Animal Blood Bank

It seems that blood drives for people are going on all the time. We are all aware that blood shortages are common in hospitals around the country and that we all need to donate to that blood is available for those who are injured or have to undergo surgery. We may not think about the fact that blood is also critical when treating our family pets. When a pet is seriously ill or has suffered a life-threatening injury, a transfusion of appropriate blood components can make a big difference.

Blood products are necessary for supplying oxygen and fluids to our organs. Transfusions help treat a variety of disorders, such as anemia, blood loss for hemorrhage due to injury, or blood clotting disorders. It can be a life-saving treatment for our pets in many circumstances.

In the past year, The Pet Doctor has committed to developing a blood bank to supply blood products to our patients, to pets that belong to local rescue organizations and to other veterinary hospitals in our community.

We are establishing a donor program, utilizing pets from our practice and the community as donors. The process of collection is usually completed in less than 30 minutes. Donations are typically performed without sedation in dogs, although most cats require a mild sedative. All donors are closely monitored afterward to ensure their safety. Only a small percentage of a pet’s blood is actually donated during the collection process and the body begins to replace that amount immediately afterward. All blood collection supplies are sterile for the protection of both donors and recipients.

Please contact us if you are interested in your pet becoming a life-saving blood donor.

Feline Donor Requirement

  • 1-8 years of age
  • Greater than 10 pounds
  • Good temperament
  • Females must be spayed and not have had an estrus cycle
  • Indoor only
  • Must be current on vaccinations (Rabies, FVRCP and Feline Leukemia)
  • Negative for  vector and non-vector born diseases ( Heartworm, Mycoplasma, Feline Leukemia and FIV)
  • Currently not on medication except for heartworm prevention and flea and tick treatment
  • No history of chronic medical problems
  • No history of prior blood transfusion

Canine Donor Requirements

  • 1-6 years of age
  • Greater than 50 pounds
  • Good temperament
  • Females must be spayed and not have had an estrus cycle
  • Must be current on vaccinations (rabies and DHLPP)
  • Negative for  vector and non-vector born diseases ( Heartworm, Lyme, Erlichia canis, Anaplasma)
  • Currently not on medication except for heartworm prevention and flea and tick treatment
  • No history of chronic medical problems
  • No history of prior blood transfusion