DoveLewis Blood Bank

DONATE to the Blood Bank Program

Humans aren’t the only ones who need blood transfusions in emergencies. DoveLewis’ Blood Bank program provides enough blood every year for 1,000 transfusions for dogs and cats. Veterinarians throughout the Portland-Metropolitan area use DoveLewis blood products for their patients too. There are approximately 300 volunteer donors in our program. It’s one of the largest community-based animal blood banks in the nation.

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

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. There are many canine blood types, but A+ is the most common. A- is the universal donor for dogs. Both A+ and A- are eligible to be blood donors. Cats have 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
• Call if you are unable to make a scheduled donation appointment

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