Canine Courage: Dog Blood Donation Gains Momentum in South Korea, Offering Hope for Animal Lives
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A growing movement in South Korea is harnessing the life-saving potential of canine blood donors, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the need for “blood donation dogs”—animals kept solely for their blood—and establishing a nationwide support system. On January 10, 2026, amidst a snowy landscape, Leo, a 20-month-old Doberman, made his first blood donation at the Ilsan Animal Medical Center in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, becoming a symbol of this evolving practice.
The Rising Need for Canine Blood Donations
The demand for canine blood transfusions is increasing, as it can be critical for treating animals suffering from trauma, undergoing surgery, or battling certain illnesses. According to experts, a single donation from a large dog can potentially save the lives of three to four smaller dogs. However, the current system relies heavily on “blood donation dogs,” a practice raising ethical concerns.
“We want to create a center where blood donations and health checkups can be conducted,” stated a representative of the Korean Dog Blood Donor Association, outlining the organization’s vision for a more sustainable and humane approach. The association is actively campaigning to encourage healthy, eligible dogs to voluntarily donate, reducing reliance on animals bred specifically for this purpose.
Leo’s Journey: A First-Time Donor
Leo’s donation day began with a degree of nervousness, as his guardian, Ryu Ye-rim, led him into the animal hospital. Ye-rim, a lover of large breeds, is raising three dogs and intends to enroll them all in the donation program. “If Leo donates blood well, my other children will participate in the dog blood donation campaign,” she explained.
Before the donation, Leo underwent a thorough health assessment, including blood cell counts, serum chemistry tests, and screening for infectious diseases. Park Eun-jeong, head of the emergency medicine department at Ilsan Animal Medical Center, emphasized the importance of these preliminary tests. “We basically do a blood cell and red blood cell count test, a basic serum chemistry test, and a test for infectious diseases first. Of course, we can know your dog’s blood type. These basic blood tests must be done well before you can donate blood.”
Leo’s blood type was identified as DEA 1-, a relatively rare type, making his contribution even more valuable. While his liver levels were slightly elevated, medical staff determined it wouldn’t impede his ability to donate safely.
The Donation Process: Comfort and Care
The blood donation itself required a comfortable and stable position for Leo. Medical staff opted to collect blood from the jugular vein in his neck, a common and efficient method. Initially, Leo exhibited anxiety, pacing and shifting on the examination table. However, with the reassurance of his guardian and the medical team, and a brief period of gentle restraint—two staff members holding his legs while his guardian secured his neck—Leo calmed down.
Within ten minutes, 400ml of blood was successfully collected from the 35kg Doberman, well within the safe limit of 16ml per kilogram of body weight. Afterward, Leo was showered with praise and affection from his guardian and the veterinary staff.
Future Goals: A National Network
The Korean Dog Blood Donor Association, led by CEO Kang Bu-seong, is advocating for the establishment of a nationwide network of pet blood donation centers, modeled after organizations like the Red Cross. This ambitious plan requires collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and aims to make blood donation accessible across the country.
The ultimate vision, as expressed by Kang, is a future where dedicated centers provide both blood donation services and comprehensive health checkups for canine donors. “I hope that a world will come where dogs can provide the blood they need,” Kang stated, encapsulating the organization’s commitment to improving animal welfare and ensuring a sustainable blood supply.
