Healthy donors are needed to give blood for the many pets who need it. A single donation can be used to save up to 4 lives, because the blood can be separated into two components, red blood cells and plasma. The components are given to patients suffering from anemia, injury or disease. Accidents and Illness just happen and preventative care helps, but what if your dog needed blood products and none was available? Please allow your special pet to be screened for volunteer donation.
How long does it take?
The blood collection process, a simple procedure, will take about 10-20 minutes. Your pet will not be sedated and only a small percentage of his or her blood will be donated.
How often can my pet donate?
Animals could donate blood without any problems as often as every 3 weeks. You will only be asked to come in about every 5 – 6 weeks. Immediately after donations, the body starts to replace the blood that was given. Doggie treats and snacks start immediatley after each and every donation.
Requirements for Donating Blood:
A healthy canine weighing 35 pounds or more and between the ages of 9 months and 7 years. (A dog may remain in the program until they reach the age of 9 years. Therefore, a dog must be no older than 7 years to make the required one year commitment.)
- Blood donors must have no history of serious diseases, and cannot be on medication.
- A commitment to donate 8 times over the course of one year. (Dogs can safely donate as often as every three weeks… most only donate every 5-7 weeks.)
- Donors must be brought to our facility or to a blood drive location. If you are not in our area, please contact us. We may be able to direct you to a nearby donation site.
- Dogs must be maintained on heartworm preventive and must be current with their regular veterinarian’s preventive health and vaccination schedule.
- Please note that some medications may exclude your dog from the blood donor program.