RVC celebrates life-saving blood donor pets
The awards recognise animals on RVC's Blood Donor Programme.
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has celebrated canine and feline blood donors with the 2025 Blood Donor of the Year awards.
The awards recognise animals which contribute to the Blood Donor Programme, which saves the lives of hundreds of pets each year.
RVC’s canine award has been given posthumously to Axel, a German shepherd. Axel has donated blood 17 times throughout his lifetime, saving the lives of many fellow dogs.
This includes Dante, an eight-year-old King Charles Cavalier who received life-saving heart surgery with the help of Axel’s donation.
Axel’s two-year-old son Bracken is now continuing the legacy as a blood donor in the Blood Donor Programme. His owners’ other dog, four-year-old golden retriever Winter, is also now a blood donor as well as their two Siamese cats Ascari and Imola.
Bev Jackson, Axel and Bracken’s owner, said: “Axel winning the award is such a proud moment. We miss him dearly, so to know his donations have helped save the lives of many other dogs is a source of huge comfort for our family.”
The feline award went to Theo, a six-year-old Maine Coon from Hertfordshire. Since joining the programme, Theo has given 11 blood donations for essential transfusions.
This includes donations for 12-year-old Moggie crossbreed Micah and two-year-old British short hair Pebble. Both cats needed critical operations and, with the help of his donation, have made full recoveries.
Kat Pearson, Theo’s owner, said: “We're very proud of Theo and feel very happy that he's making a difference in helping provide the valuable blood stocks that are needed to save the lives of other people's beloved pets.”
RVC’s blood donor programme was first launched in 2004, collecting pets’ blood donations to be used in operations and procedures at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. In the past two years, the programme has received 987 donations.
Charlotte Russo, head of transfusion medicine nurse at the RVC, said: “It is thanks to the kind donations of our Blood Donor families and superhero cats and dogs such as Theo and Axel, that the service has been able to ensure the Queen Mother Hospital has the essential blood it needs to support the wide range of complex and life-saving operations and treatments that take place here every day.”
Image © RVC
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
