It’s not something we think about often, but our dogs sometimes need emergency blood transfusions too. Summer seems to be the busiest time for vet clinics around the country and one in Milwaukee has issued a plea.

Animal blood donors are desparately needed. Milwaukee ER Veterinarian Marla Lichtenberger, DVM, says in addition to summer injuries, pets require blood for illnesses, just as people would. The owner of Milwaukee Emergency Center for Animals says she started out using blood donated from the pets of hospital staff members, but that’s not enough for the 24/7 hospital and critical care facility.

“Because of the large numbers of patients that we’re seeing, we have a large number of patients that are requiring blood products. And even animals like we have had some cases of a ferret and even a rabbit that needed blood, too.”

Blood can be stored for about 30 days, while plasma can be stored for up to a year — frozen plasma for up to five years. Lichtenberger urges people to consider donating the blood of their healthy cat or dog to help reduce the shortage. Her hospital makes it worth your while. As you help other animals, each donor pet receives a free health exam and full blood work-up for every donation. In addition, there is a $25 hospital credit given for each donation. Check with your local veterinarian for donation locations.

Criteria to donate blood:

·        Cats and dogs need to be younger than 8 years old.

·        Animals must be healthy

·        Cats must weigh more than 10 pounds.

·        Dogs must weigh more than 50 pounds.

There are other regional blood banks that also depend on the generosity of caring owners. Animal blood banks and donor programs have a variety of policies regarding how often donations are made, how long a commitment they expect, donor age limits, minimum weight requirements, rewards given to the dogs after each donation, and incentives for their owners. Dogs must be healthy and up to date on all required vaccines including heartworm prevention. Most donor centers include a complimentary physical and blood test to check for possible Brucellosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease, Heartworm and several other diseases, plus a complete blood count and blood chemistry profile.

There are usually rewards for donors and owners. The dogs are usually given hugs, belly rubs, treats and toys that can vary from program to program. At many blood banks they may go home with a large bag or case of dog food with each donation. Owners receive discounts on preventative health care and supplies such as Heartguard and Frontline. Many programs include physical examinations, blood tests, annual vaccines, heartworm prevention and screening – all completely free as long as the dog is in the program!

If you have a calm, friendly and healthy dog that is at least 50 lbs and under 8 years of age, then you may want to look into becoming a donor dog. Check with the following blood bank programs or ask your veterinarian if there is one near you.

Regional Blood Banks

• The Penn Animal Blood Bank, - Pennsylvania
• The Eastern Veterinary Blood Bank - Maryland
• The Sun States Animal Blood Bank - Florida
• The Pet Blood Bank - Texas
• Midwest Animal Blood Services - Michigan
• HemoSolutions - Colorado

Veterinary Hospital and University Veterinary Medical Center Blood Donor Programs…