Blood Bank
Do you have a DoveLewis Blood Donor Dog at home?
The ideal candidate is:
- Healthy
- Between the ages of 1 and 6
- Current on vaccines
- Weighs at least 55 pounds
- Has never had a transfusion or been pregnant
- Easy-going
If that sounds like your dog, fill out the interest form now!
How it Works
At your first appointment, we run lab work on your potential Superhero. All donors need to be on a regular heartworm preventive which will be provided to you free of charge. Once the candidate is cleared and ready to donate, you may make your first appointment. The entire donation process takes about 30 minutes. We ask you to bring your Superhero to DoveLewis 4 - 6 times a year for at least 3 years. You’ll also get a bandana for your dog to proudly wear showing that he or she is what we call all of our blood donors: a “Superhero.” And every time your dog comes back to give blood, he or she gets a brand new toy.
Cat Donors
All of our blood donor cats were rescued. They live in our hospital. When it’s time for them to retire, we find them new forever homes. If you are interested in opening your home to one of our retired feline Superheroes contact the blood bank.
Superheroes Celebration
We love our Blood Donor Dogs and their families! They save lives! Every year, we hold an appreciation event for our DoveLewis Blood Donor Dogs and their dedicated guardians in February at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub.
Click here to see pictures from last year’s Superheroes Celebration>
At your dog’s first appointment, our veterinary staff will take a small sample of his or her blood. They will also give your pooch a free physical. The blood is then tested and typed. If it passes the test, you can schedule a donation appointment, and we’ll give you preventative heartworm medication which your dog must take as long as he or she is in the donor program. You’ll also get a bandana for your dog to proudly wear showing that he or she is what we call all of our blood donors: a “Superhero.” And every time your dog comes back to give blood, he or she gets a brand new toy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the blood bank needed?
All too often, injured or sick animals require blood transfusions as part of their treatment. DoveLewis provides blood products to veterinarians all over the Portland area. Our blood bank supplies enough for 1,000 blood transfusions each year, but even that’s not enough. Without the participation of canine blood donors, animals in need might not be able to receive critical transfusions in time.
Does the program only serve dogs?
Yes and no. DoveLewis’ Canine Blood Donor program may only collect blood from dogs, but of course, cats need transfusions too. Cats must be anesthetized in order to give blood, so we don’t ask privately owned cats to become volunteer blood donors. However, our staff at DoveLewis adopts stray cats who become blood donors in exchange for a fun place to live, and a lot of attention.
Do dogs and cats have different blood types?
Yes. Today, the veterinary community has not only recognized the many different blood groups for canines, but our understanding of what exactly happens to an animal when a transfusion is administered has revolutionized how we can be certain we are providing the right therapy for patients. There are over a dozen blood group systems that have been recognized in dogs; however, only six are clinically significant. These are referred to as dog erythrocyte antigens, with the abbreviation DEA followed by a number. So far, the recognized blood types in dogs are DEA 1:1, 1:2, 3, 4, 5, and 7. Basic blood types include DEA 1:1 negative and DEA 1:1 positive, while complete blood typing reveals if a canine is also positive or negative for the remaining antigens 3-7. DEA negative is the most common blood type; however, only one of the negative types is a true universal and that is DEA 4. For this reason, DEA 4 is the most beneficial blood type and the main blood type we screen for. Both positive and negative dogs are still eligible to donate. However, because positive blood types are not as common, we only need a limited number of positive donors. Cats on the other hand, have just two basic blood types, type “A” and “B.” Type “A” is much more common; 95% of housecats in America have type “A” blood. A third, type “AB,” is extremely rare.
What kind of commitment do I have to make?
- Make an appointment every 2 – 3 months for 3 years, providing your dog is healthy and happy
- Give your dog heartworm preventative each month
- Keep up to date with your regular veterinarian’s health and vaccination schedule (DoveLewis cannot function as your pet’s regular care provider)
- Notify Blood Bank staff if your dog travels outside of the Pacific Northwest, or if he or she has been used for breeding
If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment, please call to notify our Blood Bank by phone at 971.255.5920, or through email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).