Dog Blood Donor & Transfusion Service | Cara Veterinary Group Dublin

Cara Veterinary Group runs a canine blood donor programme in Dublin to help save the lives of dogs in emergency situations. Healthy, friendly dogs can join our donor panel and give blood when urgently needed for life-saving transfusions.

Save a Life – Enrol Your Dog as a Blood Donor

Every year, dogs across Ireland require emergency blood transfusions following surgery, trauma, or severe illness. By joining our Canine Blood Donor Panel, your dog could help save another pet’s life.

At Cara Veterinary Group, we maintain a database of eligible donor dogs who can be called upon in critical cases. This local donor system ensures that blood is always available when a patient urgently needs it.

Who Can Become a Canine Blood Donor?

To ensure safety for both donor and recipient, dogs must meet the following criteria:

• Be aged between 1 and 8 years
• Weigh at least 25 kg (55 lbs)
• Be in excellent health and up to date with vaccinations
• Be calm, friendly, and able to relax during veterinary procedures
• Not be on any regular medication (other than flea/worm prevention)
• Have never received a blood transfusion

Our veterinary team will perform a full health check and blood screening before any donation takes place.

What Happens During Donation?

The procedure is straightforward and comfortable for your pet. Dogs are gently restrained while a small amount of blood is collected from a vein in the neck, similar to a human blood donation. The process takes about 10–15 minutes and is completely safe under veterinary supervision.

Donor dogs are rewarded with extra cuddles, treats, and lots of gratitude from our team - and potentially from a dog whose life they’ve helped to save!

Why Blood Donations Are Vital

• Used in emergencies such as surgery, trauma, and toxin ingestion
• Supports dogs with anaemia, clotting disorders, or blood loss
• Reduces waiting times for critical patients
• Helps local pets directly within our Dublin community

Book an Appointment or Join the Donor Panel

• This service is not available to book online. To enrol your dog as a donor or discuss eligibility, please call 01 885 3253.
• For routine appointments: BOOK ONLINE NOW

Our Locations

Cara Veterinary Hospital – Unit 233, Blanchardstown Corporate Park 2, Ballycoolin, Dublin 15 (D15 Y384)
Cara Veterinary Clinic – 1A North Circular Road, Phoenix Park Gate, Dublin 7 (D07 HE48)