Saving Lives, One Paw at a Time: Bark Bank Singapore Launches First Nationwide Canine Blood Registry

Bark Bank Singapore has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative—the country’s first non-profit nationwide digital canine blood registry. In collaboration with Better SG, a volunteer-run charity, Bark Bank aims to create a reliable network of donor dogs across Singapore, connecting dogs in need of blood transfusions with suitable donors. This innovative platform seeks to address the urgent shortage of canine blood and establish a comprehensive registry in partnership with veterinarians.

The Urgent Need for Canine Blood Donors in Singapore

In Singapore, only about 1 in 10 requests for canine blood transfusions are fulfilled each year. Of the approximately 700 online requests in the past year, just 11% were successfully met. This figure doesn’t account for the numerous appeals that go unnoticed on social media. The critical shortage stems from the absence of a centralized platform to connect donors with recipients and limited public awareness about canine blood donation. Stringent criteria for donor dogs further complicate the issue.

Introducing Bark Bank: A Lifeline for Canine Blood Donation

Bark Bank’s new online platform is designed to tackle the shortage of canine blood donors. The user-friendly system allows potential donors to register their dogs, schedule blood profiling tests with veterinarians, and facilitate timely blood transfusions for dogs in need. The platform securely stores blood profiling results and donation records, accessible only to veterinary professionals.

Key Features of Bark Bank

• Canine Blood Registry (Pawtal): Dog owners can register their pets as potential donors through Pawtal, which includes an automated screening process for eligibility. Owners can manage profiles, update health records, and track donation history all in one place.
• Veterinarian Access: Partnering veterinarians can update donor dogs’ medical and donation records on the platform. Bark Bank is expanding its network of vets across Singapore to enable owners to schedule blood profiling tests and donations seamlessly through Pawtal.
• Donor Matching (Future Development): Bark Bank plans to introduce a matching system to connect eligible donors with dogs in need of transfusions, notify donors of urgent cases, and link them with recipient veterinarians.

Looking ahead, Bark Bank is committed to enhancing the platform to make the donation process even more efficient and impactful.

Bark Bank invites dog owners, veterinarians, and animal lovers to join this life-saving mission. By participating in the registry, raising awareness, and supporting the platform, you can help save the lives of countless dogs in need. Together, we can build a future where no dog lacks access to life-saving blood transfusions.

Veterinarians interested in partnering with Bark Bank to strengthen Singapore’s canine blood donation network can reach out to [email protected] for more information.