Community Blood Bank

In our first 12 months of operation, 140 animals needed and received blood and plasma transfusions. Transfusions were given to both cats and dogs.

Reasons animals needed blood included:

• Traumatic injuries
• Exposure to rat poison which causes excessive bleeding
• Surgical blood loss
• Bone marrow problems
• Immune-mediated blood problems
• Congenital clotting disorders including von Willebraund's disease

Reasons animals needed plasma transfusions included:

• Severe infections leading to protein loss
• Clotting problems
• Pancreatitis
• Liver problems

Animal blood products can be purchased from nationwide blood banks. However due to increasing awareness of the life-saving nature of transfusions, blood products can sometimes be backordered for several weeks. In order for us to have blood and plasma on hand at all times, we have started a COMMUNITY BLOOD DONOR PROGRAM. We are looking for dogs who would like to donate blood to participate in our program.

Appropriate donors are:

• Between 1-5 years of age
• Over 55 lbs
• Good temperament (will lie still for 10 minutes and are not afraid of veterinarians)
• Healthy
• Not on any medications
• Free of infectious diseases
• Willing to commit to 3-4 donations a year for 2-3 years

Donors are blood typed and screened for infectious diseases. A complete physical examination is performed prior to each donation. Donors receive lots of treats and toys during each donation to make it a fun experience for them. If you are interested in this life-saving program, please call 206-364-1660 and ask for the Animal Critical Care Blood Bank.

Pierre, one of our valued blood donors, being examined by Dr. Suzanne Endicott, blood bank veterinarian, prior to donating blood.

Blood draw in process

Pierre getting a toy after his donation.