Blood drives are not just for humans they are also needed for dogs.

The Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center on Camp Horne Road gives blood infusions to canines that are treated for traumatic injuries and surgeries.

Officials said the clinic goes through five to 20 units of blood per week, which is why donations are needed.

"The hospital could not operate at the level it does without blood donations. We use them in emergency medicine, critical care in surgery and internal medicine," said Christine Guenther of PVSEC.

Lisa Reilly said her greyhounds have been regular donors.

"I just realize that it's a wonderful thing that people don't realize. Pets need blood transfusions also for emergencies," Reilly said.

"We use a vein in their neck instead of the arm.  We put the needle and the hardest part for the dog is them having to sit still for five minutes," Guenther said.

A dog blood drive will be held from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. on Saturday at the PVSEC facility in Ohio Township. Dogs that are brought to the drive will go through a blood screening. If accepted, the dog will be placed on a donor rotation list and its owner will be called.