When we think of heroes, we often imagine capes and superpowers. But sometimes, heroes have four legs, wagging tails, and a heart full of love. Pets can be heroes too—especially when they donate blood to help another animal in crisis. 

June 9 – 15 is National Blood Donor week, and while the conversation centres around human blood, it is important to draw attention to the need for dog and cat blood as well. When a pet faces trauma, surgery, or a life-threatening illness, a blood transfusion can be their lifeline. Just like in human medicine, veterinary teams rely on a steady supply of blood donations to treat their most critical cases. The demand for animal blood is constant, and your healthy dog or cat could be the hero another pet desperately needs. 

At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (BBVSH) in Surrey, BC, we operate a dedicated Blood Bank Program to support animals in emergency care. We’re always looking for new heroes—four-legged ones with hearts big enough to share. 

Why Blood Donation Matters 

Blood products are essential to treating conditions like trauma, immune-mediated disease, anemia, surgery-related blood loss, and clotting disorders. Just one donation from a healthy dog can help up to three other pets survive an emergency. And with the right screening, a single cat can be a life-saving match for another feline in crisis. 

At BBVSH and hospitals across Canada, there is a constant need for safe, compatible blood products—and pets like yours could be part of the solution. 

What You Should Know About Pet Blood Types 

Dogs have more than a dozen blood group systems, with the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen) system being the most clinically significant. Dogs with DEA 1.1 negative blood are universal donors, meaning their blood can be safely transfused to almost any other dog. 

Cats have three blood types: A, B, and AB. Most cats in North America have type A blood, but type B is more common in certain purebred breeds. There are no universal feline donors, so blood typing is essential before transfusion. 

Learn more about blood types and matching: 

• Merck Manual: Blood Types in Dogs and Cats

What’s Involved in the Donation Process? 

The blood donation process is safe and straightforward. A small volume of blood is collected and pets can donate every eight weeks. Cats receive a mild sedative to help them remain calm, while most dogs tolerate the process without sedation. 

Our veterinary team ensures that every donor is treated with the highest level of care and comfort. Regular health screenings are performed to confirm donor fitness, and all donations are handled using sterile, controlled procedures. 

Could Your Pet Be a Hero? 

If your pet is healthy, calm, and meets basic age, weight, and lifestyle criteria, they may qualify as a donor. Cats and dogs must also be up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention and meet additional screening requirements. 

➡️ Visit our Blood Donation Program page to learn more and see the full list of eligibility criteria. 

Why Join? 

Blood donors at BBVSH are celebrated and well cared for. In addition to helping save lives, donors receive: 

• Annual wellness exams and lab testing 

• Blood typing and crossmatching 

• Parasite prevention 

• Post-donation treats and toys 

But the greatest reward? Knowing your pet gave another animal the chance to go home to their family. 

Help Us Find More Heroes 

If your pet isn’t eligible, you can still help! Spread the word to fellow pet owners or consider donating to organizations like the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Awareness is key—every donor counts, and every unit can mean survival for a pet in need. 

📍 Learn more or sign up today: bbvsh.com/about/blood-donation