AN APPEAL for dog blood donors has been launched for pets in Wellington.

Charity Pet Blood Bank UK is seeking donors to support dogs in need at Mount Vets on Taunton Road.

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

The blood bank operates just like the human blood service, but for dogs, collecting blood donations from donor dogs which then go towards helping to save the lives of other dogs in need. Every donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.

To become a donor, a 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 between five and10 minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 35 to 40 minutes. Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and receive a goody bag and toy to take home.

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, as only 30% of dogs have this blood type, Pet Blood Bank is calling for certain breeds more likely to have this blood type to come forward, including German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Flat and Curly Coated Retrievers, Greyhounds, Lurchers, Boxers, Old English Sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.

Mount Vets, Wellington, will be hosting a donation session on Saturday, August 9. For more information, visit the Pet Blood Bank UK website or call 01509 232222.