Pedigree Launches World-First Human and Canine Blood Donation Service

Pedigree and Clemenger BBDO have launched a life-saving campaign Donate with a Mate, the world’s first human and canine blood donation service and is calling on Australian dogs and their humans to donate together, with every dog that donates blood saving the lives of three dogs.

Developed in partnership with the Australian Animal Blood Bank (AABB) and led by ambassador Dr. Katrina Warren, the Donate with a Mate campaign is raising awareness of the fact that dogs can donate blood, with low awareness and understanding of the process leading to a critical shortage of canine blood across the country.

Following a call for registrations, Pedigree Donate with Mate blood donation service launched recently with an AABB donation van, a human donation van and Dr. Katrina Warren, giving dogs and their owners the opportunity to donate blood and support the cause.

Says Renee Lewington, Mars Petcare Australia Portfolio marketing director: “Every day, dogs around the country are taken to vets requiring blood transfusions. But the awareness of the fact that dogs can donate blood is so low amongst dog owners that there’s a critical shortage of canine blood across the country.

“Through Donate with a Mate, we’re hoping to raise awareness of the fact that our best mates can give blood, just like us, and to encourage Australians with eligible dogs to donate with their mates and help your dog save other dogs’ lives. Our goal is to significantly impact the number of donations for years to come.”

Says Brendan Willenberg, creative director, Clemenger BBDO: “We do everything with our dogs. We go on walks, road trips, and drink at the pub with them and now, we can donate blood with them. We wanted an idea that would not only increase awareness for canine blood donations but also make owners feel more comfortable registering their dogs to be donors.

“With every one dog donor saving the lives of three other dogs, the more donors available the more dogs' lives we can save.”

For more information about the campaign, or for how to register your dog to donate blood, visit www.donatewithamate.com.au or www.aabb.com.au to find your local donation centre. Alternatively, speak to your local veterinarian about what options are available.