Pet charity issues appeal
Dog blood service needs a new van to help it move vital donations
AN ANIMAL charity has issued an appeal for help to keep its team on the road.
Pet Blood Bank UK, in Loughborough, has asked the public for help in raising £18,000 to cover the costs of a van for the team.
A spokesman said as the coronavirus outbreak had put extra financial strains on the charity, facing this bill for a new vehicle was “daunting”.
He said: “Every year, the Pet Blood Bank team members travel thousands of miles across the country to run donation sessions and collect lifesaving blood for dogs.
“They have had a car for many years, but this is starting to fail and urgently needs replaced.
“Having a reliable vehicle is crucial for the charity. It needs to know their team can get to the donation venue to run the session and bring all the lifesaving blood back to the blood bank in Loughborough.
“As a small charity and like many other businesses, Pet Blood Bank is facing significant challenges due to the current situation, which is why we are appealing to the public to help with this large bill.
“The sum of £18,000 would cover the cost of a second-hand van as the new team vehicle.
“The van will be used by the collection team as they visit different vet practices to run blood donation sessions for dogs.
“Every unit of blood collected can help to save up to four other dogs.
“Donation sessions run very similarly to the human blood service, with added cuddles and attention for the dogs. After each session, the blood is processed and stored, ready to be sent out to vet when they need it for an unwell dog.
To make a donation, or start fundraising towards the cost, visit