Save the Life of a Pet

Giving blood is one of the most important things people can do to help save a life, but did you know blood donors are needed in the animal world, too?

Why We Need Blood Donors

We wouldn’t be able to fulfill our mission without the invaluable contributions of our dog and cat donors. But as the pet population continues to grow, so does the number of pets who require blood transfusions. The need is great. Your pet’s donation can ultimately provide the gift of life.

When pets undergo surgery or are suffering from trauma, auto-immune diseases, heat stroke or other illnesses, they may require blood transfusions, just as humans do. Our blood banks for pets are dedicated to providing a safe and plentiful blood supply to animals in need.

Blood Bank Locations

Arden Hills, MN (Contact bloodbank.mn@bluepearlvet.com to schedule donations.)
Duluth, MN
Charleston, SC
Des Moines, IA
Cedar Rapids, IA
Oak Creek, WI (Contact bloodbank.milwaukee@bluepearlvet.com)
Overland Park, KS
Grand Rapids, MI
Southfield, MI
Paramus, NJ (Contact bloodbank.nj@bluepearlvet.com)
Pittsburgh (North Hills), PA
Renton, WA (Contact bloodbank.wa@bluepearlvet.com)
Richmond, VA
Tampa, FL (Contact bloodbank.fl@bluepearlvet.com)
Fort Myers, FL

Please note: Not all services are available in all BluePearl hospitals. Contact your local BluePearl for services available at that location.

Blood Donor FAQs

Get answers to the most commonly asked questions about donating blood at your local BluePearl pet hospital.

What you should know

Is blood donation risky or painful to my pet?

Donating blood is quick and painless. The most common potential side effect is bruising at the site of collection, but that goes away within two to three days. The amount of blood drawn is not enough to affect your pet’s health. Dogs and cats can safely donate every six weeks.

How much blood is drawn during a donation?

Each dog donates approximately two cups or one pint at each donation. A cat donates approximately two ounces. For cats, fluids lost during the donation are replaced by administering subcutaneous fluids.

Will my pet need to be sedated or restrained to give blood?

Most dogs are able to sit still for the donation. On rare occasions, excitable dogs may need a light sedative to keep them calm. On the other hand, most cats do better with a short-acting anesthetic. They are carefully monitored and are only asleep during the 10 to 25 minutes needed for donation.

What kind of commitment is required?

Due to the high cost of screening prospective donors, your pet is asked to commit to 12 donations (Donating once every two to three months for three years).

Blood Donor Stories

About five hours after the procedure, I saw her. She was nothing like I expected – Joli greeted me with the peppiness of a pup. She bowed in the down dog play stance and jumped all over and kissed me. I couldn’t believe my eyes!”
Jeanette L.

Read the full story of a pet who recovered from sudden, severely deteriorating health after a blood transfusion at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Blaine, MN.

They didn’t just save kitties’ lives, they helped me keep my dog Kiara alive for a few more months, too.”
Nicole M.

Blood Banks for Pets