Skip to Primary Content

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

SAVES Blood Bank

Pets can require life-saving blood transfusions for many of the same reasons humans do, such as injuries, surgeries, or when diseases cause the body to destroy its own blood cells. The SAVES Blood Bank relies on dog and cat donors and their owners to help us provide this invaluable resource. 

Contact Us at (828) 210-8285 or email [email protected] to start the blood donation process!

Veterinary staff member posing with a dog that has donated blood, with the staff member holding a bag of blood.

Will you allow your pet to help?

The number of cats and dogs in need of blood transfusions has grown as the pet population continues to increase. With the help of our donors, we would like to meet this ever-increasing demand to help save the community’s critically ill and injured pet population. Your pet’s donation is a gift of life.

BENEFITS OF BEING A BLOOD DONOR

  • An annual physical exam by a licensed veterinarian

  • Annual blood work, at no cost to the pet owner, and results shared with your family veterinarian

    • Complete blood cell count

    • Blood chemistries

    • Infectious disease screening

    • Blood typing

  • Generous discount on future emergency and specialty care

  • A 'furever' photo on our wall of heroes

  • Branded treat bag filled with pet friendly toys and treats

  • Loving attention with each donation

  • The pride that comes in knowing that your pet is helping to save the lives of other pets with each donation

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To become a blood donor, a pet must be:

  • Healthy with no existing medical conditions

  • 1-8 years of age

  • Up to date on vaccines, heartworm, flea/tick prevention (dogs & cats) and heartworm (dogs only)

  • An agreeable temperament

  • Without history of prior blood transfusions

  • Indoor-only for cats including all cats in household

  • Dogs: Greater than 50 lbs/22.7 kgs and a lean body weight

  • Cats: Greater than 9 lbs/4 kgs and a lean body weight

WHAT KIND OF COMMITMENT IS REQUIRED?

Due to the high cost of screening each prospective donor, owners are asked to commit their pets to at least six donations in a 12-month time period.  

HEALTH SCREENING APPOINTMENTS

If your pet meets the eligibility requirements, contact us at (828) 210-8285 or email our team to set up a health screening appointment. Please have your pet’s medical records available when you call. During the health screening, we will obtain a small amount of blood from your pet. Once we determine that your pet is an eligible donor, we will contact you to set up the first donation appointment.