Were open 24/7, call us now! 902-468-0674

Blood Bank Info

CALL NOW

Blood Donor

Metro Animal Emergency Clinic provides the best possible care for our patients. One way we improve our quality of service is to have ready access to blood and blood products for patients who require transfusions. Did you know that one whole unit of blood can actually help to save the lives of several animals? So far, we have relied on the pets of our staff and a few generous clients to donate when necessary but as the demand grows, so does our need for blood donors. That’s where you can help.

We continue to build and update a list of suitable donors so that we can organize an actual blood bank for both dogs and cats. Certain criteria must be filled for an animal to qualify as a blood donor. We have provided blood products to our member clinics as well as clinics throughout Nova Scotia.

Blood donors might be called in from our pre-screened list on an emergency basis at any time day or night. Other times, we meet potential first time donors who find themselves in our clinic for minor sedated procedures like a few porcupine quills in the nose. If they meet our criteria, and the owner’s consent, further health checks in the form of blood work are performed to see if they can donate. The dogs give a unit of blood and receive free blood work, IV fluids to replace the volume they have lost and of course a thank you toy and bandana to display their hero status!

Certain blood testing will be done before using the donation for transfusion. These tests are taken at no cost to you, and your pet will benefit from the fact that they have been done. We also send the information to your regular veterinarian.

As a donor, your pet will receive a special tag identifying them as a canine or feline blood donor that they can show-off to all their friends.

Canine Blood Donor Guidelines:
  • Must be up to date on annual vaccines.
  • Should be heartworm tested and on preventative medicine.
  • Have a good temperament (very important).
  • Be between 2-6 years of age.
  • Weigh more than 50 lbs.
Feline Blood Donor Guidelines:
  • Must be up to date on annual vaccines.
  • Tested negative for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline immunodeficiency virus (this will be done at the time of the first donation).
  • Reside indoors only and not be fed raw or under-cooked meat.
  • Be between 2-6 years of age.
  • Weigh more than 10 lbs.
  • Have a good temperament (again, very important).