Like people, sick and injured animals may need blood transfusions and, in many cases, blood transfusions can save a pet’s life.
As part of their commitment to advancing animal health and welfare, Pet Blood Bank will now give veterinary charities, including the PDSA and Blue Cross, access to blood products free of charge.
Pet Blood Bank usually supplies blood to the veterinary profession at the cost to produce the products. This encompasses the costs involved in collecting, processing and storing the blood. The blood is kindly donated to Pet Blood Bank by dog’s across the country and the charity makes no profit from it.
Thanks to the amazing fundraising from their supporters, Pet Blood Bank is now able to waiver the cost of blood products for veterinary charities. This will help to ensure that all dogs in their care have access to these lifesaving products if they need them.
When treating an animal, cost can be a serious consideration. Some owners who rely on veterinary charities may be unable to afford access to blood for their pet. Due to this, many practices had to rely on the generosity of local dog owners bringing in their dogs to donate on an emergency basis. Sourcing a donor in this way can be very difficult and stressful. Now, by having access to Pet Blood Bank’s products, vets have a quick and convenient way to get blood for their patients.
Alison Thomas, Joint Head of Veterinary Services at Blue Cross, said, “Having access to free blood products for our patients has been incredibly valuable and quite literally, lifesaving. Prior to the support from Pet Blood Bank, we had to rely on our donor list, however this proved difficult to manage and often unsuccessful at times of need. We have used products from Pet Blood Bank on a number of occasions already and this has enabled us to save the lives of animals which although suffering from treatable conditions, might otherwise not have survived.”
Wendy Barnett, Clinical Director at Pet Blood Bank, said, “I am delighted we are now able to offer our blood products free of charge for veterinary charities who do such fantastic work. We wish the blood bank could be free for everyone but there are huge costs involved in running such a service. It is only thanks to all the wonderful people who have raised money for us over the past few years that we have been able to introduce this initiative. We hope it will help to save the lives of many more dogs.”
To further support the charities, Pet Blood Bank will provide comprehensive training and educational materials. This includes printed items, online resources and access to their free transfusion advice service.
