The RVC Blood Donor Programme provides vital blood transfusions to critically ill pets treated at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. Many life-saving operations and treatments could not go ahead without the generosity of dedicated pet owners, who bring their dogs and cats in to give blood. Our priority is our donor’s wellbeing and so we ensure that our donors feel happy and comfortable to give blood before they join our blood donor family.

Feline blood donor eligibility | Canine blood donor eligibility | Make an enquiry | Make a donation

What happens when your pet gives blood

Our donors are carefully screened before they become RVC Blood Donors. We spend time with them, getting to know their unique personalities so they are comfortable with the process of donating blood. Before dogs and cats enrol in the RVC Blood Donor Programme, we conduct a full health check to ensure they are healthy enough to give blood. Our three dedicated nurses ensure a calm and relaxed environment for our donors

A canine blood donation

When our canine blood donors come into the room we give them time to settle, giving them lots of fuss and treats. A small amount of fur is clipped from their neck so we can clean the area and see the vein. We apply a local anaesthetic cream to minimise the sensation. Dogs give blood in the same way human donors do, with a small needle integrated with a tube and blood bag so the blood can be collected. We’ll take approx. 300ml – 400 mls of blood from large breeds. Smaller breeds can donate smaller amounts which is used for our smaller patients and to make serum eye drops.

A feline blood donation

Cat blood donors stay with us for longer than dogs to give them time to receive intravenous fluid therapy. This ensures they are adequately hydrated before they return home (we know cats can be fussy drinkers!). After they’ve settled in, a small area of fur is clipped from their leg and neck to enable the area to be cleaned and to access the vein. We apply a local anaesthetic cream to minimise the sensation. Owners can drop their cats off with us and collect them later.

Is your dog eligible to become a blood donor?

For dogs to be eligible to join the RVC Blood Donor Programme they must:

• be aged between one and eight years old
• weigh more than 15kg
• not have received a blood transfusion
• be healthy and not be on any medication
• be comfortable and relaxed with people
• not have travelled abroad.

Is your cat eligible to become a blood donor?

For cats to be eligible to join the RVC Blood Donor Programme they must:

• be aged between one and ten years old
• weigh over 3.5kg
• not have received a blood transfusion
• be healthy and not be on any medication
• be comfortable and relaxed with people
• not have travelled abroad.

How to make an enquiry about joining the RVC Blood Donor Programme

There are three ways to contact us about your pet becoming a blood donor:

1. Fill in this form

2. Email blooddonor@rvc.ac.uk
3. Call 01707 666511   

Please support our Blood Donor Appeal

If you would like to help us build our Blood Donor team a new home please donate to our appeal. Every donation makes a difference.