Blood Donors

If you are accepted into our blood donor program, your pet will receive an annual wellness exam (with or without vaccines) and diagnostic blood tests. Blood tests include blood typing, screening for infectious diseases, and an extensive general health profile. As long as your pet is active in the blood donor program, he/she will receive an annual wellness exam and general health profile every year.

THE DONATION PROCESS:

Each time your pet is called in to donate blood, the veterinarian will first examine your pet. A small blood sample is then drawn to test your pet's current red blood cell count. If no abnormalities are found, your pet will be lightly sedated to help them relax while the blood is being drawn. A small square of fur will be shaved from your pet's neck and the site will be cleaned. After the blood is drawn, your pet will be given subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids and offered a small meal when he/she is awake. You will have the option of leaving your pet with us overnight or picking up your pet when he/she is awake. We will also be taking a picture of your pet to pass along to the transfusion recipient.

The blood donor program has been established to help our patients who are in need of whole blood transfusions. The patients may be suffering from an immune disease, trauma, or in critical condition and are in urgent need of whole blood. Fresh whole blood is the best way we can help to save these patients’ lives.

REQUIREMENTS:

We would like people to live within 30-60 minutes of the clinic, the closer the better!

CANINE DONORS:

  • 1-5 years of age
  • Weighing greater than 50 lbs- BIGGER is better!
  • In good health, not on any chronic medications
  • Spayed/neutered
  • Up to date on vaccinations
  • Heartworm/4DX negative annually

FELINE DONORS:

  • 1-5 years of age
  •  weighing greater than 8 lbs
  • In good health, not on any chronic medications
  • Spayed/neutered
  • NDOORS ONLY
  • FIV/FELV negative
  • Up to date on vaccinations

BENEFITS (after first transfusion):

  • Complimentary annual vaccinations
  • Complimentary 4DX testing annually
  • Complimentary wellness bloodwork (CHEM 10/CBC IN HOUSE) with every donation
  • A bag of Treats
  • 100 credit will be added to your account for future services
  • The satisfaction of knowing that you and your pet are helping save lives!

There is a special need for canine donors who have survived parvovirus infection. Pets with a health condition that requires any long-term use of medication are not eligible for the program.  Please call anytime for details. Please note that in emergency cases, you could be called throughout the night or on weekends. Therefore, please be willing to come in on short notice in such cases if you wish to enroll you pet in the Blood Donor Program.