[These Days]'Gonghyeolgyeon vs. Heonhyeolgeon'... Let's Draw Some Blood!

It is said that one blood donation can save four dogs. The dignified appearance of a dog that earned the honorable "I'm Dogner" scarf after donating blood.
[Photo by "I'm Dogner" website]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] We are in the era of 10 million companion dogs. Just like humans, companion dogs need blood transfusions in emergency situations. So where can we find blood for companion dogs in such cases?

For example, if a companion dog is involved in a traffic accident and needs a transfusion, it often takes 2 to 3 hours just to find a suitable donor dog. If the necessary amount of blood is not secured in advance like with humans, the injured companion dog may lose its life. This is because most animal hospitals simply tell owners to find blood themselves when there is a shortage.

There are countries where animal hospitals operate blood banks for this purpose. They secure blood from other dogs in advance to prepare for transfusions. What about South Korea? Companion dog owners here do not voluntarily donate blood. Therefore, a system of 'Gonghyeolgyeon (供血犬, blood donor dogs)' is operated.

This means dogs that donate blood like human blood donors, specifically raised to provide blood for companion dogs in need of transfusions. Gonghyeolgyeon are exclusively raised for transfusion purposes by the Korea Animal Blood Bank.

According to the World Animal Blood Bank guidelines, Gonghyeolgyeon must be healthy dogs weighing over 27 kg, with at least 6 weeks between blood donations, and the amount of blood drawn should be 16 ml per kg of body weight.

In South Korea, there are no clear management standards for Gonghyeolgyeon yet. Generally, they are healthy dogs aged between 2 and 7 years, weighing 20 to 30 kg. It is known that the Korea Animal Blood Bank secures about 200 Gonghyeolgyeon, and private animal hospitals about 300, but 90% of the blood supply is handled by the private monopoly, the Korea Animal Blood Bank.

However, from an animal welfare perspective, the Gonghyeolgyeon system is very uncomfortable. Although many companion dogs can be saved through the sacrifice of Gonghyeolgyeon, the fate of these dogs, having to give their blood for other dogs throughout their lives, is harsh. In fact, it was revealed that Gonghyeolgyeon live in poor conditions without proper food or rest, which shocked society greatly.

Because of this, efforts are underway to eliminate Gonghyeolgyeon and establish a system where companion dogs occasionally donate blood like humans to secure transfusion blood. To this end, the Korea Blood Donor Dog Association was launched in 2018 as the first of its kind in the country.

Since last year, the Korea Blood Donor Dog Association has been running the 'I'M DOgNOR: Mobile Companion Dog Blood Donation Car' campaign in collaboration with Konkuk University Animal Hospital and Hyundai Motor Company. Dogs that donate blood are honorably called 'Dognor (Dog + Donor)'.

In countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, the culture of blood donor dogs is widespread. Donor dogs receive various benefits such as health checkups to encourage participation in blood donation.

Is it actually okay for companion dogs to donate blood? The Korea Blood Donor Dog Association states, "Occasional blood donation stimulates red blood cell production, increases blood volume, and boosts metabolism, which is good for dogs' health." Dogs can donate again after 3 months, but to reduce stress, it is recommended to donate only about once a year.

The greatest benefit of companion dog blood donation is the 'health checkup.' Small dogs may want to donate but cannot, but for large dogs, which face high costs for health checkups, this is a great opportunity. Through companion dog blood donation, dogs receive comprehensive blood tests, heartworm tests, and medical interviews once a year, helping to prevent major diseases.

A puppy admiring its mother wearing the proud 'I'm Dogner' scarf after donating blood.
[Photo by 'I'm Dogner' website]

However, since 450 ml of blood is drawn per donation, prior preparation is necessary. Two weeks before donation, medications and vaccinations should be stopped, and fasting is required for 8 hours before donation. The examination and blood collection take about 1 to 2 hours per dog, with usually 4 dogs donating per day.

Donor dogs receive a Dognor license, eco bag, Dognor vest, and scarf as gifts. Sponsors also provide various pet products and food as presents. However, only the dogs receive gifts; owners do not receive any financial compensation. Those willing to participate in companion dog blood donation can apply through the 'I'm Dognor' website.

As the number of companion dogs increases, the demand for companion dog blood transfusions is also rising. Currently, fewer than 100 donor dogs are registered with the Korea Blood Donor Dog Association. There is still a long way to go. The association estimates there are about 100,000 large dogs in the country, and if about 3,600 large dogs donate blood once a year, there would be no need for Gonghyeolgyeon.

Whether human or companion dog, blood is always in short supply. It would be good if this serves as an opportunity to reconsider blood donation for both people and dogs.