Pets, cats and dogs, and their owners can give the gift of life to other animals thanks to our blood bank at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Sydney.
All donor animals undergo screening for eligibility, including health checks and complimentary blood tests.
There are many reasons why a pet may require a blood transfusion, including but not limited:
As with humans, the success of the program is dependent on the availability of suitable donors.
Your dog could help save a life by donating if they:
Your cat could help save a life by donating if they:
A dog can donate blood every three months provided that all criteria are met.
Dogs will come to our clinic for a meet and greet with their owners. During this time, we can confirm their eligibility to participate in the program.
This includes prescreening blood tests, a temperament assessment, and lots of treats to ensure a positive experience.
The donor usually visits the clinic in the morning and is ready to return home that afternoon.
The donor will have a physical examination before every donation and some further blood tests.
The process for collection is similar to that for humans. It takes approximately 10 – 15 minutes.
If the donor doesn't require sedation, this process can be coordinated while the owner waits. This will take around 90 minutes.
Some excitable dogs do require mild sedation to feel relaxed and comfortable in the hospital environment. Donors will be aware, awake, and walking even with sedation.
If you have any concerns, please discuss this with your experienced nurse during the prescreening. All of our donors' comfort and welfare is our primary priority.
