Our primary focus is supplying blood products for canines, we also provide advice, support, and equipment for transfusing other species.
About Donating Blood
Is donating blood painful?
Blood donation is not painful, nor will it harm your dog’s health. Your dog will only experience the inconvenience of sitting still for a few minutes. If your dog shows any signs of being unsettled, we stop the process immediately.
After each donation, we ask animal caregivers why they bring their dog to donate blood and the leading answer is because it helps other dogs in need. If we asked the dogs, we are sure they would bark that it is all for the treats and the belly rubs. Some of our donors are so relaxed during the appointment that they take a nap while enjoying all of the attention.
Your dog’s health and well-being is our top priority. If you ever have any questions or concerns, we ask that you contact us as soon as possible. One of our team members will always be available to answer your questions.
How often can my dog donate blood and for what length of time?
Dogs can donate blood once every three months. We manage our inventory of blood products carefully. Depending on the national demand and your dog’s blood type, you will be invited to attend a donor clinic between one and four times per year.
To register as a donor, we ask that your dog is between the ages of 1-8 (18 months for giant breeds). Once enrolled in our program, they can donate up until the age of 10. We like to celebrate your pup’s retirement after saving lives on their 11th birthday.
Vaccinations versus proof of titres, what do you need to register?
It is required that potential donors are up to date on core vaccines (DHPP and Rabies). We gladly accept vaccine titres for both Parvovirus, Distemper virus, and Adenovirus and/or Rabies in place of vaccinations. For more information, please contact your local Regional Unit Manager.
Are there perks?
Yes! Not only will you be proud that your participation in this unique activity will support other dogs’ recovery from illness or injury, your dog will also receive:
- One complimentary blood product for each unit of blood donated, should the need ever arise.
- Free microchip identification
- Bandana & blood donor tag
- Milestone dog tags every 5 donations
- Complimentary testing for blood-borne diseases and heartworm
Do dogs’ have blood types?
Just like people, dogs have different blood types too! We type for the Dog Erythrocyte Antigen (DEA) 1 Negative and Positive. Only 40% of all dogs have the blood type DEA 1 Negative and they should ONLY receive Negative blood if they are in need.
Demand for the DEA 1 Negative blood type is very high. In an emergency, this blood type can be given to any dog which is why they are considered to be a universal donor. This means our supply of DEA 1 Negative is often low. We are looking for more dogs to join the pack, especially those that are more likely to have a negative blood type.
Whether your dog is DEA 1 Positive or DEA 1 Negative, every donation matters and helps to save the lives of dogs across Canada.
Some dog breeds that are more likely to be DEA 1 Negative include:
- Airedale Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Cane Corso
- Doberman
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- English Bull Terrier
- German Shorthaired Pointer
- Greyhound
- German Shepherd Dog
- Irish Wolfhound
- Lurcher
- Newfoundland
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pit Bull
- Great Pyrenees
- Siberian Husky
- Standard Poodle
- Weimaraner
Does my dog have what it takes to be a hero?
If your dog is:
- Healthy and even-tempered
- Weighs 25kg (55lbs) or more
- Between 1-8 years of age (18 months for giant breeds)
- Once enrolled in our program, your dog can donate up until the age of 10.
- Up to date with vaccinations/titres
- On heartworm and tick preventative medication ( strongly recommended)
Then your dog is a potential donor!
Dogs that are energetic are always welcome, as long as they have a reasonable level of obedience and are confident, they usually go on to become great donors. Dogs like this often surprise their owners by being able to lie still for the donation. If your dog is anxious or nervous, wary of new people, or fearful at a vet appointment, it would be encouraged that you support our cause in another way. Dogs like this may find the donation process too stressful. Your dog’s health and wellbeing is our top priority and we want your dog to enjoy coming to see us.
If your dog has what it takes to be a hero, we would love to hear from you. Please complete our registration form and a member of our team will be in touch.
How do I find a donor clinic?
Your dog is eligible to donate every 3 months. To book your dog’s next donor appointment, please reach out to your local Regional Unit Manager. To find a list of upcoming donor clinics, please visit here
What are blood products used for?
Blood Products are primarily used to support dogs with conditions like:
- Cancer therapy support
- Rat Poison Toxicity
- Immune-Mediated Diseases
- Surgery and Times of Trauma
- Anemia, Parvovirus, and more!
About Your Donation Appointment
How long is my appointment?
While your appointment time is thirty minutes, the donation itself takes less than 5 minutes! Just five minutes can mean the world to a dog and their family when they need transfusion therapy.
What happens at my donation appointment?
Upon arrival, you will complete a brief questionnaire while your dog is weighed. A small blood sample is taken to obtain blood levels. We then help your dog onto the table and ensure the collection site is suitably prepared by shaving a small patch of fur from their neck. No sedation is used.
Your appointment time is thirty minutes, but the donation itself takes less than five minutes. We always leave time for plenty of belly rubs and tasty treats.
My dog is unwell or has recently started a new medication, what should I do?
Please contact your Regional Unit Manager as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through the next steps. You can find their contact information by visiting Our People
I have to cancel my appointment, what should I do?
Step 1: Please contact your Regional Unit Manager as soon as possible.
Step 2: Reschedule!
The demand for canine blood products is very high. Almost all of our red blood cells are shipped out as soon as their test results are received. We depend on each and every donation to save dogs’ lives across Canada. Your support and attendance are vital to helping us achieve this.
Is there anything I should avoid before my dog’s donation appointment?
There are some things you should avoid before your dog’s appointment.
- Avoid Acupuncture 48 hours before your appointment.
- Avoid antibiotics 7 days before your appointment.
- Avoid dental work and vaccinations 14 days before your appointment.
- Avoid eating a full meal 6 hours before your appointment.
Your dog’s health and well-being are our top priority. Blood donation should never take precedence over established treatment plans. If you have any questions about the above information, please contact your local Regional Unit Manager.
What should I do post donation?
- Provide plenty of fresh water for your dog on the day of donation.
- Treats and/or snacks are always welcome after donating.
- Avoid using a choke/prong collar for 48hrs post-donation.
- Avoid vigorous exercise for the remainder of the day.
- Find and share your dogs’ photos on our social media page.
About CABB
What is the CABB?
The Canadian Animal Blood bank is a not-for-profit (CRA registered Charity) that saves the lives of dogs across Canada by leading education in transfusion medicine and making the highest quality blood available to Veterinarians and dogs in need.
We engage animal caregivers to volunteer their qualified dogs to participate in whole blood collections. The blood is collected, locally processed, and then made available to veterinarian hospitals and clinics across Canada.
How many dogs have donated to CABB?
Over 2000 dogs have donated blood to the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. Since our first donor clinic in 1996, we have received over 20,000 donations.
Which provinces do we operate in?
We are now operating in 5 provinces across Canada! This includes:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- Manitoba
- Ontario
- Quebec
When was the first donor clinic?
The first donor clinic was in December of 1996! CABB was founded by a Winnipeg veterinarian. Dr. Ken Mould. He started the Canadian Animal Blood Bank in 1996 with the help of Manitoba veterinarians.
Do you accept community volunteers?
Yes! We wouldn’t be where we are today without the help and support of people like you. An outstanding volunteer will be passionate about saving dogs’ lives. Our main qualification is? Must love dogs.
If you are interested in volunteering and CABB volunteer opportunities, please visit our volunteer page for more information.
How else can I help?
Donate Funds
Without generous financial donations, we would not be able to expand for faster delivery of products and better quality control. Financial contributions help us to provide research grants to help us further transfusion medicine and support the veterinary community. We are also able to provide student awards to veterinary professionals at our partner institutions.
Volunteer
Raise a paw if you are ready to volunteer with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank! Visit the volunteer section of our website for more information and to discover what opportunities are near you.
Raise Awareness
Never heard of pet blood donation? Most people haven’t. About 70% of animal caregivers are not aware that dogs and cats can donate blood.
Awareness is our biggest challenge as an organization and we appreciate your help in spreading the word! Share your donation story and photos on Instagram and Facebook. Tag us! @canadiananimalbloodbank
Host a Donor Clinic
Are you a veterinary professional interested in saving dogs’ lives? You can help us to make a difference by hosting a Canine Blood Donor Clinic at your veterinary practice. The process is easy and we are here to support you every step of the way.
