Bark Bank

Urgent Need for Canine Blood Donors in Singapore

It is estimated that only about 1 in 10 requests for canineblood transfusions in Singapore are fulfilled annually. Based on approximately700 online requests in the past year, only around 11% of these requests weresuccessfully met. This shortfall does not account for the numerous appeals thatgo unposted on social media.

The critical shortage is attributed to a lack of acentralised platform to connect donors with recipients and limited publicawareness about canine blood donation. Additionally, the stringent criteria fordonor dogs further exacerbate the issue. 

Bark Bank: A Platform for Canine Blood Donation

Bark Bank offers a streamlined online platform to addressthe critical shortage of canine blood donors. This user-friendly system enablespotential donors to register and schedule blood profiling tests withveterinarians, facilitating timely and effective blood transfusions for dogs inneed across Singapore. The platform also securely stores blood profilingresults and donation details, accessible exclusively to veterinaryprofessionals. 

Key features:

• Canine Blood Registry (Pawtal): Dog owners can register their pets as potential blood donors through the blood registry, Pawtal, which includes an automated screening process to ensure only eligible dogs proceed.
• Veterinarian Access: Partnering veterinarians can update donor dogs' medical records on the platform. Bark Bank is currently working to expand partnerships with vets across Singapore, allowing owners to schedule blood profiling tests and donation appointments directly through Pawtal.
• Donor Matching (Future Development): Bark Bank plans to introduce a system to match eligible donors with dogs needing transfusions, notify donors of urgent cases, and connect them with recipient veterinarians.

Progress

This project is ongoing and the team is looking for veterinarians interested in partnering with Bark Bank to create a stronger canine blood donation network. Please reach out to hello@barkbank.co to learn more.

Website

www.barkbank.co