Desperate plea for blood donations from pets amid national shortage

Hamish the labrador is only one of three dogs helping save lives by donating blood at a veterinary clinic in Melbourne.

There is currently a national shortage of blood supply for cats and dogs, and vet Dr Liam Donaldson said many pets rely on the life-saving materials to survive every day.

That's why it's important for the three-year-old lab to donate blood while he can.

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"Every single day we will use a bag or pack of red blood cells or plasma, there is a constant demand for it," Donaldson said.

"We are now at a point where we need to make difficult decisions in terms of which patients receive blood products - as an emergency vet, this is a choice we never, ever want to be forced to make."

Hamish's owner, Joel Mileham, feels passionate about donating blood, after a previous pet needed a transfusion.

"My dog probably wouldn't have survived without it," he said.

Both dogs and cats can donate blood, as often as once every three months, and the process is relatively straightforward.

After donating, the animals spend a couple of hours at the clinic to get some IV fluids and treats.

To give blood, pets must meet specific criteria, including weight and age criteria, be up-to-date with vaccinations, and be in good health.

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