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Australian Dog Lover
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Melbourne’s pet blood supplies have hit dangerously low levels, leaving critically ill pets at risk. The Animal Referral & Emergency Network is urgently calling on local dog and cat owners to see if their pets could be the "lifesavers" the city needs right now.
Blood products are the backbone of emergency veterinary care. They are used to treat traumatic injuries, rat bait toxicity, immune-mediated diseases, and life-threatening infections.
Without a steady supply of donors, Melbourne’s busiest emergency hospitals face an impossible challenge.
Why the Shortage?
Dr. Luke Johnston, Head of Department (Small Animal Medicine) at Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne, explains that demand often surges during peak periods. Right now, the shortage is being felt at Greencross Vet Hospital, ARH Essendon Fields, Veterinary Referral Hospital in Dandenong (cats only), and CARE in Collingwood.
“Just like human hospitals, there are periods when our emergency departments are busier and we see an accumulation of very sick and injured patients requiring urgent care,” says Dr. Johnston. “At the moment, our sites are treating a higher number of pets with traumatic injuries, poisonings and serious medical conditions where blood transfusions are not optional — they are a critical part of treatment.”
Unlike human medicine, there is no national pet blood bank in Australia. Every drop comes from local donors.
“When several critical cases arrive close together, blood demand escalates very quickly... dogs and cats can only donate a limited amount of blood at one time.”
Dog Donor Requirements:
Cat Donor Requirements:
How You Can Help Today
“Blood transfusions can be the turning point in a pet’s treatment — the moment they stabilise and have the chance to recover,” explains Dr. Johnston. “It could mean a pet going home to their family instead of us running out of options.”
If your pet meets the criteria, please contact your nearest participating emergency hospital immediately:
For more information on the program, visit:
www.emergencyvet.com.au/our-services/blood-donor-program
Why the Shortage?
Dr. Luke Johnston, Head of Department (Small Animal Medicine) at Greencross Vet Hospital at the University of Melbourne, explains that demand often surges during peak periods. Right now, the shortage is being felt at Greencross Vet Hospital, ARH Essendon Fields, Veterinary Referral Hospital in Dandenong (cats only), and CARE in Collingwood.
“Just like human hospitals, there are periods when our emergency departments are busier and we see an accumulation of very sick and injured patients requiring urgent care,” says Dr. Johnston. “At the moment, our sites are treating a higher number of pets with traumatic injuries, poisonings and serious medical conditions where blood transfusions are not optional — they are a critical part of treatment.”
Unlike human medicine, there is no national pet blood bank in Australia. Every drop comes from local donors.
“When several critical cases arrive close together, blood demand escalates very quickly... dogs and cats can only donate a limited amount of blood at one time.”
“That means even a short surge in emergencies can place immediate pressure on our blood supplies,” Dr. Johnston warns.
Is Your Pet a Potential Hero?
To ensure blood is available when "lives are on the line," hospitals need a pool of registered donors ready to step up.
The Rewards of Giving: In return for their bravery, donors receive:
✔️ A full veterinary health check.
✔️ A $100 Petbarn gift voucher.
✔️ The pride of saving a life.
To ensure blood is available when "lives are on the line," hospitals need a pool of registered donors ready to step up.
The Rewards of Giving: In return for their bravery, donors receive:
✔️ A full veterinary health check.
✔️ A $100 Petbarn gift voucher.
✔️ The pride of saving a life.
Dog Donor Requirements:
- Weight: Over 23kg
- Age: 1–5 years old
- Health: Up to date with vaccinations, worming, and parasite control.
- Medical History: In good general health; no long-termmeds; have never received a transfusion.
- Temperament: Ideally a calm disposition.
Cat Donor Requirements:
- Weight: Over 4kg (larger build preferred)
- Age: 1–5 years old
- Health: Up to date with vaccinations and parasite control.
- Medical History: Good health; have never received a transfusion.
How You Can Help Today
“Blood transfusions can be the turning point in a pet’s treatment — the moment they stabilise and have the chance to recover,” explains Dr. Johnston. “It could mean a pet going home to their family instead of us running out of options.”
If your pet meets the criteria, please contact your nearest participating emergency hospital immediately:
- Greencross Vet Hospital (UniMelb): Ph (03) 8721 1414
- ARH Essendon Fields: Ph (03) 9379 0700
- CARE Collingwood: Ph (03) 9417 6417
- Veterinary Referral Hospital Dandenong: Ph 1300 385 874 (Cat donors only)
For more information on the program, visit:
www.emergencyvet.com.au/our-services/blood-donor-program
