Give the gift of life to all pets in need of a vital blood transfusion.
Help safeguard the future health of your pet
Ensure a good stock of blood for medical emergencies
Encourage donations to safeguard supply
Dog blood donation
Cat blood donation
AREC needs donor blood from both dogs and cats to deliver emergency and critical care services. Here’s everything you need to know.
Step 1: We’ll record your pet’s weight and get you to sign a consent form.
Step 2: We’ll have a quick consultation to ensure your pet is well enough to donate that day. If so, we’ll admit them to our hospital.
Step 3: We’ll start by drawing blood from a peripheral vein for a free blood screening. This helps identify their blood type, haematology, biochemistry, and red blood cell concentration.
Step 4: If the blood screen is normal, we’ll place a catheter in their leg to deliver fluids intravenously during and after the blood donation.
Step 5: Depending on your pet and their needs, we may then sedate them to help them relax.
Step 6: We clip your pet’s neck fur and surgically prep it for the needle to begin the donation. A nurse and vet are always on hand to care for your pet.
Step 7: Once a safe amount of blood has been collected, we move your pet to a warm bed to recover, where they’ll be given fluids, offered food and lots of pats for their efforts.
Step 8: After a few hours, you’ll be able to pick them up and give them more love at home.
– Rashes or skin irritation from clipping
– Swelling at the blood draw site
– Haematoma formation at blood draw site
– Temporary weakness post donation
– Nausea*
– Vomiting*
– Prolonged recovery post-donation*
– In extremely rare cases, death*
* If sedated
– Regular blood testing at no charge
– Early detection of potential health issues
– Certificate of recognition
– Gift voucher to say thank you
AREC has delivered emergency care for pets in the Hunter for over 18 years. With more than 100 qualified staff on hand, we managed 10,000 pet emergencies in 2021.
We understand the stress and trauma of having to make decisions in an emergency.
We prioritise communication to keep you fully informed every step of the way.
Our team of vets, nurses and referring specialists are experts in delivering critical care.
We provide full support by giving a handover to your local vet to ensure continuity of care.
AREC’s emergency and critical care services reduce the burden on local veterinarians and give pet owners an extra level of reassurance. As a team of avid pet lovers, we help you navigate the fear and uncertainty of a pet emergency, providing deep understanding alongside expert care and attention.
Expert advice & tips on caring for your pet.
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The Animal Referral and Emergency Centre provides daytime specialist services and overnight and emergency or critical care for your pet.
AREC staff provide high quality care when illness or injury occurs, or if your pet needs continuing after hours care. AREC staff are trained in referral, specialty and emergency management to deal with any situation pet care demands.
ABN: 20 108 449 583 (NAEC Pty Ltd)
