The Jefferson Animal Hospital recently organized third its Pints for Paws and People event held September 4, 2026 to raise awareness for its unique pet blood bank. As the sole provider in the region, this facility supplies life-saving blood products to veterinary clinics across ten different states. While the program began over a decade ago to eliminate the need for long-distance shipping, it now relies on local animal donors to handle emergency surgeries and trauma cases. The hospital successfully managed hundreds of donations last year and is currently striving to reach a new annual goal of 700 contributions. By educating the community, organizers hope to expand their roster of heroic pets and continue saving animal lives through transfusion medicine.
FAQS ABOUT THE JEFFERSON ANIMAL HOSPITAL PET BLOOD DONATION PROGRAM
1. What is the mission of the Jefferson Animal Hospitals blood bank program?
The mission of theJefferson Animal Hospitals blood bank program is to maintain a safe, adequate, in-house pet blood supply to treat animals facing severe blood loss from trauma, emergency surgeries, or critical illnesses such as cancer, anemia, and parvovirus. As the only pet blood bank in the region, it supplies blood to emergency animal hospitals across more than 10 states. Community events like Pints for Paws and People help educate the public and work toward donation milestones, such as reaching 700 pet blood donations in a single year.
2. How can my dog or cat become a blood donor?
Pet owners can enroll their dogs or cats by filling out the official Blood Donation Form on the Jefferson Animal Hospitals website. The hospital actively seeks local dog and cat “donor heroes” to help save the lives of pets in emergency situations.
3. What are the requirements for dogs and cats to donate blood?
Both dogs and cats can participate as lifesaving blood donors. Both dogs and cats can become lifesaving blood donors for pets in emergency situations. To check if your dog or cat meets specific health, age, weight, and screening criteria, review the hospital’s official Can My Pet Be a Blood Donor? guidelines or complete their online Blood Donation Form.
To learn more, visit our blood bank for pets page.