As with Human Medicine there are occasions where pets need blood from a donor. While there is an Animal Blood Bank available, the blood products cannot be obtained immediately. In an emergency, time is precious and decisions must be made immediately. Some members of our staff have generously offered their beloved pets to serve as donors for blood in such cases. These animals have been blood typed, are routinely screened for viruses, blood-borne parasites and disease and are healthy. Transfusions are performed with the health and safety of both donor and recipient in mind.

Some situations that may require transfusions include: Severe anemia, trauma resulting in severe blood loss, bleeding disorders, certain disease processes such as Parvo, etc. Blood is life and our donors have saved many.

Scooby Doo is a Boxer/Terrier mix and was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. His Mom is Stacy, our RVT and Webmaster, who affectionately refers to him as her "first born son". While Scooby prefers not to socialize with other dogs aside from his best friend Shaggy, he is responsible for many happy endings because of his generous donations. Scooby was honored a few years ago when he won first place in a contest sponsored by the Sacramento Bee searching for "Hero Pets". Scooby Doo, We Love You!

Update: After donating countless times his precious, live saving blood, Scooby has recently passed away.

Shaggy is also a member of Stacy's family, adopted in September. He was neglected and emaciated, had nearly no hair at all on his under belly and his skin, thickened and raw from flea infestations. He has been lovingly nursed back to health and is fat and happy now living with Scooby Doo. Shaggy has not yet been called upon for blood donations, but is readily available to give another pet the second chance at life that he now enjoys.

Jennifer, of our front office staff, has a cat named Gracie.  She was adopted from the SPCA as a young adult and has thrived in a household with 4 other cats.  She has the more common blood type in cats so it makes her an excellent donor.  Gracie can't wait to step up and help out any kitties in need.