Pet Blood Bank requires dog donors in Oxfordshire

Dog owners in Oxfordshire are being urged to have their pets donate blood in a bid to tackle shortages.

The Pet Blood Bank charity needs the donations to carry out transfusions in the event of accidents or illnesses.

The animals are examined beforehand to make sure they are both clinically and mentally fit for the procedure.

Justin Yates, a vet at Hawthorne Lodge Veterinary Practice, said: "In a rural area such as Oxfordshire, dogs will obviously be popular pets, and the requirement for dog donors is very high."