Our Blood Donor Program
Our animal blood donor program
Help your pup, help other pups by getting involved in our animal blood donation program.
Pet blood donations can often mean the difference between life and death. Blood transfusions are often a crucial treatment in saving a beloved pet’s life when threatened by illness, disease, trauma, surgery, snake bites, or poisoning incidents.
Unfortunately, blood can only be stored for six weeks, so regular donations from generous fur donors are very welcomed and needed to help us use this life-saving treatment when an emergency strikes.
Pet blood donation process
The process for your pet to donate blood starts with a health check and blood test by our team to ensure they are able to donate.
Your time at our hospital will only take one hour in total, with the donation process itself only taking 5-10 minutes and with only a small patch of fur needing to be clipped from the collection site.
Throughout the process, you will be there with your pet providing cuddles and encouragement. After donating, a bandage will be placed over the collection site.
In the 24 hours following your pet’s donation, it is recommended strenuous exercise be avoided, plenty of fresh water be given, as well as a nice meal and a big cuddle.
See a glimpse into our blood donation process as Paisley, one of our regular blood donor heroes, takes you on her donation journey.
Video credit: @paisleyspaws
How to become a blood donor
Did you know one in three dogs are able to donate blood? The criteria for our canine companions to donate blood are very simple.
Canine blood donor requirements
Could your dog become a blood donor and help us save lives? If your dog meets the following canine blood donor requirements, consider having them join our program.
- Healthy
- Weighs at least 25kg
- Between 1-8 years of age
- Up-to-date with vaccinations, worming, and other preventatives
- Has not had a blood transfusion previously
- Has a calm, trusting temperament
- Be capable of lying calmly for 5-10 minutes with their owner present while the donation occurs
For more information on what is involved in being a blood donor, visit our Q&A page.
Feline blood donor requirements
We are yet to launch a feline blood donor program.
Thank you to our blood donor heroes
As a thank you in return for their life-saving donation, our blood donor heroes receive:
- A full blood analysis
- Blood typing
- And lots of praise, cuddles and treats
- You will also receive a text when your pet’s blood donation has been used to save a life
Interested? Register today
If you think your dog is capable of being a blood donor hero and saving the lives of other beloved dogs in need, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch shortly.