Humans aren’t the only ones who can donate blood to save lives. The Penn Animal Blood Bank is looking for dogs to participate in their Canine Volunteer Blood Donor Program. Many dogs need a blood transfusion to survive during surgery, following trauma, or when they are suffering from anemia or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.

Dogs are eligible to donate if they have a good temperament; weigh between 55 and 150 pounds; are between 1 and 6 years old; are in excellent health; and have blood that is type Dea 1.1 negative. Dogs that donate blood get a yearly blood health screening, and owners will be sent home with either a bag of dry food or a case of wet food.

Dogs cannot donate under the following conditions: if they have a serious health problem; have recently been sick; have a heart murmur; have had a seizure; have been vaccinated within four weeks; have received medications other than flea, tick, or heartworm prevention in the last two weeks; have had or will have surgery within the past four weeks; have received a blood transfusion; have donated blood in the past six weeks; or is in season, pregnant, or will be bred soon.

The next blood drive will be held on Saturday, Dec. 19, in Feasterville, Pa. For details, call 215-573-7222 or email marryott@vet.upenn.edu.