Pet Blood Donor Program | Animal Referral & Emergency Network

Just like humans, pets sometimes need blood transfusions to treat serious illness or injury. These lifesaving treatments are only possible thanks to the generosity of healthy pet donors within our community.

Our nationwide Blood Donor Program enables our veterinary teams to provide critical care when it’s needed most, giving pets a fighting chance when moments matter.

If you think your pet might be able to help save the life of another beloved companion, read on to learn how they can become a lifesaving hero.

Benefits of Donating Blood

On top of the superhero status your pet will claim with their donation, there are also some other benefits to being a part of the program:

· Free initial blood typing test*

· A $100 Petbarn voucher with each donation

· A free full physical exam with each donation*

· A free full blood test once a year + basic blood screening prior to each donation*

* Combined value of over $800. Value may vary by hospital.

Blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death for pets facing emergencies or serious medical conditions. They are commonly needed for surgeries, trauma and accident cases, toxin exposure, severe anaemia, immune‑mediated diseases, and clotting disorders.

But unlike human hospitals, veterinary clinics don’t have large blood banks to draw from, they rely almost entirely on the generosity of healthy donor pets. When your dog or cat donates blood, they become part of a small but vital group helping to ensure that every pet has access to lifesaving care when they need it most.

What would a blood donation look like for my pet?

1. You’ll be contacted when your pet’s blood‑donation superpowers are needed.

We only call donors when there’s a pet in need, so every donation truly makes a difference.

2. When you arrive at our hospital, our friendly team will welcome you and admit your pet just like for any routine procedure.

We’ll ask a few questions about your pet’s recent health, and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.

3. Once admitted, your pet will receive a full health check by our veterinary team.

This includes a pre‑donation blood screening to ensure they are healthy enough to donate safely on that day.

4. If your pet is fit and healthy to donate, they’ll be settled into a comfy bed.

An IV catheter is placed, usually in a front leg, and they’re given a light sedation to help them feel relaxed and calm during the donation.

5. A small area on your pet’s neck will be shaved for sterility, as this is where the donation needle is placed.

6. The donation itself typically takes between 5 and 15 minutes.

Most pets rest comfortably throughout this time thanks to the mild sedation.

7. After the donation, your pet will receive intravenous fluids and some tasty snacks to help replenish their system. They’ll be monitored closely as they wake up from sedation.

8. Once your pet has fully recovered, our team will call you to pick up your little hero.

A quiet, relaxing evening at home on the couch is usually all they need, after all, they’ve earned it!

After donation, your pet’s blood may be used immediately for a patient in urgent need, or it may be stored under carefully controlled conditions so it’s ready the moment an emergency arises.

Whole blood can typically be refrigerated and safely stored for up to 28 days before use, although some hospitals may use it sooner depending on patient needs.

We only call on fit and healthy pets for their blood donation superpowers so your pet must meet certain criteria to donate blood.

Canine Donors

· Fit & healthy*

· Between 1-8yrs old

· A relatively cool, calm and collected temperament

· >25kg in body weight

· Up to date with vaccinations and preventives including Heartworm

· Not previously received a blood transfusion

· Not currently on any medications

· Free from any underlying health conditions

· Desexed (females must not have had a litter)

* No underlying conditions that will affect their ability to donate bloodroup.

We only call on fit and healthy pets for their blood donation superpowers so your pet must meet certain criteria to donate blood.

Feline Donors

· Age between 1-8 years old

· Calm, friendly and relaxed in the clinic

· No previous blood transfusions

· Weighs more than 4kg • No previous significant medical history

· Fully vaccinated • Regularly wormed • No previous litters of kittens for female cats

* No underlying conditions that will affect their ability to donate bloodroup.

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.