Dog and Cat Blood Donations
Each year, thousands of pets’ lives are saved through blood transfusions. At VSH, blood component therapy is commonly-used for traumatic injuries, parasitic and immune-related disease, for surgical procedures, and many other life-threatening problems. As our patient load grows, our need for quality blood products grows as well.
How You and Your Pet Can Help
Our Blood Donor Program collects dog and cat blood donations from healthy pets. If you are interested in participating in this life-saving program and your pet meets the requirements, we will set up a screening appointment during which your cat or dog will be given a physical exam by one of our critical care specialists. A small amount of blood will be drawn by our Blood Donor Program staff for laboratory screening and typing.
Donor Responsibilities
Every 6-8 weeks (or as needed) your pet will be called upon to donate blood. Please bring your pet in within 1-2 days of the call as we are generally in immediate need of blood.
Donor Compensation
Donors will be compensated at the time of each donation and will receive:
- An initial examination with a critical care specialist along with screening lab work
- Examinations prior to each donation and yearly complimentary bloodwork
Animals Donating Blood Really is a Thing!
Learn more about what it takes for your special pet to be a hero!
Drs. Krista Vernaleken and Lindsay Renzullo of Bulger Veterinary Hospital in Lawrence, MA recently discussed the subject of donating blood for dogs and cats in an episode of the PAWEDcast. More episodes, and the complete episode (which answers frequent pet owner questions) is available on our PAWEDcast landing page. The PAWEDcast is available on youtube, and where ever you listen to podcasts.
