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Veterinary Specialty Hospital - San Diego

Brown dog with a baseball in its mouth

Blood Bank

To begin blood donor enrollment, fill out the form below!

Dog and Cat Blood Donations

Each year, thousands of pets’ lives are saved through blood transfusions. At VSH, blood component therapy is commonly-used for traumatic injuries, parasitic and immune-related disease, for surgical procedures, and many other life-threatening problems. As our patient load grows, our need for quality blood products grows as well.

How You and Your Pet Can Help

Our Blood Donor Program collects dog and cat blood donations from healthy pets. If you are interested in participating in this life-saving program and your pet meets the requirements, we will set up a screening appointment during which your cat or dog will be given a physical exam by one of our critical care specialists. A small amount of blood will be drawn by our Blood Donor Program staff for laboratory screening and typing.

Donor Requirements

Heroes Wanted!

Your pet’s donation of blood can save the life of someone else’s beloved pet. Please consider joining our blood donor program.

*All pets must have an overall good temperament and be current on all vaccinations.

DOGSCATS
Overall good healthOverall good health
1-7 years of age for initial enrollment1-7 years of age for initial enrollment
Over 55 lbsIndoor only and over 10 lbs
Current on monthly flea, tick, and heart worm preventionCurrent on monthly flea prevention

Donor Responsibilities

Every 6-8 weeks (or as needed) your pet will be called upon to donate blood. Please bring your pet in within 1-2 days of the call as we are generally in immediate need of blood.

*Donors must be able to commit to a full year.

Donor Compensation

Donors will be compensated at the time of each donation and will receive:

  • An initial examination with a critical care specialist along with screening lab work

  • Examinations prior to each donation and yearly complimentary bloodwork

As well as a choice between:

  • (1) complimentary specialty exam a year through any service when your pet is enrolled as a blood donor.

  • $50 credit at VSH

  • 3 months of flea and tick preventative

Drop-off Notes

We ask that you fast your pet for at least 8 – 12 hours prior to drop-off on the day of your pet’s blood donation.

You may continue to provide free access to water, but please do not provide food on the morning of the donation.

Animals Donating Blood Really is a Thing!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES FOR YOUR SPECIAL PET TO BE A HERO!

Drs. Krista Vernaleken and Lindsay Renzullo of Bulger Veterinary Hospital in Lawrence, MA recently discussed the subject of donating blood for dogs and cats in an episode of the PAWEDcast.

Dog wearing a bandana that says "I saved a life"

For more information

Please contact our Blood Bank Coordinators at (858) 875-7500, or contact us by email at [email protected].

Our blood donor program is a member of the following associations: International Association of Veterinary Blood Banks Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine.

Thank you to Bayer and Zoetis for their program support.