BLOOD DONORS

Why is it important to donate blood?
Just like people, animals can benefit from blood transfusions when they become ill or are injured. There are many different reasons why an animal may need a blood transfusion. For example, if they have been hit by a car or ingested rodent poison a blood transfusion could be a matter of life or death. By allowing your pet to donate blood you can help save the life of someone else's beloved pet.

Who can be a donor?
If your pet meets the criteria below then they are eligible for the screening process (examination and blood testing) needed to determine if they would be a good blood donor. If your pet does not meet the criteria below but you would still like to help, you can make a cash donation to our Good Samaritan Fund.

To volunteer your pet as a donor we require the following:

Dogs
• 1 to 6 years of age
• Over 45 pounds
• Pass a health screen (exam, CBC and Chemistry panel)
• Have proof of current vaccinations and heartworm  test/preventive
• May not be on any medications (antibiotics, steriods...) at the time of donation
• Has not received a blood transfusion before
• Blood typed as a universal donor (done here at the clinic, at our expense)
• On-call regardless of the hour, day, week, or holiday (this doesn't mean you have to always be home, but that it is okay if we call you at 2 a.m. Christmas Eve)
• Feel comfortable with your pet undergoing general anesthesia and kept for observation.

Cats
• 1 to 8 years of age
• Weigh over 10 pounds,
• Indoor only
• Pass a health screen (exam, CBC and Chemistry panel)
• Must be FIV/FeLV negative
• Have proof of current vaccinations
• May not be on any medications (antibiotics, steriods...) at the time of donation
• Has not received a blood transfusion before
• Blood typed as a universal donor (done here at the clinic, at our expense)
• On-call regardless of the hour, day, week, or holiday (this doesn't mean you have to always be home, but that it is okay if we call you at 2 a.m. Christmas Eve)
• Feel comfortable with your pet undergoing general anesthesia and kept for observation.

What are the benefits of being involved?
In addition to helping other pets in your community, your own pet will receive benefits for being a blood donor. Every year donors will receive a routine blood screening and at your initial visit your pet will be blood typed. After each blood donation you will receive a check for $25.00 or a $25.00 credit to your WVC account if you are a regular client. Your pet will receive a free can of pet food. If your pet ever needs a blood transfusion you will receive free blood units equal to the number he or she has donated.

What happens during a donation?
Prior to donation we will confirm that your pet still meets the above criteria and is not currently on any medications. Then if necessary your pet will be sedated and placed on his/her side. A small area of hair on the neck will be clipped and cleaned. Then a needle is inserted into the jugular vein to collect the blood. Once the blood has been collected the needle is removed and pressure is placed on the vein for a few minutes. After donating blood your pet will be given a food reward as our way of saying thank you.

What happens to the blood once collected?
The blood will be stored in the refrigerator until we have a patient that is in need of a transfusion. It is important that we have both canine and feline blood on hand so it can be made available when needed.

How often can my pet donate blood?
Every three weeks your pet can donate blood. It is important that there be at least three weeks between each donation so your pets body has enough time to regenerate the blood that was donated.

Are there any risks to my pet?
Donating blood is a relatively safe procedure. We are very careful during the procedure to maintain cleanliness and we keep your pets comfort and health in mind. The required annual blood testing and examinations help ensure our pet is in good health. If at any time you or the veterinarian involved determine that your pet is no longer a good candidate than your pet will be withdrawn from the program.

If you are interested in being considered for this please contact any of our emergency doctors. They will review your pet's history.

Be a lifesaver-- Join the blood donors program at WVC!