blood donor program: FAQs

We obtain about 450 ml (just under two cups) of your dog’s blood at each donation. This is a safe amount for dogs that meet our donor requirements.

We use a needle that’s just a little bigger than the one used to draw blood for regular screenings at your primary care veterinarian. Most dogs tolerate this quite well, and we strive to make each dog feel as comfortable as possible with treats and lots of love.

The donation itself takes about 10-15 minutes. We set aside an hour-long appointment for each donation to review current health information and set up for the procedure. This also gives us time to observe your dog afterward for a short time, and of course, receive plenty of praise and treats!

Our certified veterinary technicians handle the blood donation process. A small square on your dog’s neck is shaved and scrubbed for sterility. With your dog lying calmly on its side, one unit (less than 2 cups) of blood is drawn. Throughout the donation process, our staff will calmly comfort your dog. The donation takes 10 to 15 minutes, but with preparation and post-donation observation, you can expect your dog to be with us for about an hour.

Yes, dogs have several different blood types. Their blood groups are called DEA groups (dog erythrocyte antigen) based on the types of proteins in their red blood cells. The most common blood type is DEA 1.1. A potential canine donor should be negative for DEA 1.1 (about 50% of dogs are).

Donor dogs get free health screenings, free annual blood screenings yearly upon re-enrollment (which include an extended infectious disease panel, urinalysis and fecal exam, and blood typing), treats, snuggles, and bragging rights! These dogs are heroes! Additional benefits will be discussed at the first screening appointment or click here to learn more.

Most dogs are not affected by donating blood. Unlike humans, dogs have a mobile reservoir of red blood cells in their spleen and can replace 1/3 of the donated blood immediately. They will regenerate the rest of the blood cells within a couple of days. Dogs are sometimes a little tired after donating, but they should get back to their normal selves quickly.