Why do we need a Canine Blood Bank? Just like in human emergency rooms, our patients in the ICU frequently require life-saving blood transfusions, due to blood loss after trauma, bleeding disorders, immune-mediated disease or poor red blood cell production due to cancer, bone marrow or kidney disease.
Regular blood donations by healthy donors means that we can maintain an adequate supply of blood products and save more lives.Our veterinarians are members of the Australian Veterinary Association and the American Association of Veterinary Blood Banks and work to maintain the highest standards of care for both our donors and recipients.
We promote the use of volunteer blood donors because we strongly believe that saving the life of one dog should not occur at the expense or well-being of another. Our blood donors live in loving, private homes within the community. Canine Blood Bank donor dogs undergo a series of blood tests to ensure that they are healthy; there is no cost to the donor dog’s owner. All blood donations take place at the Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency under the direct supervision of a veterinarian, and usually take less than an hour.
Your dog may be eligible to be a donor if he/she meets the following requirements:
- Between 1-6 years
- Weight: At least 25kg
- Healthy
- Desexed
- Fully vaccinated and dewormed
- Friendly and easy-going nature
- No history of receiving a blood product
If you are interested in your dog becoming a volunteer, please contact our hospital- we also provide owners with Gift vouchers and treats for their trouble!
See Dr Christine Lovatt promoting our canine and feline blood bank on channel 9 news
See recent Donor Tilly’s Story Here
