Meet our life-saving Blood Donors 

Approx. 129 dogs and 62 cats give blood at the RVC. Last year, the Blood Donor Team performed 830 blood product transfusions including canine blood and feline blood transfusions, xenotransfusions (dog-to-cat blood transfusions) and serum transfusions (for eye drops). Here are some of our Blood Donor Superheroes and the pets they've helped save. 

A canine blood transfusion

Buddy and Moose

Buddy is a Bernese mountain dog. After Buddy watched his pal give blood, he felt confident to give it a go! Buddy's first blood donation helped save a dog who had eaten a sock. His owner Matt explains:

“The thought that my beautiful, goofy boy is helping other dogs live longer lives and allowing those animals to spend more time with their families feels incredible.”  

Moose, is a 20-month-old Labrador. When Moose became lethargic and sick, he was rushed to the RVC’s Small Animal Referrals Hospital. A sock had caused a bowel obstruction, resulting in internal bleeding and heart arrhythmia. Moose underwent emergency surgery, had four plasma donations and stayed in intensive care for ten days.  Buddy was one of Moose's donors. Laura explained, 

“There were a few times we thought we were going to lose him. Taking your dog to give blood may not seem like the most obvious thing to do, but in Moose’s case, he clearly wouldn’t have survived without the forethought and generosity of owners and dogs like Matt and Buddy. Moose isn’t just a pet, he’s part of our family, and it meant the world to have him safely back at home.”

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A feline blood transfusion

Bertie and Leo

Bertie is a rescue 2-year-old Domestic Shorthair. His owner Olivia, is an RVC graduate and knows first hand how important blood donors are. Bertie's first donation helped save the life of Leo, a retired blood donor! Olivia explains:

"It's amazing to think that Bertie was so instrumental to Leo's recovery by doing something as simple as donating a little bit of blood and being pampered by the blood donor nurses! It's wonderful to think about the impact he will have from future donations"

Leo, is a 12 year old Maine coon. He spent his 12th birthday undergoing surgery for a life-threatening disease at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals. He needed two blood product transfusions. One of which was from Bertie. Leo's owner Peter told us:

"I was relieved that they'd found a donor for Leo. Without the RVC Blood Donor Service he wouldn't be here. I still find it remarkable that so many pet owners are willing to take the time to bring their pets in to give blood. Many animals are only alive today because of this incredible service".