The home of TV's The Supervet, Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology in Eashing near Milford, is currently seeking happy, healthy, and confident dogs to register for blood donation sessions.

It comes as part of an appeal to local pet owners by Pet Blood Bank UK to register their dogs as blood donors to help save the lives of other canines in need.

Pet Blood Bank is similar to the human blood service, but for dogs. The organization collects blood donations from donor dogs across the UK, which are then used to help save the lives of other dogs. Each donation a dog gives can help to save the lives of up to four other dogs.

To become a donor, a dog must weigh more than 25kg, be between the ages of 1 and 8, and be fit and healthy. It is also important that they are confident, enjoy meeting new people, and having new experiences as the dogs will go into their donation appointment alone while owners wait outside in order to minimise risk during the pandemic.

The donation itself only takes five to ten minutes, but owners should expect their dogs to be with the team for around 35 to 40 minutes.

Dogs receive a full health check from the Pet Blood Bank vet before donating and get showered with treats, fuss, and attention throughout their appointment. They even get a goody bag and toy to take home, as well as the pride of being a lifesaver.

Like humans, dogs have different blood types and negative blood is in very high demand as this can be given to any dog in an emergency.

However, with only 30 per cent of dogs having this blood type, keeping up with supplies is challenging, particularly during the pandemic.

Therefore, Pet Blood Bank is also calling for certain breeds to come forward, as they are more likely to have this vital blood type. These breeds include German shepherds, Dobermanns, flat and curly coated retrievers, greyhounds, lurchers, boxers, old English sheepdogs, and Weimaraners.

The donation sessions will be held at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology on Saturday, January 21. Pet owners who are interested in registering their dog to become a lifesaver or would like to book an appointment for the donation session can visit www.petbloodbankuk.org or call Pet Blood Bank on 01509 232222.

As the host venue of Channel 4 television series The Supervet, Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology is known for its cutting-edge treatments and surgeries for pets that might otherwise be beyond saving.

The Supervet series followed the work of Irish veterinary surgeon Noel Fitzpatrick and his team at the clinic from 2014 to 2019. The show captured the raw emotion, drama and playfulness of Fitzpatrick and his staff as they treated the pets in their care.