SA's First Human and Canine Blood Drive Happens on Saturday!

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Bring your dog along, donate together, and help save two lives in one morning.

Johannesburg, South Africa (06 July 2026) – Giving blood is one of the simplest ways to help save a life, and next week, Joburgers have the chance to do it alongside their four-legged best friends.

Fourways Veterinary Hospital has partnered with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) to host what is believed to be its first combined human and canine blood drive, creating an opportunity for people and their dogs to give back together.

The event will take place next week at Fourways Veterinary Hospital & Specialist Referral Centre in Pineslopes, where both human and canine donors will be welcomed with smiles.

While many people know that blood donations are essential for hospitals, fewer realise that veterinary hospitals rely on blood donors, too. Dogs can need blood transfusions after accidents, during emergency surgeries, when suffering from severe illnesses, or while receiving treatment for certain conditions. Without available donor blood, life-saving procedures can quickly become impossible.

The need is real. According to the team behind Fourways Veterinary Hospital’s animal blood bank, South Africa simply does not have enough canine blood donors, making every eligible dog that steps forward an important part of helping save another animal’s life.

At the same time, human blood donations remain in constant demand. Every unit collected by SANBS has the potential to help patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth complications, traumatic injuries and many other medical emergencies. Blood cannot be manufactured, which makes volunteer donors the only source of this precious resource.

Instead of choosing between helping people or helping pets, visitors can do both in a single visit! While dogs donate blood under the care of the veterinary team, their owners can donate through SANBS, creating a meaningful day of giving back together.

For dogs wanting to become heroes, there are a few requirements. Donors must be between one and seven years old, weigh more than 25 kilograms, have up-to-date vaccinations, be neutered, have had no previous pregnancies or blood transfusions, have no critical diseases, and not be on any chronic medication.

The Human and Canine Blood Drive will be held on Saturday 11 July at Fourways Veterinary Hospital & Specialist Referral Centre, located on the corner of Witkoppen Road and The Straight in Pineslopes. The drive takes place from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Anyone wishing to take part is encouraged to register ahead of time using this online booking platform.

And because every hero deserves a little thank you, each canine donor will head home with a goodie bag filled with treats, a bandana and a few extra surprises after making their life-saving donation. Oh, and there will be also be a photo-booth!

One visit could help save two lives. We’ll hope to see you and your goodest boys and girls on Saturday!