According to a statement from OneBlood Science Care, a project dedicated to developing veterinary transfusion medicine in Portugal, "the initiative aims to respond to an urgent need and reverse the critical shortage of veterinary blood affecting thousands of dogs and cats across the country."

The appeal aims to raise awareness and encourage animal blood donation in Portugal, and OneBlood Science Care medical teams are already operating in the country, "ensuring coverage and immediate response capacity in the North and South regions of the country."

According to the statement, the project, which aims to increase the number of donors and available blood units, "offers free exams and check-ups for dogs and cats."

According to the statement, the lack of knowledge on the part of pet owners [those responsible for the animals] “regarding the possibility and safety of the donation process continues to be one of the main obstacles to the stability of reserves.”

Pet owners interested in registering their pets or obtaining more information about the possibility of their dogs and cats being donors (such as minimum age and weight) can do so directly through the organisation’s official website, according to the statement.

OneBlood Science Care also said that it works in partnership with veterinary blood banks, acting as an engine for fundraising and awareness that brings this reality closer to the civic-mindedness already seen in human donations.