PET blood
donation programme

Just like humans, animals sometimes require life-saving blood transfusions. There are many medical reasons your pet might need one, including: 

• Severe trauma resulting in acute blood loss (e.g., being hit by a car) 

• Blood clotting or bleeding disorders 

• Ingestion of toxins that cause bleeding (e.g., rat bait, certain snake bites) 

• Anaemia (low red blood cell count), often caused by immune-mediated destruction of red blood cells or platelets 

• Cancer 

• Blood loss during surgery 

Yes, just like humans, animals have blood types—and this includes both dogs and cats.  

Dogs have over a dozen recognised blood types, known as Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEAs), with DEA 1.1 being the most clinically significant. The most critical classification is whether a dog is DEA 1.1 positive or negative, which becomes especially important in emergency transfusions, as DEA 1.1 negative blood can be safely given to most dogs. Only 30% of dogs have the negative blood type. 

Interestingly, certain breeds are more likely to have a particular blood type: 

• More likely to be Negative: Greyhounds, Boxers, Irish Wolfhounds, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Pit Bulls 

• More likely to be Positive: Golden Retrievers, Labradors 

On the other hand, cats have three main blood types: A, B and AB. Type A is the most common in many breeds, while type B is more frequent in certain purebred cats, and type AB is rare. Unlike dogs, cats must receive exact blood type matches, as even a single mismatched transfusion can lead to severe, potentially fatal reactions. For this reason, blood typing and cross-matching are essential before feline transfusions. 

Regardless of your pet’s type, every donation can help save a life. 

The blood donation process for dogs and cats is simple, safe, and typically takes around 30–45 minutes. After a thorough health check and blood test to confirm your pet is fit to donate, your pet will be lightly sedated to keep them calm and stress-free. A small area of fur is shaved and cleaned, and a unit of blood is collected from a vein—usually in the neck. Your pet is closely monitored throughout. After the donation, they’re given plenty of cuddles, rest, replacement fluids and a tasty treat before heading home.  

Dogs and cats can safely donate blood every 12 weeks, however, we treat each of our donors as individuals. The health and welfare of our amazing blood donors is always our priority, so we monitor each donor and alter donation frequency depending on haematology values and our clinical examination. 

Before each donation, your dog will undergo a veterinary health check and blood test to ensure they’re healthy and fit to donate. 

Yes – donating blood is generally very safe for your pet. 

We understand that your pet is family, and their safety and wellbeing are our highest priority. From the moment they arrive, our experienced team will be by their side, making sure they feel safe, calm and cared for throughout the entire donation process. All donors will be given light sedation to ensure their absolute comfort during the process. After the donation, we provide any necessary aftercare—whether it’s a cosy place to rest, a post-donation snack, or follow-up support. If you have any concerns once you’re back home, we’re just a phone call away. Your pet’s health matters to us, and we’re committed to being there for both of you, every step of the way. 

• Careful donor screening and selection 

• Use of local anaesthetic cream 

• Light sedation to keep your pet relaxed 

• Continuous monitoring by our trained team 

If any signs of discomfort or distress are observed, we stop the procedure immediately. 

• Most pets experience no side effects, though mild fatigue or bruising may occur. 

• Encourage your pet to rest and avoid strenuous activity for a day or two. 

• Make sure they have access to plenty of fresh water to help recovery. 

• Bone marrow replaces the donated blood naturally within a few days. 

Although rare, sedation or anaesthesia carries some inherent risks, but these are minimised by our strict care protocols. 

Absolutely. You can withdraw your dog from the donor program at any time or skip a donation if it’s not convenient. Upon being accepted on to the blood donor programme we will have a chat about your availability and will only contact you during these times.

Though, it is worth noting that we do not take blood to maintain a blood bank here currently. Donations are taken at the time an animal is in need; this could be late at night or at weekends. You can decline a donation at any time. 

As a token of our appreciation for our furry heroes, all donors will receive: 

• a $50 pet shop voucher 

• a free vet check with each donation 

• free annual blood testing that can be shared with your pet’s GP clinic. 

Your pet will also receive a certificate and special bandana upon donation – like our amazing models, Eros and Brie – as thanks for being an AREC Blood Donor Hero!