The Blood Donor Program at the VERC helps save the lives of critically ill or injured pets across Hawaii. Our program enrolls healthy dogs and cats who can safely donate blood for emergency and specialty patients in need.

Pets may need transfusions due to:

• Traumatic injuries (e.g., being hit by a car)

• Surgery with significant blood loss

• Severe anemia (from parasites, autoimmune diseases, or infections)

• Bleeding/clotting disorders

• Certain cancers or toxicities

Yes! Dogs have over a dozen known blood types, but DEA 1 is the most important for transfusions. Cats have three main types: A, B, and AB.

While most cats are Type A, most cats in Hawaii are Type B.

A newer group, MiK, has also been discovered.

Unlike human hospitals, veterinary facilities don’t have access to large, centralized blood banks. Most animal hospitals rely on volunteer donor programs or maintain small in-house blood banks. That’s why pet donors are so essential.

At VERC, transfusions are used on a regular basis. Conditions like internal bleeding, immune-mediated disease, and surgical blood loss are common. Every donation matters.

One unit of blood can help multiple pets. Every donation could mean life, hope, and healing for families across the islands. Your pet’s gift could allow another pet to survive surgery, recover from trauma, or manage chronic disease.

• Friendly and in good physical condition

• Age: 1–7 years old

• Dogs should be spayed or neutered (some exceptions may apply)

• Not on a raw food diet

• Dogs: at least 33 pounds (15 kg)

• Cats: indoor only and at least 10 pounds

• Current on vaccines

• No history of blood transfusions

• No history of heart murmurs or heart disease

• Able to donate at least every 8 weeks

To determine if your dog or cat meets the donor requirements, you can fill out our online Blood Donor Registration Form.

If your pet appears eligible, we will reach out to your primary care veterinarian for medical and vaccination records. After review, we’ll schedule a complimentary screening visit at VERC.

• A full physical exam by a veterinarian

• Blood typing and lab screening

• Enrollment in our donor registry

• You’re welcome to bring your pet’s favorite treats or toys to help them feel at ease

Some dogs with DEA 1 negative blood are universal donors. If your pet is a universal donor, they are especially valuable for emergency situations, and we’ll let you know after their screening.

Donations are scheduled appointments that typically take under 2 hours. If it may take longer, we’ll offer a drop-off option.

On donation day:

1. Health check and PCV test

2. Mild sedation offered, if needed

3. Blood is collected in a quiet, calm room

4. Post-donation care includes treats, a light meal, praise…and sometimes a nail trim!

Owners do not stay in the room as pets are often more relaxed with staff. You’re welcome to wait in the lobby, and we’ll call you when your pet is ready to go home.

You don’t need to bring anything. However, if you’d like, feel free to bring your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or treats to help them feel more comfortable. If your pet has any food sensitivities, please be sure to bring treats from home.

Yes. Under professional veterinary supervision, blood donation is safe and well tolerated. Sedation is minimal, if needed, and your pet’s comfort is always the top priority.

For most pets, it’s a low-stress experience. Donations happen in a quiet room with soft bedding, gentle handling, and treats. We assess temperament to ensure a good fit prior to donating.

The process is similar to a simple blood draw. If sedation is used, it's light and short-acting. Most pets bounce back within a few hours.

Due to high demand and a limited donor pool, we accept calm pets who may need light sedation. This helps us ensure that all patients have access to blood when needed.

We aim for the lowest amount necessary:

• Dogs often stay awake and mobile

• Cats may need more sedation but are closely monitored

We work to reduce or eliminate sedation over time as pets get more comfortable.

We ask for a one-year commitment, with regular donations (dogs typically every 6–8 weeks), and that your pet stays up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention.

• Fast for 8–12 hours beforehand (water is okay)

• Avoid neck collars/leads for 24 hours post-donation; use a harness instead

• If your pet is anxious, we may provide mild anti-anxiety medication in advance

You can withdraw at any time. We do ask for a year’s commitment due to the cost of screening and training, but your pet’s well-being comes first.

Blood is separated into components (like red cells and plasma), stored under strict veterinary guidelines, and used quickly to treat patients at VERC and other local clinics.

Mild side effects may include:

• Sleepiness or lethargy

• Bruising at the draw site

• Soft stool or mild nausea

• Dizziness or light-headedness

Most pets are back to normal by the next morning. Call us or visit the ER for anything unusual.

Some pets may be a bit tired after donation, especially if they were sedated, but they typically bounce back quickly.

Yes! Our blood bank coordinator will check in with you to make sure your pet is doing well and answer any questions.

Yes! At VERC, we recognize our donors with lots of love and belly rubs, plus social media shout-outs, stories, pictures on our website, and more (with your permission). Some donors receive tags or bandanas as well!

Your dog or cat will get:

• Free yearly physical exam and blood work

• Blood typing

• Infectious disease testing (like heartworm screening and tick-borne disease screening)

• Exams prior to each donation

• Good Karma!