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Step 1
Determine if your pet is qualified to give an animal blood donation. Requirements for dogs typically include a healthy animal, 50 lbs. or more, who is one to seven-years-old and current on all shots and parasite preventatives such as heartworm.
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Step 2
Discuss animal blood donation with your veterinarian. The vet can tell you if your pet is a good candidate. Many veterinarian offices draw and maintain their own canine blood supply. If this is the case, your veterinarian can explain their procedures and policies surrounding pet blood donation. If your vet's office is unequipped for blood donation, he or she can tell you where to find the nearest pet blood bank donation center.
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Step 3
Sign your pet up as a donor with the nearest collection agency. Be prepared for your animal to require a health evaluation. In some cases, the donation center will fund the check-up. In others, you must show proof of a current, satisfactory yearly veterinary exam. Inquire about costs beforehand so you have no unexpected expenses.
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Step 4
Take your animal to the donation center. He or she will lie on a table during the process. A large vein in the neck area provides the draw location. The procedure is not painful, requires no preparation, and the owner can normally remain present during the process. Afterward, the donor can have treats as a reward.
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Step 5
Inquire about blood donation for pets of other species. Although canines are currently the leaders in veterinary blood donation, some locations are now taking blood donations from felines as well as other types of pets.
Comments
marielc said
on 3/6/2009 I had no idea that you can donate your pet's blood. Wow. Well, those vets have to get that blood somewhere.