ThePrint ThePrintPod: Owners’ consent must, only voluntary donations—Centre’s new blood transfusion rules for animals
Aug 27, 2025
Discover the new guidelines for blood transfusions in animals that aim to professionalize veterinary practices in India. Learn about the establishment of blood banks and the standardized procedures for collecting, storing, and matching blood samples. Experts highlight the importance of these rules for enhancing animal care and preventing unethical practices. The discussion sheds light on the significance of voluntary donations and informed consent from animal owners.
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First National SOP For Animal Transfusions
- The central government released the first national SOP for animal blood transfusion to standardise veterinary practice across species.
- It formalises donation, typing, storage and matching for pets and livestock to fill longstanding gaps.
Veterinarian's Past Frustration With Regulation
- Dr. Kunal Sharma recalled asking to operate an animal blood bank in 2018 but finding no ministry to handle such concerns.
- He highlighted frequent trauma cases where veterinarians need legally sanctioned ways to provide transfusions.
Scale Drives Need For Standards
- India has one of the largest domestic animal populations with over 537 million livestock and 125 million companion animals.
- This scale and growing veterinary education created urgency for standardised transfusion procedures.