Why Donate?

Just like human hospitals, animal hospitals can frequently need donated blood to help save the lives of pets who have been injured or suffer from various illnesses. AEC sees thousands of emergency cases each year and we are always seeking to add additional canine and feline blood donors that we may call upon when needed.

If your dog is able to qualify as a universal blood donor, they will receive $50 per donation, and also receive an annual exam including full bloodwork testing at no cost. Dogs can donate once every 3 months, and giving blood will not hinder your dogs normal activities (e.g. playing with family, agility, flyball, obedience, tracking, etc.).

If your cat is able to qualify as a blood donor, they will receive $50 per donation, and also receive an annual exam including bloodwork testing at no cost. Cats can also donate every 3 months. Giving blood will not hinder your cat's normal activities.

Who can donate?

Dogs who are healthy and friendly are eligible to donate, providing they meet the following criteria:

• Must weigh 55 lbs. or more
• Age 1 – 7 years old
• No history of a heart murmur
• Must be free of parasites and current on vaccinations
• Cannot be taking any medications except heartworm and/or flea preventative

Cats who are healthy can donate, providing they meet the following criteria:

• Must weigh 10 lbs. or more
• Age 1 – 7 years old
• No history of a heart murmur
• Must be leukemia and FIV tested, free of parasites and current on vaccinations
• Cannot be taking any medications

My Pet is Interested

If you would like your dog to be a blood donor, they must first go through a screening process to see if they are able to be a good donor. All testing will be done at AEC's expense.

If you are interested in a screening, please call our nearest hospital location and tell them you would like to volunteer your dog to be a blood donor:

AEC Novi: 248-348-1788
AEC Rochester: 248-651-1788

We will try to coordinate a time where we can perform the screening, but as an emergency hospital our schedule is very unpredictable. If we are very busy seeing emergency cases, we may contact you and ask to re-schedule for another day or time.

Another great option for screening is to signup for one of AEC's Blood Donor Screening events. During a blood screening event we have extra staff on hand to support the testing process and you can be assured that your pet will be seen quickly.

AEC usually conducts at least 1 blood screening event per year at each hospital location. Watch our Facebook page for more details on the next screening event.

What is Screening?

Screening is the process of testing to verify that your pet is healthy enough to donate blood that is able to be used for other pets.

After you have called ahead and arrived for your screening (or if you have signed up for and are attending one of our blood drives) your pet will be weighed and you will need to complete an information form for you and your pet.

A veterinary technician will acquire a brief health history from you and obtain basic vital measurements for your pet. Soon after, one of our veterinarians will perform a complete physical on your pet.

For dogs, blood will be drawn and divided into three samples for tests to determine the current health status of your pet: the first sample will be sent to an outside lab to determine your dog's blood type and see if your pet qualifies as a "universal blood donor". Only 1 dog in 15 is a universal donor!

If your dog is a universal donor, a general health profile and complete blood count will be performed by AEC using the second blood sample. The third blood sample will then be sent to another external lab to specifically screen for any tick born diseases.

Within 2 weeks, complete screening results will be mailed to you, and if your dog is eligible to become a donor they will be placed on our calling list and will then be able to donate when we need them!

For cats, blood will be drawn and also divided into three samples. The first sample is used in-house for blood typing. The second sample is used for feline leukemia and FIV testing, and the third sample is for a general health profile and complete blood count. All testing for cats is done immediately in-house.

Eligible donors who wish to remain in the program will receive an exam and have their blood work tested annually at AEC's expense.

Donating Blood

An emergency can happen at any time. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we never know when there will be a special need for a blood donor.

When there is a need for a donor, we will start calling people on our list to see who can come in (this means you may get a call in the middle of the night). We understand that you may not always be able to donate when we call - that is why we have multiple donors. We will leave a message if there is no response.

If you are able to come in, the process is very straightforward. Blood donation is a simple procedure that often does not require anesthesia or sedation, and donors do not need to fast before giving blood.

Donating blood usually takes only 15 – 25 minutes. Dogs donate 460 ml (1 unit) of blood. Dogs donate either sitting or lying down. Cats donate 60 ml of blood while lying down. Blood is typically taken from a jugular vein (a large vein in the neck).

Your pet will not receive orange juice after donating but they will receive treats or canned food! Optionally, your pet can also have their profile added to our website hero's list and/or get a post on our Facebook page whenever they make a donation!