PET Blood Banks are now popping up more often, and dog owners are being urged to take their pets to donate blood, with every donation being able to save up to four pet lives.

When pets donate blood at one of the banks, it works similarly to the NHS blood donation that us humans use, just with many more cuddles and doggy treats! However, unlike the service for people, not many people know about the blood bank and how their pets could make a big difference.

Dogs have two blood types, they are either positive or negative. However, negative blood is more sought after as it can be given to all dogs, with breeds most likely to have this blood type including border Border Collie, American Bulldog, German Shepherd, Greyhound and Lurcher.

There are certain criteria that dogs need to fit to be able to donate, for example your dog must weigh more than 25kg. More information on the criteria can be found online.

There are Pet Blood Banks popping up more, and more, with several located in Cumbria. We have compiled a list of the destinations where your pet can make a real difference to other animals lives:

Workington - Millcroft Veterinary Group

Canine blood donation sessions take place across the year at Millcroft Veterinary Group.

The next session is on Saturday April 27 at the Workington surgery, however sessions take place regularly.

Windermere - Oakhill Veterinary Group

Canine blood donation sessions take place across the year at Oakhill Veterinary Group.

If your dog attends the Oakhill blood bank they also receive a full physical health check by a vet, a full blood screen to check internal health status, blood typing, a free microchip if your dog doesn’t already have one and of course, a goodie bag.

Penrith - Frame & Swift LTD

Canine blood donation sessions take place across the year at Frame & Swift LTD. If your dog meets the donation criteria and you live near this practice, please register for a session.

The next session is on Saturday April 27 at the Workington surgery, however sessions take place regularly.

Kendal - Highgate Vets

Canine blood donation sessions take place across the year at Highgate Vets, Beezon Road.

Highgate Vets say: "On the day, they will receive a full health check and blood tests to ensure they are able to donate. Local anaesthetic cream is applied to their neck where the donation will be taken from. During the donation approximately 450mls of blood is collected. The appointment takes around one hour, where dogs are given plenty of treats and fuss and go home with a goodie bag."

Sessions are also held throughout the year at different locations in Cumbria such as Oak Tree Animal Charity.