Let’s face it: Your dog is part of the family.
And like any family member, you want to keep your dog happy and healthy. You’re part of a community of pet lovers who care for and enjoy their four-legged friends on a daily basis.
Dogs, like humans, occasionally need blood transfusions in case of injury or disease. If your dog is qualified, she/he can save lives and help other dogs around the country.
HemoSolutions was established to address the nationwide shortage of blood for dogs. Our goal is to ensure that dogs have a safe, reliable source of blood available to them when they need it. This blood can be the difference between life and death, yet it takes only minutes to donate. Both you and your dog will benefit from the experience.
Why recruit donors from the community?
HemoSolutions accepts blood donations from healthy dogs who live with caring owners rather than solely using kennel-kept dogs as many blood banks do. We feel this approach is more ethical, but also more challenging as we work to find enough suitable donors.
In spite of this challenge, we are deeply committed to our purpose.
Why should your dog become a donor?
Because heroes come in different shapes and sizes. And sometimes, they even have four legs and fur.
We feel that accepting healthy dogs who live with caring owners is a more ethical way of collecting blood. We also feel it is a way for residents to contribute to the community of pet lovers locally and around the country.
Blood is collected at a local site, usually a veterinary clinic. Local sites may change occasionally to meet the needs of HemoSolutions and its donors. Upon enrolling in the program, you will be given the exact location.
Locations include two locations in Colorado Springs, Woodland Park, Pueblo and Longmont.
- Be healthy, obedient and even tempered
- Be between the ages of 1 and 8 years old
- Weigh at least 50 pounds
- Have all vaccinations up-to-date
- Receive heartworm preventative April through October
- Females must never have been pregnant
- Be willing to donate at least 6 times a year
We request that our dogs donate at least 6 times a year. Most donations will be arranged on a regularly scheduled appointment basis. We may call you for voluntary emergency donations with the understanding that you are not obligated to donation beyond 6 times. Any additional donations beyond 6 times in one year are counted towards the reimbursement payment to your veterinarian.
For specific compensation or reimbursement information, please see our donor page.
Your dog can safely donate as frequently as once a month, assuming good nutrition and iron supplementation are regularly provided. However, we only ask that our donors donate 6 times in one year. This is approximately every 6-8 weeks.
After being identified as a donor by your veterinarian, HemoSolutions or various dog clubs, rescue groups or humane organizations, a small amount of blood will be drawn from your dog. Blood tests will determine your dog’s blood type and identify any blood or organ abnormalities, free-of-charge. If your dog meets all the criteria, he/she may be enrolled.
Yes, dogs have seven different components to their blood. Dog blood typing is more complex than human blood typing. For dogs, DEA 1.1 negative blood is universal like human O blood type is universal. One in 10 dogs are universal donors, making 90% of the dogs out there positive for the 1.1 antigen.
The most common side effect may be mild bruising at the site of collection. Upon completion, you can take your dog home, however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for 1 to 2 days. Health issues resulting from blood donations are rare.
Why We Do What We Do
HemoSolutions acquires and provides quality component veterinary blood products in an ethical and humane manner. HemoSolutions believes blood donors should live in private homes and lead normal lives. HemoSolutions also believes owners and veterinarians should be provided with complete information concerning blood donation and blood administration. All blood donors, pet owners, referring veterinarians and HemoSolutions staff should be treated with dignity and respect.