Can Cats and Dogs Donate Blood?

Pet parents are likely aware of the universal need for human blood donations, but what about their own pets? Can dogs donate blood, and can cats donate blood? Yes, just like people, dogs and cats can donate blood to provide a potentially life-saving resource for their canine and feline peers. While some individuals are understandably hesitant to enroll their pet in a blood donor program, doing so can mean all the difference in another pet's life.

Learn more about why pet blood donation is needed, eligibility requirements, what the process is like, and how to get involved.

Why would a pet need a blood transfusion?

While the first known successful blood transfusion was in 1665 by Richard Lower, who withdrew blood from one dog and replaced it with blood from another dog, cat and dog blood transfusions did not become widely used until the past 50 years or so. Veterinarians have learned more about the benefits of canine and feline blood transfusions and their role in saving the lives of our dearest pets.

There are several scenarios in which a veterinarian may recommend a blood transfusion for your dog or cat:

• After an injury that causes significant blood loss
• During or after a surgery if there is/was significant blood loss
• If the pet is severely anemic, which can occur with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, and needs to boost their red blood cell count to increase oxygen flow throughout the body
• To help manage bleeding or clotting disorders, such as von Willebrand Disease, hemophilia A, or hemophilia B
• To treat anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning
• To support cancer treatments through transfusions of plasma, red blood cells, or whole blood

Pet blood donation eligibility requirements

With the knowledge of this potentially life-saving treatment, many pet parents wonder if their dog or cat can donate blood. The short answer is yes, dogs and cats can donate blood. But most pet blood banks have strict requirements for pet blood donations. These eligibility requirements are in place to protect pets receiving blood and give them the best chance of success.

Exact requirements may vary across blood banks, but the following are general checklists for dogs and cats.

Dog blood donation eligibility

• Be relatively healthy on a physical exam
• Have a calm, easy-going temperament to be able to undergo blood tests
• Be between 1 and 7 years of age
• Weigh approximately 50 pounds or more
• Have not had a blood transfusion
• Be spayed or neutered
• Be up to date on all core vaccinations
• Be on routine flea, tick, and heartworm medication (but not other medications)
• Test negative for infectious diseases

Cat blood donation eligibility

• Be relatively healthy on a physical exam
• Have a calm, easy-going temperament to be able to undergo blood tests
• Be between 1 and 8 years of age
• Weigh at least 10 pounds
• Only an indoor cat
• Have not had a blood transfusion
• Be spayed or neutered
• Be up to date on all core vaccinations
• Be on routine flea and heartworm medication (but not other medications)
• Test negative for infectious diseases

Some blood banks may also require that your dog or cat be available for a certain number of transfusions. For instance, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Virginia Tech requires donors to give blood at least four times per year.

What happens during a pet blood donation?

If your pet meets the eligibility requirements, here's what a pet blood donation session will typically look like.

Determine your pet's blood type

Pet blood donation starts with determining your dog or cat's blood type.

There are three cat blood types: A (most common), B (less common), and AB (rare). Unfortunately, there is no universal cat blood type. Blood typing is a crucial step before any veterinary transfusion, but for cats, it is extremely important. Cats have antigens against the blood type that they're lacking, meaning that a kitty with blood type A may have a fatal reaction if it receives a type B blood.

For dogs, there are more than 12 known blood types, called Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEA) and followed by a number. Because these antigens are inherited independently, that means that dogs can have a combination of different blood types. Dogs that are negative for DEA-1 are typically preferred as donors because they have the universal blood type, but DEA-4 may also be accepted.

Once the blood bank or clinic determines your pet's blood type, they'll tell you whether they can accept your dog or cat's blood. (Some clinics may be in demand for a specific blood type over others.)

Prep for the procedure

First, the clinician will shave and sterilize a small area of your pet's neck to provide unobstructed access to the vein. This is the point where cats will typically receive light sedation, as they are less likely to remain still for the procedure. Dogs typically won’t be sedated, instead only needing positive reinforcement and minimal restraint to lie still.

Draw blood and replenish with a yummy treat

The blood donation itself should only take approximately 10–15 minutes. Dogs usually have about 450mL of blood donated, while cats typically donate 50mLs (although, this may vary depending on the size of your pet). Additionally, some cats may receive intravenous fluid therapy to help maintain blood pressure.

Then, the area is bandaged and your pet is ready for a nutritious treat, lots of water, and cuddles for a job well done. Once the clinical team clears your pet to go home, pet parents will be given instructions for how to monitor and care for their cat or dog post-donation.

Is pet blood donation safe?

Many pet parents are hesitant to sign their dog or cat up to be a blood donor, and that's completely normal! It can be disconcerting to have a pet go through any medical procedure. But generally speaking, pet donation is considered low risk as long as all of the blood donation criteria are met. It can be comforting to know that blood banks will not accept a dog or cat that doesn't meet the eligibility criteria.

That said, there may be some side effects with pet blood donation, such as:

• Irritation from the clippers used to shave the small area of fur
• Bruising or a wound at the blood sampling site
• Tiredness or weakness

How to get involved in pet blood donation

Getting your pet involved in a blood donation program can provide a live-saving resource for another pet in need. Of course, the decision depends on your pet's health, your veterinarian's recommendation, and your level of comfort with the process.

If you're interested in learning more, ask your veterinarian about blood donation programs in your area, such as at a local pet hospital, county or city pet blood bank, humane society, or even a veterinary program at a local college or university. They'll list the eligibility requirements and detail the donation process. Some programs even provide incentives for pet blood donors, such as free annual wellness exams; free flea, tick, and heartworm medications; or a post-donation bag of food.

The role of pet insurance in emergency care

No pet parent wants to think about their furry companion potentially needing emergency pet care, but the truth is that accidents and unexpected illnesses can occur. That's why it's important to protect your pet from puppyhood or kittenhood all the way to adulthood with pet insurance.

Dog and cat insurance policies not only help your pet get the treatment they need but also safeguard your budget from ballooning out-of-pocket costs. Keep your pet happy and healthy with Trupanion pet insurance.