The world's first human and canine blood donation service is calling on Australian dog owners and their pets to donate together, with every dog that donates blood saving the lives of three other canines.
The life-saving campaign is called "Donate with a Mate".
Developed in partnership by Australian Animal Blood Bank (AABB), Pedigree and veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren, the Donate with a Mate campaign is raising awareness of the fact that dogs can donate blood.
Low awareness of the process has led to a critical shortage of canine blood across the country.
On Thursday, April 18, a blood donation service is being hosted in Miranda with an AABB donation van and Dr Warren, giving both dogs and their owners the opportunity to donate blood and support the cause.
Dr Warren said every day, dogs around the country are taken to vets with injuries that require them to have blood transfusions.
"Donate with a Mate is an important step in normalising canine blood donation by partnering it with something we're all aware of, human blood donations," Dr Warren said.
"There's such little awareness around the fact that dogs need and can donate blood too.
"Jump online and register for a pre-screening and help your dog save other dogs' lives."
For Australians hoping to register their dogs, a simple quiz is available at the Donate with a Mate website that provides a guide as to whether your dog will be eligible to donate blood.
If your dog is eligible, they'll need to undertake a pre-screening to ensure they'll be a willing 'volunteer' and the donation process won't put your beloved pooch under any undue stress.
If you're not in Sydney but want to donate blood with your dog, you can visit the Australian Animal Blood Bank's website at aabb.com.au to find your local donation centre, or you can speak to your local veterinarian about what options are available.