogs Calder Vets aims to help – the practice is also on the lookout for cats to go on its donor register, as it can be difficult to find a suitable donor cat in an emergency situation.
Feline blood cannot be stored so unlike the situation with canine patients, Calder doesn’t have a feline blood bank.
Vets are reliant on finding a suitable donor at the time the blood is required, which could mean donors are contacted during the night.
If you think your dog could be a suitable donor, please call Calder Vets on 01924 465592.
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