Blood Donor Program Canine And Feline Blood Donor Program About The Program The Canine and Feline Blood Donor Program, established several years ago by Indianapolis Veterinary Emergency Center (IVEC), provides animal blood for use at veterinary practices throughout Indiana and is shipping our product all over the country and the Caribbean. Donated blood is used by IVEC and other veterinary clinics for transfusions during emergency treatments resulting from a wide variety of accidents and incidents. Major surgeries as well as treatments for poisoning and anemia also place demands on blood supplies. Similar in structure to the Indiana Blood Center, which provides human blood to more than 40 hospitals, IVEC's Canine and Feline Blood Donor Program collects and stores blood at its southeastside clinic, 5425 Victory Drive. The donated blood can be used for emergency and critical care cases at IVEC, or for shipment to other veterinary practices at a moment's notice. Packed red blood cells have a shelf life of 42 days, while fresh frozen can be stored for one year and frozen plasma can be stored for five years. The IVEC staff separates plasma from the packed red blood cells so that no donation is wasted. How To Become A Donor The first step in becoming a donor is to call IVEC at 1-800-551-4879 and speak with us about the program. We will schedule an appointment at your convenience for your initial consultation and pet screening. This is essentially a meeting so that you and your pet can get to know us and begin to feel comfortable at our office. Your initial physical and behavior exam will be conducted at this time at no cost. After the initial consultation and examination, we will collect a small amount of blood for an initial screening and your pet's blood type will be established. After your pet has passed the screening process, the next step is to set up a donation schedule. Each donor will donate six to eight times per year. Requirements Canine Donors Prospective canine donors are eligible for the program if they meet the following requirements: - Under eight years of age; - 35 pounds minimum weight; - In good general health and current on all vaccinations (proof is required); - Taking heartworm preventative medication, and - Must be able to visit the clinic to donate blood a minimum of six times per year. Feline Donors Prospective feline donors must meet many of the same criteria as their canine counterparts where general health and current vaccinations are concerned. Cats also must be: - Between one and eight years old; - Weigh at least 9 pounds; - Up to date on vaccinations; - In good general health; - Be "indoor cats." Benefits Pet owners participating in the blood donor program receive several perks. Each prospective donor receives: - a complimentary, comprehensive physical exam - a blood chemistry profile; - a complete blood cell count - heartworm checks - bloodtyping - Felv/FIV testing (felines) - Hemobart testing (felines) - Ehrlichia testing (canines) - Lyme and anaplasmosis (canines) Approved donors who commit to the minimum number of visits receive at no charge: - Examinations at each donation - Annual vaccines    - Dogs receive rabies, distemper, leptospirosis,      parainfluenza, hepatitis, parvovirus and bordetella vaccinations.    - Cats receive rabies, distemper, panleukopenia,      rhinotracheitis, calcii virus, chlamydia and leukemia vaccinations. - Yearly bloodwork - Heartworm testing - 40% Discount on other services, including heartworm medications, flea medications and any other medications or emergency services. More Information Back to news