Pedigree is calling on Australian dogs, and their human owners, to donate blood together to help meet a shortage of canine blood.
The Donate with a Mate campaign, which was created by Clemenger BBDO, aims to raise awareness of the fact that dogs can give blood and help ease the critical shortage of canine blood in Australia.
Pedigree is spreading the message that for every dog that donates blood, it can save the lives of three more dogs.
The campaign was created in partnership with the Australian Animal Blood Bank (AABB) and is being fronted by ambassador Dr. Katrina Warren. A dedicated campaign AABB donation van has been allocated to enable dogs and their owners to donate blood and a campaign website is available for registrations.
Renee Lewington, portfolio marketing director,Mars Petcare Australia, said, “Every day, dogs around the country are taken to vets requiring blood transfusions. But the awareness of the fact that dogs can donate blood is so low amongst dog owners that there’s a critical shortage of canine blood across the country.
“Through Donate with a Mate, we’re hoping to raise awareness of the fact that our best mates can give blood, just like us, and to encourage Australians with eligible dogs to donate with their mates and help your dog save other dogs’ lives. Our goal is to significantly impact the number of donations for years to come.”
Brendan Willenberg, creative director, Clemenger BBDO Sydney, said, “We do everything with our dogs. We go on walks, road trips, and drink at the pub with them and now, we can donate blood with them. We wanted an idea that would not only increase awareness for canine blood donations but also make owner’s feel more comfortable registering their dogs to be donors.