DOG-OWNERS in East Lancashire are being invited to help save a pooch’s life by letting their animals become blood donors.

The UK’s only pet blood bank charity will host a donor session at Burnley’s Oakmount Veterinary Centre, in Trafalgar Street, on August 19, from 1pm until 7pm.

Pet Blood Bank UK is based in Loughborough but the firm travels across the country to offer donor sessions.

The blood is then processed and sold to vets to cover the charity’s running costs.

Jody Wyse, of Pet Blood Bank UK, said: “We are seeing more and more demand for blood donations.” In the last year demand has gone up by 25 per cent. One unit of blood is enough to save four dogs.”

Dogs that give blood will receive a free health check and be microchipped. Only fit and healthy dogs can give blood.

They must be between one and eight years old, weigh more than 25kg, have a good temperament, have never travelled abroad, be fully vaccinated and not on any medication.

Jody said: “We would never force a dog to give blood if it did not want to. But what we generally find is that dogs actually quite enjoy the experience. The donor session is very similar to a human one apart from there are more tummy rubs. Afterwards, they get the doggy equivalent of tea and biscuits.

To register for the session, call 01509 232222 or visit www.petbloodbankuk.org