Blood Bank
At Emergency Veterinary Service, we are committed not only to saving lives in critical moments, but also to strengthening the Roanoke community we serve. Our in-house Blood Bank Program is one of the ways we go above and beyond for local pets and the people who love them.
Every year, countless dogs and cats require lifesaving blood transfusions due to trauma, anemia, immune-mediated diseases, parasitism, infections, and certain cancers. Just like humans, pets sometimes need blood products before undergoing surgery. These animals depend on the generosity of healthy pets in our community—our Blood Donor Heroes.
When a pet arrives in crisis, having safe, ready-to-use blood products can make the difference between life and death. Donor pets provide:
· Whole blood
· Plasma
· Packed red blood cells
· Other critical blood components
These donations allow us to act quickly during emergencies, giving our medical team the tools they need to save lives.
Although it may seem like an easy solution, using blood from stray animals is not safe for the donor or the recipient.
· Animals cannot verbally consent, so it is our responsibility to ensure the donation process is fear-free, safe, and positive.
· Stray animals may carry infectious diseases that can be transmitted through transfusion.
· We must have an ongoing relationship with our donors to ensure they remain healthy, screened, and protected with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
Our donors are family—treated with compassion, respect, and the highest standard of care.
Becoming a blood donor is more than an act of kindness—it comes with meaningful benefits:
· Free infectious disease screening, including heartworm testing
· Free flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
· Fear-free donation techniques to keep pets comfortable
· A featured photo on our website and our in-hospital “Blood Donor Heroes” wall
· Donor appreciation apparel and swag
· Potential meet-and-greet with the pet whose life they helped save
We honor our donors and celebrate the impact they make in our community.
Roanoke is a community that looks out for one another—and that includes our pets. By enrolling your dog or cat in our Blood Bank Program, you are giving local animals a fighting chance when they need it most.
If your pet is healthy, friendly, and meets our donor criteria, they may be eligible to join our program. Contact our team to learn more about requirements and the donation process.
Visit our Blood Donor Heroes page to see the incredible pets already making a difference in our community.