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Charleston Veterinary Referral Center (CVRC)

Blood Bank
Blood Bank

Pets might require life-saving blood transfusions for many of the same reasons humans do, including trauma, surgery, and immune mediated destruction of the body’s own blood cells. The CVRC Blood Bank relies on dog and cat donors to help us provide this invaluable resource. The number of cats and dogs in need of blood transfusions has grown as the pet population continues to increase. With the help of our donors and their families, we aim to save the community’s critically ill and injured pet population.

Your pet’s donation is a gift of life. Currently, our blood donation supply is for CVRC patients only; blood products are not for sale to other veterinary hospitals.

Will you allow your pet to help?

Benefits of being a donor:

  • An annual physical exam by a licensed veterinarian (complimentary)

  • Annual blood work with results shared with your pet’s other veterinarians (complimentary)

  • Complete blood cell count

  • Blood chemistry panel

  • Infectious disease screening

  • Blood typing

  • Discount on future emergency and specialty care at CVRC

  • Branded treat bag filled with pet-friendly toys and treats

  • A photo on our Wall of Heroes

  • Complimentary food/treats from Hill’s Pet Nutrition

  • Eye exam with Charleston Animal Eye Specialists (complimentary)

  • Loving attention with each donation

  • The pride that comes in knowing that your pet is helping to save the lives of other pets with each donation

Eligibility Requirements

To become a blood donor, a pet must be:

  • 1-7 years of age

  • Up to date on vaccines, flea/tick prevention (dogs & cats) and heartworm prevention (dogs only)

  • Healthy, with no existing medical conditions

  • Not on any long-term medications

  • Agreeable temperament

  • No history of prior blood transfusions

  • Indoor-only (cats)

  • Dogs: Greater than 50 lbs/22.7 kgs

  • Cats: Greater than 9 lbs/4 kgs

Donation Commitment

Due to the high cost of screening each prospective donor, families are asked to commit their pets to at least four donations in a 12-month time period.

Health Screening Appointments

If your pet meets the eligibility requirements, contact us at (843) 614-8387 or [email protected] to set up a screening appointment. Please have your pet’s medical records available when you call. Once we determine that your pet is an eligible donor, we will contact you to set up the first donation appointment.

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