Tsawwassen Animal Hospital
Is My Dog Eligible?
Healthy dogs who are over 55lbs and between the ages of 1-8 can join the pack! We also require that donors be up-to-date on their core vaccines/titres. We understand donating is not for every dog, and we want it to be a positive experience for everyone - so please consider your dog's temperament if you are considering signing up! Canine donors are required to lay on their side for approximately 3-5 minutes, which can be quite inconvenient for some of our busier furry friends! We also have a few people in the room during the process, comfortably and gently holding your dog, so donor dogs should be comfortable with cuddles! If you are not sure, feel free to get in touch with us to ask any questions you might have!
What are the Perks of Being a Canine Blood Donor?
There are many perks for new and existing donors in our pack!
First-time donors: blood typing test, 4DX SNAP test (clears for Heartworm, Lyme, and two other locally present tick-borne diseases), bandana and dog tag
With every donation: quick physical assessment (temperature, pulse, respiration, weight), PCV and TP test (determines red cell levels and hydration levels), additional blood work sent to lab (clears for 12 other blood-borne diseases)
Existing donors: microchip at second donation, milestone tags every 5 donations, 4DX SNAP test annually (we will send results to your vet!)
A little extra... 1 complimentary blood product per donation should the need ever arise within your family.
What Are Canine Blood Products Needed For?
Canine blood products play a critical role in treating life-threatening conditions and supporting dogs during complex medical procedures. Whether due to illness, injury, surgery, or clotting disorders, blood transfusions and plasma therapies can stabilize patients, restore vital components, and improve outcomes.
Canine blood products may be needed for:
Cancer Therapy Support
Rat Poison Toxicity
Anemia, Parvovirus Infections, and Von Willebrand’s Disease
Surgery and Times of Trauma
Immune-Mediated Diseases
Benefits of Donating
Complimentary Testing for Blood-Borne Diseases And Heartworm
One Complimentary Blood Product For Each Unit of Blood Donated
Free Microchip Identification
Bandana & Blood Donor Tag
Milestone Dog Tags Every 5 Donations
Helping A Dog In Need
What Happens After?
You will be advised to have a nice relaxed time, and offer your dog plenty of water and treats for the remainder of the day. Donations are returned to our processing center, where different products are created. Your dog's ONE DONATION can help save THREE DOGS! Following this, we return to clinics every three months, as that is how often dogs can donate, and hope to see our furry friends again the next time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What dog breeds are universal donors?
The NEGATIVE blood type is the universal blood type in dogs. Sometimes certain breeds typically lean towards one blood type or the other. If you have one of the following breeds, please strongly consider signing up, as your dog may be a universal donor!
Airedale Terrier
American Bulldog
Boxer
Bulldog
Doberman
Dogue de Bordeaux
English Bull Terrier
Greyhound
German Shorthaired Pointer
Irish Wolfhound
Lurcher
Newfoundland
Old English Sheepdog
Pitbull
Great Pyrenees
Siberian Husky
Standard Poodle
Weimaraner
Are donations by appointment?
Yes, we run by appointment; appointments are approximately 30 minutes per dog.
Can I stay with my dog throughout the appointment?
Owners are welcome to stay with their dog throughout the appointment, as long as they are comfortable seeing blood and needles!
How long will the appointment be?
The donation itself takes 3-5 minutes, while the rest of the appointment is prep work, as well as a little extra room to provide positive reinforcement!
What if we change our mind?
If your dog is not happy at any point, we will stop and reassess! Sometimes dogs do not donate on the first visit, but nail it on their second visit!
How much will a donation cost?
There is no cost associated with being a part of our program; all perks are offered as a sincere thank you to our donors, who are real-life superheroes!
How often can my dog donate?
Doggie donors are able to donate every three months until their 11th birthday, or as long as their health allows. Our donors always come first
