Just like humans, if an animal is in an accident, needs surgery, or treatment for infections, they will need a veterinary blood donation for transfusion.
Thankfully, there are blood and plasma donation programs for dogs and cats to have the opportunity to help save the lives of other animals in need. “Many people do not realize the significant impact their dog could make,” said Casey Mills, an account manager at the NAVBB (North American Veterinary Blood Bank.)
Cats and dogs have blood types that are specific to their species. Dogs have twelve different blood types, and cats have three, so a wide donor pool is needed. Meanwhile, greyhounds have a universal blood type, similar to the O-negative blood in humans.
Currently, there are only a few animal blood banks in North America, including Stockbridge, Michigan; the California cities of Garden Grove and Dixon; Annapolis, Maryland; and in Richmond and Bristow, Virginia.
If you reside in or near one of these locations and you have a pet that wants to be a hero, then you should bring them in. A veterinary blood donation takes about 30 minutes and doesn’t require giving your pets anesthesia. Pets are pampered and provided lots of treats, and in return for their donation, their owners are given discounts on future exams and screening.
Mills said:
The animals are always so excited when they come in the door to see us because they know we’re going to give them tons of peanut butter or Milk-Bones … whatever their little heart desires.
Since the blood is by donations only, the more people who know about it, the better. You and your pet could save another pet and their family or vise versa. Ask your vet during your next visit about how you can donate your pets’ blood.
