Q. Why is it important to donate?

A. Like humans, our canine companions have urgent needs for transfusion products. Blood is a life-saving product used for patients suffering from anemia or blood loss. A single blood donation can be used to save many lives because the blood is processed into both red blood cells and plasma.

Q. Could my dog be a blood donor?

A. Healthy donors are in great demand here in the Northwest. The Pet Emergency Clinic in Spokane is currently looking for volunteer donors that are: happy and healthy, greater than 60lbs, between 1-6 years old, and willing to lie still for 10 minutes. They ask that donors stay current on vaccinations with their regular veterinarian and commit to the program for two years or about 12 collections.

Q. What is a Canine Blood Donor Evaluation?

A. An initial visit of less than 1 hour to the Pet Emergency Clinic will be used to evaluate your dog's physical condition and behavior; to be sure both are suitable for blood donation. A small blood sample will be drawn to determine your dog's blood type. If your dog is chosen as a donor he or she will be screened for blood borne diseases and will move on to the next stage of the donation program.

Q. How does my dog benefit?

A. Your donor dog, as well as all dogs in this area, benefit by having blood products available in the event of an emergency. In addition, your dog will receive a full blood panel each year at no cost to you. Donor dogs will have a complimentary exam each time they come to donate, but The Pet Emergency Clinic Transfusion Services do require that you still see your regular veterinarian for annual exams and vaccines.