Blood Donation Center
Could Your Pet be the Next Hero?
Interested pet owners can contact our team to schedule a donor consultation. Before their appointment, all potential donors must complete a Donor Pre-Registration Form. This information helps us determine eligibility and ensures a smooth consultation process for both pets and their families.
Canine Donor Requirements
Be between 1 – 6 years of age
Dog must be neutered or spayed
Must be 50 pounds minimum weight
Have never received a blood transfusion
In good general health and current on all vaccinations (proof is required)
Consistently taking heartworm and flea preventative
If your pet passes, we will schedule a future donation visit
Feline Donor Requirements
Be between 1 – 6 years of age
Cat must be neutered or spayed
Must be 8.5 pounds or greater
Have never received a blood transfusion
In good general health and current on all vaccinations (proof is required)
Must be an indoor only cat
Each unit can save up to 1-2 cats
Collection Process Steps
Our center collects written information from you on your pet’s history
We will perform a brief physical examination and will take a sample blood for further tests
If your pet passes all of the donation criteria, we will then take a blood donation from the pet
Afterwards, your animal will receive a cute bandana and lots of love from our staff
Each unit of whole blood is broken down into packed red blood cells and plasma. Nothing is wasted, and each unit can save 2-4 pets. Packed red blood cells have a shelf life of 35 days, while plasma can be stored for five years.
Blood Donation FAQs
How do I start the blood donor process?
Call IndyVet at (317) 782-4484 to schedule a donor evaluation consultation. This includes a physical exam, behavioral assessment, and a small blood sample to determine blood type and overall health.
To get started, please fill out the Donor Pre-Registration Form found online prior to your appointment. This helps our team review your pet’s information in advance and ensures a faster, smoother consultation experience.
What benefits do donor pets receive?
We deeply value our donor heroes. Benefits include:
$100 Visa gift card (expires in 1 year)
$50 IndyVet credit for emergency/specialty care, prevention, or donor care
40% off ProHeart® (6-month or 12-month heartworm prevention)
Rewards card after every six donations
What's the donation process like for my pet?
Our specially trained collection technicians make donations quick, safe, and low-stress. Using positive reinforcement (and light sedation when needed), your pet is gently positioned on their side while a small area is shaved and cleaned.
The donation itself takes about 10 minutes, followed by treats, cuddles, and lots of love. Please allow about 45 minutes for the full appointment. Red blood cells naturally replenish within 2–3 weeks.
How much blood is collected?
Donation amounts are tailored to your pet:
Dogs over 50 lbs: ~450 mL (16 oz)
Cats: ~60 mL (about 4 tablespoons)
Will my pet be sedated?
Most dogs do not require sedation. If a pet is anxious, a small amount of light sedation may be used. All feline donors are lightly sedated for safety and comfort. Sedation typically lasts 15–25 minutes, and pets are closely monitored the entire time.
How often can my pet donate?
Dogs: every 6 weeks
Cats: every 8 weeks
What happens to the blood after donation?
Each donation is separated into:
Packed red blood cells
Plasma
One donation can help 2–4 pets in need. Red blood cells last 42 days, and plasma can be stored for up to 5 years.
Why do pets need blood transfusions?
Blood transfusions are often needed in emergencies such as:
Trauma or internal bleeding
Surgery complications
Cancer
Toxic ingestion
Immune-mediated diseases
Severe anemia
Do dogs and cats have different blood types?
Yes!
Dogs: Have multiple blood types (DEA system). The most important is DEA 1. Some dogs (DEA 4 positive only) are considered “universal donors.”
Cats: Have three blood types: A, B, and AB. Type A is most common. There is no universal donor in cats, so matching is critical.
Is blood donation safe for my pet?
Yes. The procedure is safe and carefully controlled. Blood cells are naturally replaced within 2–3 weeks, and pets typically return to normal activity quickly after their visit.
Adopt A Hero
IndyVet partners with local shelters to help us provide the critical need of animal blood donors. Animal blood donors help provide life-saving blood units for our emergency procedures. Without them and our volunteer animal donors, much of our work wouldn’t be possible. That’s why they are true heroes!
But, we need your help, too! The feline heroes we receive from our partners are only used for a few donations, and then we provide them with a safe and secure forever home. We have a need for human heroes who will “Adopt a Hero” and provide these fearless friends a home.
IndyVet has partnered with ARPO (Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership) to help facilitate adoptions of our amazing blood donor heroes. Please visit their website to see all adoptable heroes. Each one is marked with the "Blood Donor Hero" tag on their site. Follow the link below to see who is ready to join your loving home!"