To better meet the needs of dog owners in surrounding communities, the UC Davis Veterinary Blood Bank will initiate monthly Saturday appointments beginning June 21.

Subsequent Saturday appointments will be scheduled for the last Saturday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. During these appointments, blood will be drawn from current canine donors and potential blood-donor dogs will be screened.

"Many dog owners have been interested in enrolling their dogs as blood donors but find it difficult to make weekday appointments," said Dr. Sean Owens, the blood bank's medical director and head of the Transfusion Medicine Service at UC Davis' William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

"On a weekday, we're able to see six to eight dogs, but by enlisting the help of veterinary students, we'll be able to see as many as 30 dogs on each of the scheduled Saturdays," Owens said.

The blood bank collects, processes and stores canine blood needed for transfusions to treat a variety of conditions in dogs ranging from surgical complications to kidney failure. Since it opened in February, the blood bank has screened 124 dogs and enrolled 28 of those as donors.

In order to be blood donors, dogs must be 1 to 8 years old; weigh at least 55 pounds; be current on their flea, tick and heartworm preventive medications; and have never had puppies or been pregnant.

The animal's first visit to the blood bank will last for about a half hour. During that appointment, the dogs will be given health checks and have their blood typed. If they have the universal blood-donor type, they will be screened for infectious diseases. All dogs, no matter their blood type, will leave with a "goodie bag" full of treats in appreciation for their service.

If cleared for further donation, the animal can return in one to two months for a half-hour donation visit. If any health problems are detected, the owner will be advised to follow up with the dog's regular veterinarian.

Results from the screening will be kept on file at the blood bank and can be made available at any time to the dog's regular veterinarian.

Pet owners interested in having their dogs screened for donation may obtain more information or set up an appointment by calling the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at (530) 752-1393 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (select option "3" and then "1" on the automated message) or by e-mailing caninebloodbank@gmail.com.