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Veterinary Specialty Hospital - North County

Brown dog with a baseball in its mouth

Blood Bank

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.

DOGS
CATS
Overall good health
Overall good health
1-7 years of age for initial enrollment
1-7 years of age for initial enrollment
Over 55 lbs
Indoor only and over 10 lbs
Current on monthly flea, tick, and heart worm prevention
Current on monthly flea prevention

Donor Responsibilities

Every 6-8 weeks (or as needed) our blood bank coordinators will reach out to schedule your pet’s donation. This will typically be scheduled no later than a week in advance.

Donor Compensation

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

  • Complimentary screening bloodwork, yearly if re-enrolled. This includes base-line blood work and infectious disease testing.

  • Exam prior to each donation

  • All blood work and records sent to your regular veterinarian.

  • Free vaccines

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

For more information, please call (760) 466-0600, or contact us by email at [email protected] blood donor program is a member of the following associations: International Association of Veterinary Blood Banks Association of Veterinary Hematology and Transfusion Medicine.