Blood Bank
At Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of Marin
We provide blood component therapy in animals, pet anemia treatment, veterinary hemotherapy services, and life-saving blood products to pets in need and compassionate care to the pet heroes who donate.
You've come to the right place
We are the only 24-hour veterinary community blood bank in the North Bay area.
Saving pet lives, together
Donations at our blood bank are performed by registered veterinary technicians under veterinarian supervision, with care taken to ensure a stress-free experience. The process involves shaving and sterilizing a small patch of fur on the donor's neck, followed by a quick 5-minute collection while the pet rests calmly on its side. We often use mild oral sedation (given at home beforehand) to keep pets comfortable during their visit.
Our blood bank relies on healthy, pre-screened community pets who donate every few months, with each donation potentially saving multiple lives. After collection, donations are processed using our state-of-the-art centrifuge to separate them into red blood cells and plasma components, which are then stored in specialized refrigeration and freezer units until needed by pets recovering from surgery, injuries, toxicities, immune-mediated conditions, or cancer.
Donor Benefits
- Complete physical exam at each donation
- Annual comprehensive blood work including heartworm testing, infectious disease testing, and blood typing.
- $60 hospital credit per donation OR free preventatives (Heartgard, Nexgard, Revolution Plus)
- Nail trims
- Satisfaction of helping save other pets
Donor Requirements
Dogs
Generally healthy and friendly disposition
Between 1-7 years of age
Over 35 pounds
Taking monthly flea, tick, heartworm prevention
Current on vaccines
Cats
Generally healthy and friendly disposition
Between 1-7 years of age
Over 10 pounds
Indoor only lifestyle
Taking monthly flea prevention
Current on vaccines
Donor Responsibilities
- Donate every 2-3 months
- Appointments last 60 minutes with the option to leave your pet for a few hours or for the day
See if your pet is a candidate
Reach out for a blood donor screening, free of charge.
You do not have to be a PESCM client to be part of the donor program and your pet can continue to see your primary care veterinarian.
