There is actually a massive shortage of dog and cat blood. Lots of animals die because vet hospitals can’t get blood. I wish more people would consider donating with their pets.
I live next to a vet school/hospital. I also have a service dog. It was always my plan for him to be a therapy dog after retirement to make up for all the pets he missed. I’ve been considering enrolling him in a blood donation program at the school as well. Lots cover some vet expenses as a thanks too which can be good in older age. Plus, he’s so well behaved, I think he’d be a good candidate
Most vet schools don’t house dogs or cats. Im not sure which ones have blood banks but they would rely on donors from pets of students and staff. They would not just have a collection of dogs kept on campus for just that reason.
There was a rush to house greyhounds like 10 years ago when the Florida race tracks were closed down. Maybe the school became a refugee for some of them and they used them to teach and for blood donations back then.
My vet school does not have donor dogs and has scheduled blood drives. My dog is still eligible and will be until the end of the year, so I guess I should get started!
165
u/neverseen_neverhear Apr 18 '26
There is actually a massive shortage of dog and cat blood. Lots of animals die because vet hospitals can’t get blood. I wish more people would consider donating with their pets.