Blood Bank
At Veterinary Emergency + Critical Care
We provide life-saving blood products to pets in need and compassionate care to the pet heroes who donate.
We provide life-saving blood products to pets in need and compassionate care to the pet heroes who donate.
Donations at our blood bank are performed by registered veterinary technicians under veterinarian supervision, with care taken to ensure a stress-free experience. The process involves shaving and sterilizing a small patch of fur on the donor's neck, followed by a quick 5-minute collection while the pet rests calmly on its side. We often use mild oral sedation (given at home beforehand) to keep pets comfortable during their visit.
Our blood bank relies on healthy, pre-screened community pets who donate every few months, with each donation potentially saving multiple lives. After collection, donations are processed using our state-of-the-art centrifuge to separate them into red blood cells and plasma components, which are then stored in specialized refrigeration and freezer units until needed by pets recovering from surgery, injuries, toxicities, immune-mediated conditions, or cancer.
Complete physical exam at each donation
Annual lab work sent to your regular veterinarian
Free blood products if ever needed
10% off ER visits with Veterinary Specialty Center
Satisfaction of helping save other pets
Generally healthy and friendly disposition
Between 1-6 years of age
Meet minimum body weight (cats: 10lbs or greater, half-pint dogs: 40-69lbs, full-pint dogs: 70lbs or greater)
Not currently on medications with the exceptions of heartworm prevention
Current on vaccines (Bordatella not required)
No previous transfusions
All potential donors receive a free basic screening to determine eligibility, including a physical exam, basic bloodwork, infectious disease screening, and blood typing.
