If dogs need blood transfusions for surgery or other diseases, where does the blood they use come from? The answer is: donated by dogs.

Pet Blood Bank UK is an official blood bank. It is the first and only charity of its kind and has been running for 8 years, during which time more than 6,000 dogs have donated blood. From the initial 3 cases of dog blood donations per week, to the current number of 22 cases per week.

Dogs that donate blood must meet certain requirements and have a specific screening process. Blood donation dogs must be healthy, have a normal body temperature, and have normal heart rate and breathing. The dog must weigh at least 25 kilograms, have no history of overseas travel, and of course there are other requirements.

The demand for dog blood for veterinary use is increasing day by day. In the first year of the establishment of the pet blood bank, there were less than 200 blood donations. There were 500 units of dog blood, each unit was 450ml. Veterinarians used 100 units that year. Now, 5,000 units of dog blood are consumed every year.

Just like human blood donation, a small amount of blood must first be collected and sent for testing to determine whether it is suitable for donation. The blood collection site is usually the cephalic vein in the dog's leg or the jugular vein in the neck. First, local hair is shaved, and then the blood collection needle is inserted. This is a standard procedure. If the blood vessels can be found without shaving, then shaving can be avoided.

If the blood sample is passed, the dog can enter the blood donation process. The dog and its owner will enter a dedicated blood donation room together, where the dog will lie comfortably on the operating table. After the dog calms down, the veterinarian will insert a blood collection needle and collect 450 ml of blood within 5 to 10 minutes. During this period, the dog must be encouraged and praised.

"There is no pain during the blood collection process. This has been discovered through countless practical operations. Many of the dogs have been donating blood for many years. Their tails wagged happily when they saw us." said Jenny Walton, the veterinary director of the Pet Blood Bank. She said if the dog became agitated during the blood collection, they would stop the blood collection immediately.

"After the blood donation is completed, the dog will be given a toy, water and snacks will be provided, some rest and relaxation time will be given, and a red bandana will be given to indicate that it has donated blood."

The sealed blood bags are sent to blood banks in Loughborough and Leicestershire, where the plasma and red blood cells are separated (this is called a component transfusion). Finally save for later use. Frozen plasma can be stored for 5 years, and refrigerated red blood cells can be stored for 6 weeks.