How much blood is taken?
· Dogs: Typically, 350 - 450 mL
· Cats: Typically, 40 - 60 mL
How long does a donation take?
Your pet will usually spend a few hours with us on the day of their donation. This allows our team to give them unhurried, attentive care throughout every step of the process.
The actual blood collection is quite quick, typically taking around 5-15 minutes.
Why does my pet need to stay in hospital?
Most donors will receive a light sedation to make sure they are calm and comfortable for the donation. This can mean that they spend a few hours in the hospital with our teams while they monitor their recovery. Don’t worry, our team will send home our little hero’s as soon as they are feeling great again.
Can I take my pet for a walk when they get home from their donation?
Our dedicated teams will provide you with a discharge information sheet that explains how to care for your pet when they get home after a donation.
We advise that your pet skips their afternoon walk and instead spends the evening on the couch resting. Donating blood can zap a bit of their energy so it is important to let them rest and recovery. They can usually return to their normal activities the next day.
Is blood donation safe for my pet?
Yes. The process is designed to be very safe. Pets typically tolerate donations well and return to normal activities the same day.
Our veterinary teams perform a full physical exam, pre-donation blood screen and a full annual blood panel for donors to ensure they are fit and healthy enough to donate blood.
How often can my pet donate?
It is considered quite safe for eligible dogs or cats to donate every three months however, generally speaking, we will only call on your pets donation abilities every 6 months.
Does it hurt my pet?
Our team takes every precaution to make sure the donation process is as painless and stress‑free as possible. The needle may cause a brief, mild sting that lasts only a second, similar to what humans feel during a routine blood draw. To help reduce even that tiny sensation, we typically apply a numbing cream beforehand. Most pets tolerate the needle extremely well with this approach.
Do pets have blood types?
Yes, dogs and cats do have blood types! Cats have three main types: A, B, and AB, and they can only safely receive certain types. Dogs have several blood groups, but the one veterinarians test for is DEA 1, which can be positive or negative. If your pet is eligible to be a blood donor, our team will run a blood‑typing test to find out exactly what type they are.
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