21 Oct 2021
National charity wants more vets to get involved in its work as supply of blood comes under strain.
Joshua Silverwood
Job Title
An animal blood bank has issued a call for more volunteers as a combination of factors are making running the charity increasingly difficult.
Pet Blood Bank is asking vets to support them by donating their time and helping fill gaps in their rota to keep them collecting blood from animals nationwide. It believes sector-wide staff shortages, coronavirus and Brexit are causing some of these issues.
Now the charity has issued a call to arms for the profession to step in to help keep the vital service running.
A spokesman for the charity said: “Welfare is at the heart of Pet Blood Bank, and it is the reason so many vets enter the profession. Having a reliable supply of life-saving blood directly supports the welfare of pets and reduces suffering. Without your support, the blood bank will struggle to keep this supply up over the coming months.
“Work at Pet Blood Bank is of a very different nature to that in practice. All the dogs are healthy and happy to be there, and you get to give them lots of treats and praise. The role of the vet is to health check the dog prior to donation and to ensure the overall well-being of all donors during the session.
“The donation days are very positive, and you will work within a very supportive and passionate team.”
For more information on how to help Pet Blood Bank in your local area, email Pet Blood Bank veterinary manager Caroline Windrum at caroline.windrum@petbloodbankuk.org
