Bark Bank Singapore launches Singapore's first non-profit nationwide digital canine blood registry

Saving lives, one paw at a time: Bark Bank Singapore launches Singapore's first non-profit nationwide digital canine blood registry

Bark Bank Singapore connects canine blood donors and recipients

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Singapore, 26 August 2024— Bark Bank Singapore, a non-profit initiative, today announced the launch of its nationwide digital canine blood registry. In partnership with Better SG, a volunteer-run charity organisation, Bark Bank is on a mission to create a reliable network of eligible donor dogs across Singapore. The platform aims to connect dogs in need of blood transfusions with donors and establishing a comprehensive nationwide canine blood registry in partnership with veterinarians.

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Urgent Need for Canine Blood Donors in Singapore

It is estimated that only about 1 in 10 requests for canine blood transfusions in Singapore are fulfilled annually. Based on approximately 700 online requests in the past year, only around 11% of these requests were successfully met. This shortfall does not account for the numerous appeals that go unposted on social media.

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The critical shortage is attributed to a lack of a centralised platform to connect donors with recipients and limited public awareness about canine blood donation. Additionally, the stringent criteria for donor dogs further exacerbate the issue.

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Bark Bank: A Platform for Canine Blood Donation

Bark Bank offers a streamlined online platform to address the critical shortage of canine blood donors. This user-friendly system enables potential donors to register and schedule blood profiling tests with veterinarians, facilitating timely and effective blood transfusions for dogs in need across Singapore. The platform also securely stores blood profiling results and donation details, accessible exclusively to veterinary professionals.

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Key features:

Canine Blood Registry (Pawtal): Dog owners can register their dogs as potential blood donors on Pawtal, which includes an automated screening process to ensure eligibility. Owners can also 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 currently working to expand partnerships with vets across Singapore, allowing owners to schedule blood profiling tests and donation appointments 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.

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Genevieve Tan & Wong H’sien Jin, founders of Bark Bank Singapore, share, “Bark Bank was inspired by our beloved dog, Bruno. His sudden illness and the struggle to find a blood donor made us realise the urgent need for a stronger canine blood donation system. Bark Bank is a tribute to Bruno and the love he brought into our lives. This platform is our way of making life a little better for our furry friends, and we hope it inspires others to join us in this mission.”

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"We are thrilled to support Bark Bank as a partner," said Gaurav Keerthi, co-founder of Better SG. "As a volunteer-run charity dedicated to building free, open-source tools for the community, we're excited to contribute to this innovative initiative. Bark Bank aligns perfectly with our mission to create a positive impact through technology.”

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Join Us in Saving Lives

Looking to the future, Bark Bank is committed to enhancing the platform with additional features to make the blood donation process even more efficient and impactful.

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Bark Bank invites dog owners, veterinarians, and animal lovers to join our mission. By participating in the registry, spreading awareness, and supporting the platform, you can help save the lives of countless dogs. Together, we can build a future where more dogs in need have access to life-saving blood transfusions.

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Veterinarians interested in partnering with Bark Bank to create a stronger canine blood donation network can reach out to [hello@barkbank.co] to learn more.

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Learn More

Visit Bark Bank's website: https://www.barkbank.co/‍

Learn more about blood donation criteria: https://www.barkbank.co/info

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Criteria for Canine Blood Donation:
‍Dogs eligible for blood donation must meet specific criteria, including weight, age, health status, and temperament. For detailed information about the criteria and process, visit Bark Bank FAQ.

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About Bark Bank:
‍Bark Bank is a non-profit initiative dedicated to transforming the lives of canines in need by building a compassionate community of eligible canine blood donors. Through our nationwide canine blood registry, we aim to increase the availability of life-saving blood for dogs in need.

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For more information, visit www.barkbank.co

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For media queries, please contact:‍

Genevieve Tan / Colin Lau
media@barkbank.co

+65 90880283

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Bark Bank Team

August 26, 2024