Pints for Pets: Angell's Blood Donor Program

Healthy cats and dogs can help less fortunate animals by becoming blood donors at Angell Animal Medical Center-Boston.

Blood is urgently needed for critically ill and injured animals suffering from disorders like cancer or motor vehicle accidents and major surgery.

Donating blood is a simple process. For more information, call Angell’s Blood Bank coordinator at (617) 989-1504 or e-mail angellblooddonor@mspca.org.

Giving Blood: A Simple Procedure

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

All cats and some dogs are lightly sedated for the donation procedure.
A small area of your pet’s neck is shaved and cleaned.
Roughly 16 ounces of blood is drawn from dogs; and less than 2 ounces from cats.
Your pet will be monitored and allowed to rest for a few hours after donation.

Safety is our primary concern, so we adhere to the following guidelines for donors:

Can My Dog Become a Blood Donor?

Minimum weight: 50 pounds
Age: 1-6 years
No major medical problems.
Must be current on vaccinations (must provide proof).
Must never have had a blood transfusion and no history of pregnancy.

Can My Cat Become a Blood Donor?

Minimum weight: 9 pounds
Age: 1-8 years old
Current on all vaccines (must provide proof).
No major medical problems.
Not currently on medications
Must never have had a blood transfusion and no history of pregnancy.

As part of the incentive program, and over the course of one year, your pet will receive:

Dogs will be tested for tick borne diseases and heartworm
All pets receive free yearly Rabies and Distemper vaccinations
Microchip implantation given at 2nd donation
A 6 - month supply of heartworm preventative yearly

All benefits are given on the day of donation and are not given if for any reason your pet is not able to donate that day.

*Note: The physical exam performed at the time of blood donation does not take the place of your pet’s annual check up with their regular veterinarian*

Angell Animal Medical Center-Boston
350 South Huntington Ave.
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282

Blood Bank Coordinator: (617) 989-1504 or e-mail angellblooddonor@mspca.org.