Becoming a Donor
Pets can require life-saving blood transfusions for many of the same reasons humans do, such as injuries, surgeries, or when diseases cause the body to destroy its own blood cells.
The number of cats and dogs in need of blood transfusions has grown as the pet population continues to increase. Upstate Vet, with the help of its donors, would like to meet this ever-increasing demand to help save the community’s critically injured and ill pet population. Your pet’s donation is the gift of life to these pets and their owners. Will you allow your pet to help save a life?
Are you interested in allowing your pet to help save lives by donating blood?
What are the benefits of being a blood donor?
- A full annual physical exam by a licensed veterinarian
- Annual complete blood work, at no cost to the owner, including (shared with regular veterinarian):
- Complete blood cell count
- Full chemistry
- Infectious disease screening
- Blood typing
- Donation appreciation gifts for you and your pet!
- Treats and loving attention with each donation
- The satisfaction that comes in knowing that your pet is helping to save lives of other pets with each donation
Eligibility Requirements
To become a blood donor, a pet must be:
- Healthy, friendly, and with good temperament
- Between 1 and 8 years old for dogs and 1 and 10 years old for cats
- Spayed/neutered
- In good physical condition
- Current on vaccinations
- Dogs must weigh at least 50 pounds (but not be obese)
- Cats must weigh at least 10 pounds and be indoors only
- Have no history of prior transfusions or pregnancy
- Are taking no medications except heartworm, flea preventative, or thyroid medications
- Negative for infections, diseases, and parasites
- Able to donate at least 3 times a year
What to expect
- After we receive your potential donor request form, a member of our team will contact you. If your pet is eligible, we will schedule your first appointment for your pet to receive a free brief veterinary exam where a small amount of blood is drawn for typing and testing.
- If the results of the blood screening show your pet is able to donate, an appointment is made for prospective donors to return for their first blood donation.
- At each donation, a brief examination is performed prior to donating and a small patch of hair is shaved from your pet’s neck.
- For dogs, the entire process takes approximately 30 minutes, which includes time for the exam, donation, and treats and affection from the staff. If your pet is excited or unable to sit still for the duration of the donation, a mild sedative may be administered.
- Cat donations require short-acting anesthetic, so their appointments are drop-off appointments. The donation process takes up to four hours, which includes sedation, donation, recovery from sedation, and treats. You will be notified when your pet is ready to be picked up.