JCUVet calling out for doggy blood donors

JCUVet is putting the call out for man’s best friend to become regular blood donors and help save the lives of other pets in need.

Just like their owners, dogs can donate blood and these much-needed donations are often the difference between life and death for sick pets.

JCUVet’s hospital in Townsville runs a blood donor program to ensure blood is on hand when urgently needed, and donors are also rewarded with free health screening, annual vaccinations and a year’s worth of parasite prevention.

To ensure the highest standard of safety and care, every dog in the blood donor program undergoes comprehensive health screenings to ensure that every lifesaving donation is healthy, safe, and reliable.

JCUVet Hospital Director, Dr Yenny Indrawirawan, said suitable donors include dogs over 25kg, with all participants needing to be friendly, aged between 1-6 and up to date on parasite prevention and vaccination.

“Due to the short lifespan of canine and feline blood, we rely on our amazing blood donors to help maintain the program,” she said.

“We have some regular donors who we are very grateful for, but we are always on the lookout for more to add to our list.

“Events such as traffic accidents, tick-borne disease and autoimmune disease can lead to dangerously low blood counts but with the support of your beloved pets we can perform crucial blood transfusions from one animal to another.”

Dr Indrawirawan said the hospital always needs to have blood on hand to quickly respond to emergencies and she is hoping to see more Townsville pet owners sign up for this critical program.

“Our vets are constantly performing life-saving surgeries and treatments using donated blood and it’s such a wonderful feeling to be able to save someone’s best friend,” she said.

“If you have a gentle dog, we’d love to hear from you and get your pet booked in for a live-saving blood donation.”

If your pet meets the criteria and you’re interested in becoming our next blood donor hero, sign them up at https://jcuvet.com.au/blood-donor-program or call 1300 JCUVET.