Veterinary group UNAVETS today announces a strategic partnership with the leading Portuguese animal blood bank, BSA.
The Animal Blood Bank (BSA) was founded by veterinarian and PhD in animal haematology, Rui Ferreira, in 2011, and is now one of the most sophisticated veterinary blood banks in the world. Created with the aim of ensuring quick and easy access to animal blood components to help all animals in need, the BSA has grown from its two Porto locations to include a lab in Lisbon as well as a further three locations in Spain, Belgium and the UK.
The BSA works by providing a platform which connects donor animals, their guardians and critically ill patients from veterinary clinics and hospitals that are in urgent need of blood transfusions. The platform operates under the strictest guidelines, providing safe blood products to patients so they can receive the best possible medical care, with the ultimate benefit of increasing patient survival rates.
This announcement represents another step forward for UNAVETS – a leading veterinary group in Spain and Portugal, with over 100 practices across both countries. The group is seeking to play a central role in the development of the veterinary industry in Southern Europe, including through a range of partnerships with innovative veterinary service providers.
Junko Sheehan, CEO of UNAVETS, commented: “We’ve been long standing admirers of Rui and his exceptional team, so we’re delighted to be able to announce this partnership. BSA is having a massive impact by positively improving patient outcomes and is growing across Europe and globally. The company’s commitment to driving the industry forward through hard work and innovative thinking is well aligned with our values so this partnership made perfect sense.”
UNAVETS will look to BSA as a preferred supplier of animal blood products, given the safety, testing and overall quality associated with BSA’s blood donations programme. UNAVETS will also support BSA in their donations programme in select UNAVETS locations.
Rui Ferreira, CEO of BSA, commented: “Our main ambition is to grow so we can facilitate safe blood transfusions wherever they are needed. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved to date and this partnership with UNAVETS is going to help us share our service with a growing audience of animals in need, meaning we can make an even bigger impact. We want to thank UNAVETS, and every veterinary group and practice that supports us. We can’t wait to see what more we can achieve.”
About UNAVETS Group
The UNAVETS Group (“UNAVETS”) is the largest veterinary group in Spain and Portugal with more than 100 practices. UNAVETS comprises reference/specialised centres, 24-hour hospitals, primary opinion clinics and veterinary offices, as well as health insurance policies which guarantee a complete range of services.
UNAVETS’ growth strategy began by focusing on Iberia but has since expanded to other European countries and the United States, as well as adjacent verticals aligned with veterinary healthcare. UNAVETS is distinguished by its strong investment in scientific clinical training, equipment, and business support to clinics. The group is committed to pushing the boundaries in advancing veterinary care. For more information, visit: https://www.unavets.com/en
About BSA
The Animal Blood Bank is a specialized organization that aims to provide life saving blood transfusions. The organization’s goal is to help as many animals as possible, ensuring all can have access to hemaecomponent-safe high quality blood transfusions whilst maintaining the welfare and safety standards for donors.
Currently, BSA provides blood units globally to more than 20 countries, has 4 labs and 12 donations teams in Portugal, Spain, Republic of Ireland, Belgium and the UK.
For more information, please go to www.bsanimal.com
