ACAF's Canine Blood Drive

"Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life"

 When do veterinarians need blood products? 

Common situations when blood products (blood or plasma) may be used are critically ill patients with cancer, anemia, clotting problems, internal parasites, heat stroke or traumatic blood loss (auto accident, bite wounds).  ACAF's Blood Bank allows veterinarians to treat their patients quickly and safely with blood collected from volunteers.

We need your help.  Please allow your pet to save the lives of other beloved pets and become a blood donor hero!

 Blood Bank for Animals "Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life" 

ACAF has developed high ethical standards that will provide safe and high quality canine blood products by utilizing the most recent advances in modern transfusion medicine.  We only accept blood from volunteer donors - we believe that the quality of life for one animal should not be enhanced at the expense of another.  Each donation can help up to four animals in need.

 Daisy's Story 

"Recently, our puppy Daisy ingested rat poison which caused her to very nearly die.  The staff of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (PVSEC) saved her life through repeated blood and plasma transfusions.  Without a ready supply of canine blood, we would have lost an irreplaceable member of our family.  We fully support the development of a canine blood bank because we cannot predict when one quick moment will leave our pets in dire need of lifesaving assistance.  We will be forever thankful to the wonderful staff of PVSEC for ensuring that we enjoy many more years with Daisy."

-Nadine and Sean

 A Rewarding Experience - Why Donate? 

 Approximately $300.00 in blood tests done at No Charge, including blood typing and comprehensive blood screening (with a copy for your records.) A physical examination
 An ACAF tag that identifies your pet as a blood donor and a Blood Donor Hero bandana
 Donors earn one free blood product for each unit donated - in the event that they ever require a transfusion
 Will be tested for blood-borne diseases, including heartworm

Donations are required 3-4 times a year to make testing cost-effective.  Dogs can come in every 2 months.  Immediately after donation, the body starts to replace the blood that was given.

 Dog (Canine) Donor Eligibility 

 Between 1 and 8 years of age (over 8 years requires veterinarian approval)
 Weight: 50 lbs. or more
 Healthy with a gentle temperament
 Current with vaccinations
 Never had a blood transfusion
 Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank)
 Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative
 Not pregnant or currently nursing

Even if your dog doesn't meet these requirements, please consider a tax-deductable donation to the Animal Care & Assistance Fund.  Donations can be sent to:

ACAF
4514 Plummer Street
Pittsburgh PA

Or by visiting our website:

www.animalcarefund.org

 Donation Procedures 

Blood donation takes about 15-30 minutes.  Owners will drop off their pet for a few hours.  The  procedure will not jeopardize your pet's health, and is not painful.

Since many pets behave much better when the owner is not around, we prefer that you not be present, making the process easier and faster.  Some dogs may require light sedation.

We lie your dog down on his or her side on comfortable blankets and clip an area of hair over the jugular vein.  After preparing the area with a sterile scrub, blood is collected through a needle into a sterile collection set. Dogs should be fasted for 10-12 hours prior to giving blood.  Afterwards, your pet is given lots of TLC, water, and treats.

Blood samples are sent to our laboratories for a complete blood count, chemistry panel, and blood typing at no charge.

 Information Needed from Pet Owners 

Signed consent prior to donation. Completed health history form, including questions on medical history, vaccinations and overall health.

Please call for an appointment at  412-348-2589.  The blood bank is located at the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (PVSEC)

Animal Blood Bank at PVSEC
807 Camp Horne Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Every day, sick and injured animals rely on transfusion therapy.  The need for blood products continually increases.  Please seriously consider having your pet become a Blood Donor Hero to help us meet this growing demand.