Blood Bank
We’re Always Looking For Donors
Because the need for blood products can fluctuate, we’re always looking for donors. Blood donation is a unique opportunity to help less fortunate animals in their time of need. The donation process is easy and fast and includes lots of affection and treats.
Blood Donation is a Rewarding Experience
Besides the warm feeling you’ll get from helping others, we show our appreciation by giving back to you and your pet as well. NorthStar VETS gives all donors:
- A complimentary and thorough physical examination at each donation
- A comprehensive blood screening, including a copy of all lab work for your records
- Free blood typing in case your pet ever needs emergency care or a blood transfusion
- Free blood transfusion should your pet ever need one, receiving one unit of blood for every unit donated
Eligible Pets
- Cats
- Dogs
- Exotic Pets
- Chickens
- Hedgehogs
- Chinchillas
- Parrots
- Ducks
- Rabbits
- Ferrets
- Reptiles
- Guinea Pigs
- Turkeys
We’ll perform a preliminary evaluation of your pet to make sure they’re qualified to be a blood donor. Once your pet passes this exam, we ask you to commit to the donor program for at least one year, with 4 donations per year. Pets can safely donate blood as often as every 7 weeks.
Is My Pet Eligible To Donate Blood?
To ensure your pet’s safety and the safety of blood products, donors must meet these criteria:
- Have a friendly, calm disposition, and be easy to restrain
- Dogs must weigh more than 50 lbs.
- Cats must be indoor-only and weigh more than 10 lbs. with a lean body mass
- Must be current on all vaccinations (vaccination certificates required)
- Must be free of infectious disease
- Cannot be receiving any medications for chronic conditions
- Must be current on heartworm, flea, and tick preventative
- Be between 1 and 8 years old
- Must not have received a blood transfusion in the past
What To Expect When Your Pet Donates Blood
Blood donation is virtually painless, takes only 10 to 20 minutes—and your pet will be given lots of loving attention throughout the entire process:
- Your pet will first undergo a pre-donation health check
- A small area of fur on the neck will be clipped and cleaned and a local anesthetic applied
- A needle is inserted into the large jugular vein and the blood collected
- After collection, we place a bandage over the collection site, and give your pet fluids and lots of treats—the pet equivalent of juice and cookies!
Enroll Your Pet in NorthStar VETS’ Blood Bank
To enroll your pet in our Blood Bank, please call 609-259-8300 or email us.
To enroll your pet in our Blood Bank, please call 609-259-8300 or email us.
