Rocky Mountain Blood Services | FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

"Will I the owner, incur any cost when enrolling my dog/cat into the blood donor program?"

RMBS performs all prescreen blood panels at no cost to the owner. These blood results are communicated with the donor’s regular veterinarian.

"What are the requirements for my dog/cat to be in the donor program?"

All dogs must be a minimum of 50 pounds, current on annual vaccines and on heartworm prevention during the months of April through October. Cats must be a minimum of 10 pounds, indoors and current on annual vaccines. Dogs/Cats must have a good temperament.

"What benefits will my dog/cat receive for becoming a blood donor?"

Each dog/cat receives a comprehensive blood panel at no charge every year of donation. This blood panel provides a baseline for the healthy donor and helps to identify any complications early. After 6 donations the owner will receive a monetary payment to offset the cost of annual vaccines and heartworm prevention.

"Will my dog/cat encounter any risk in becoming a blood donor?"

Some risks that a dog/cat may encounter are clipper burn, bruising, and swelling. These risks are not commonly seen however they are easily treated if they were to occur. Excessive exercise is not recommended for 24 hours after the donation.

"Where, when and how often is blood donated?"

Donations are performed at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Parker, CO and Healthy Pets Animal Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO during office hours to ensure that a doctor is on the premises during the donation. Dogs are able to donate every 4 weeks but are scheduled every 6 weeks. Cats are able to donate every 5-6 weeks but are scheduled every 8 weeks. Occasionally there are emergency situations and donors are asked to donate before their scheduled time.

"How long does the donation process take?"

The donation process for a dog, usually takes 20-30 minutes and the owner is encouraged to wait during the process. Cats need to stay in hospital for up to 3 hours for the donation. Owners typically drop the donor off at their convenience and return after the donation.

"Are dogs/cats sedated for the donation and is it painful?"

Dog donors are not sedated for donations and the only pain experienced is the same as receiving a vaccine. Cat donors are sedated for the actual blood drawing; this is the reason for the stay in hospital after donation.

"What are my responsibilities as an owner for my dog/cat to be a blood donor?"

The owner must keep all donors current on annual vaccines and heartworm prevention during April through October. A commitment of 6 donations is required once the owner allows RMBS to perform the prescreen blood panels.

"How many blood types are there for dogs/cats?"

Dogs have 11 different blood types and just like humans it is important to know the type of the donor and the type of the recipient before a transfusion is performed. Cats have 3 different types A, B, and AB where A is most common at 97%, B 2% and AB 1%.

"Can dogs and cats donate to each other or any other animals?"

Blood donations are species specific therefore only dogs/cats with like blood types can donate to each other.

"Why is it important for my dog/cat to become a blood donor?"

Just like in humans there is a shortage of blood components. Animals like humans experience trauma, disease and other life threatening situations that require blood transfusions. One donation for a dog can save up to 4 lives and one donation for a cat can save up to 2 lives.