Blood Donor Program

Our donors help to save lives.

We understand how stressful it can be when your pet is not well. Feel comfortable knowing that with us, your pet has access to expertly-trained veterinary specialists and the most advanced technology available in the province.

We’re partners in your pet’s care and we do everything we can to ensure the best possible experience for you both.

LEARN MORE ABOUT

Donor Pre-screening

We appreciate all interest in our blood donor program, however, some pets are more suitable for donating than others. To ensure the well-being of the donor and recipient, we have several pre-screening requirements to apply:

  • Between the ages of 1 – 8 years old
  • Good disposition
  • No Medical Conditions
  • Up to date on vaccines
  • Never received blood or plasma transfusion
  • Healthy weight – not over or underweight
  • Receive heart worm, internal parasite, and tick prevention (recommended, not required)
  • Dogs – 50lbs+ / Cats – 10lbs+

PRE-SCREEN PRO?

If your pet meets all of the pre-screening requirements above, check out the additional info and next steps below:

Requirements

  • Donors who have spent time outside of Canada and the continental U.S. may not pass the pre-screening process. VSCNL is not stating there is a risk in a particular region. However, visiting different parts of the world could put your pet at greater risk of exposure to diseases. To protect blood recipients, our screening process must take this into consideration.
  • One of the two blood types that can be used for donations
  • Normal complete blood count and biochemical profile
  • Cats must test negative for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus

Successful donor’s laboratory results must indicate:

  • One of the two blood types that can be used for donations
  • Normal complete blood count and biochemical profile
  • Cats must test negative for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus

Owner Responsibilities

We request clients answer the questions asked during the pre-screening process to the best of their ability. If an owner cannot confidently provide details on their pet’s history, please inform us. Each animal that receives a blood transfusion already has a compromised health status. The pre-screening process is to put in place to ensure a blood transfusion does not add additional risk to each patient’s health status.

If a pet is deemed a successful donor, we request you ensure your pet can:

  • Donate once every 3 months
  • Remain in the Program for at least 2 years
  • Be available for emergency donations, if possible
  • Allow pictures of your pet in various marketing and social media advertisements
  • Register
  • Complete a VSCNL Blood Donor Program application

If you have questions, please email vscherodogs@vscnl.ca.

Screening Process

Within a week of receiving your registration application, we will contact you to discuss the donor process and conduct a preliminary phone interview.

If required, we will ask you to contact your primary care veterinarian and request they email your pet’s medical records to vscherodogs@vscnl.ca. We do not have the authority to request your pet’s medical records.

Once received, we will review the medical record to validate if your pet meets the donor requirements. If so, we will then contact you to book a blood donation appointment. During the appointment, we will conduct laboratory testing to confirm your pet’s health status.

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BECOME A VSC HERO PET!

BLOOD DONOR PROGRAM

Today’s donor could be tomorrow’s recipient.

Our incredible donors keep our in-house blood bank continuously stocked to help save the lives of pets in urgent need. Are you and your pet interested in joining our league of heroes?

Have Questions?

If you still have questions about the program after reviewing these resources, please contact us at vscherodogs@vscnl.ca.

Donor Benefits

($750 + IN VALUE)

  • Free Laboratory Testing
    Free lab testing for every donation including red blood cells (PCV) and total protein tests to ensure anemia is not present.
  • Full Blood Work
    We do a full panel of blood work on the first donation and annually thereafter for the time that the pet is a donor.
  • Free Health Assessment
    Pets will be given a comprehensive physical health exam to determine they’re a good candidate for donation.
  • Feline-specific Virus Testing
    Feline testing for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Feline Leukemia Virus (if required).
  • Free Unit of Blood or Plasma
    Receive a free unit of blood or plasma transfusion.
  • Blood Donor Tag
    Your hero pet can show off some new bling at the park with a tag identifying them as a blood donor.
  • Lots of TLC
    Hero pets are rewarded with their favourite treats, scratches, and love from our grateful team.

Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Constable Bill Kennedy works with the K-9 unit. He says, “it’s very important for his unit to know there’s access to the blood supply in the city should one of the dogs need it.”

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