With a national shortage of pet blood, PetSure is calling on Aussie pet parents to consider a pet blood donation to contribute towards life-saving treatments for pets.
The rise of pet ownership during the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the shortage, as demand for blood products outstripped supply. According to the Animal Medicines Australia (AMA)¹, 69% of Australian households now have a companion animal, which is up from 61% in 2019.
PetSure data for blood transfusions shows there has been a 27% increase in volume of treatments in 2022 compared to 2020, the year the pandemic began.
The data shows blood transfusions are related to conditions including but not limited to blood vessel disorder, neoplasia or mass lesion, ingestion of a foreign body or toxin, gastrointestinal tract conditions, accidents and traumatic injury.
Data from the PetSure Pet Health Monitor 2023 report shows gastritis is one of the most common health conditions for both dogs and cats. The average treatment cost for gastritis for a dog is $523 while the highest cost for treatment is $28,232 in some cases.
To drive awareness of the pet blood shortage, GapOnly® and PetSure are encouraging pet parents to take action.
General Manager of GapOnly®, Dr Maria Neale, said many pet parents may not be aware of the option to donate their pet’s blood.
“Just like people, pets who experienced a traumatic injury, blood loss during surgery or hemodialysis may require a blood transfusion.”
“If your pet is healthy, up to date with vaccinations and is of a certain weight, a blood donation is a great way to give back and contribute to better pet healthcare outcomes for pets,” she said.
Medicine Specialist and Director of the blood bank at the Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH), Dr Stephanie Leeder, says there are many applications for blood products.
“The blood products we get from donors are incredibly useful, and are used for life saving treatments across the hospital for patients undergoing major surgeries and for animals in emergency experiencing blood loss or trauma.”
“I’ve witnessed a dramatic increase in demand for blood products since the COVID-19 pandemic due to the rise in pet ownership – it has become a real issue in the pet health sector,” she said.
Check out the below donor criteria to see if your pet is eligible for a blood donation.
Donor criteria – dogs
- Up to date with vaccinations, heartworm prevention and worming
- Aged between 1-7 years old
- Weighs at least 23kg)
- Has never received a blood transfusion
- Has a friendly and obedient demeanor
Donor criteria – cats
- Current on annual vaccination (minimum of F3)
- Up to date with flea/parasite prevention
- Weighs at least 4kg lean body weight
- If male, must be desexed while females need to be spayed with no previous pregnancy
- No previous blood transfusions
- Between 1-8 years of age
- Not on any medications, except for flea/tick preventatives
To learn about pet blood donations and how you can help, check out the media article below:
A pet blood transfusion saved Anarchy’s life amid national shortage – 9Honey (nine.com.au)
¹ Animal Medicines Australia, Pets in Australia: a national survey of pets and people (2022) https://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/report/pets-in-australia-a-national-survey-of-pets-and-people-2/
PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Meet our partners at petsure.com.au/partners.
