The Blood Bank at Red River Animal Emergency Hospital & Referral Center helps save the lives of local pets in critical need of blood transfusions. With the help of donor dogs and cats, we’re able to provide life-saving support during illness, injury, or surgery. Enroll your pet to become a local hero and make a lasting impact.
OVERVIEW FOR OUR
Veterinary Blood Bank in Fargo, ND
At Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center, we provide blood bank services to support pets facing critical illness, injury, trauma, or surgery. Our in-hospital blood bank allows our emergency and specialty teams to deliver timely, life-saving dog blood transfusions and cat blood transfusions when every minute matters. As a 24/7 emergency hospital serving the Fargo-Moorhead region, we are always prepared to care for pets in crisis and to partner with families and referring veterinarians.
If your pet needs urgent care, we encourage you to call ahead or walk in at any time. If you are interested in helping local pets, our donor program welcomes eligible dogs and cats who can make a lasting difference in our community.
What Is a Veterinary Blood Bank
and How Does It Work?
A veterinary blood bank is a specialized program that collects, screens, stores, and provides blood products for pets who need transfusions. At Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center, our blood bank relies on healthy donor dogs and cats whose blood can be safely used to treat other pets.
Donor blood is carefully collected, tested, and stored on-site so it is immediately available during emergencies or planned procedures. Before a transfusion, we perform blood typing and compatibility testing for dogs and cats to reduce the risk of reactions and ensure the safest possible care.
Why Would My Pet
Need a Blood Transfusion?
Pets may need a blood transfusion for a variety of serious medical reasons. These situations often develop quickly and require immediate attention.
Common reasons include:
- Traumatic injuries and internal bleeding
- Emergency or complex surgery
- Severe anemia or blood loss
- Clotting disorders
- Toxin exposure
- Cancer or chronic illness affecting blood production
In emergency settings, transfusions can stabilize a pet and support vital organs while we address the underlying condition. Blood products are a key part of comprehensive critical care and can be life-saving when time is critical.
How the RRAEH Veterinary Blood Bank
Supports Emergency Pet Care
Our pet blood bank is fully integrated into our emergency, ICU, and specialty services. Because blood products are available in-house, our team can begin treatment without delays that may occur when blood must be sourced elsewhere.
Our blood bank supports:
- Immediate transfusion during emergency stabilization
- Ongoing care for hospitalized ICU patients
- Specialty services such as surgery, oncology, and internal medicine
Care is led by board-certified critical care specialists who work closely with our emergency veterinarians and with referring primary care DVMs. This collaborative approach helps ensure continuity of care and clear communication at every stage.
Blood Products Available for Dogs and Cats
Our blood bank provides several types of blood products for dogs and cats, selected based on a pet’s specific medical needs.
These may include:
- Whole blood
- Packed red blood cells
- Plasma
Each product serves a different purpose, such as restoring oxygen-carrying capacity or supporting clotting. Our veterinarians determine which option is appropriate based on diagnostics, condition severity, and treatment goals.
Pet Blood Donor Program at
Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center
What Are the Donor Requirements for Pets?
Our donor program is designed to keep donor pets safe and comfortable while helping others. Dogs and cats must meet general eligibility guidelines related to health, size, temperament, and vaccination status.
Before donation, each donor receives health screening and monitoring to confirm they are a good candidate. Safety and well-being are always our priority.
How Often Can My Pet Donate Blood?
Donor pets typically participate in a year-long commitment, with donations scheduled about every eight weeks. This spacing allows time for recovery and helps maintain overall health. Wellness checks are performed regularly to ensure donors remain eligible and comfortable.
Benefits and Incentives for Pet Blood Donors
Pets enrolled in our blood bank are true local heroes. Donor families receive meaningful benefits while helping save lives in the Fargo-Moorhead community.
Donor benefits include:
- No-cost annual blood work and exam on donation days
- Gift bags with toys and treats
- Recognition on Hero Boards in our hospital lobby and on our website and social media, with owner’s permission
- The satisfaction of helping pets in urgent need
How Much Does a
Blood Transfusion Cost for Pets?
The cost of a dog blood transfusion or a cat blood transfusion can vary based on several factors. These may include your pet’s size, medical condition, the type of blood product needed, diagnostics, and whether hospitalization or ICU care is required.
We provide upfront estimates before treatment begins and prioritize transparent communication so families understand recommended care and associated costs.
Why Choose Red River Animal Emergency Hospital
for Your Pet’s Blood Transfusion?
Pet families and veterinarians across the region trust Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center because of our commitment to advanced, compassionate care.
Reasons to choose our team include:
- 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital
- An in-house dog blood bank and cat blood bank for faster treatment
- Leadership by board-certified critical care specialists
- Advanced diagnostics and ICU monitoring
- Clear communication with families and referring veterinarians
- Longstanding service to the Fargo-Moorhead community
Compassionate Blood Bank and
Transfusion Care in Fargo, ND
At Red River Animal Emergency & Referral Center, we are proud to provide blood bank and blood transfusion services in Fargo, ND. Whether your pet needs urgent, life-saving care or you are interested in enrolling your dog or cat as a donor, our team is here to help.
For emergencies, walk in any time or call ahead so we can prepare for your arrival. To learn more about our donor program or to get started, contact our pet hospital today and help support pets across our community.
THESE HEROS WEAR FUR COATS!
MEET OUR HERO DONORS
At Red River Animal Emergency Hospital and Referral Center, we believe our donor pets are true heroes. Because they make regular blood donations, our veterinarians are able to save the lives of sick or injured cats and dogs in the Fargo-Moorhead region. Meet each of our canine and feline blood donors, and learn a little about them! We also track how much blood they have donated to our efforts. To learn more about how your pet can become a blood donor hero, read our Donor FAQs.
CURRENT CANINE DONORS
SUNDAE
RUDY
LOKI
GRANT
EMBER
DEZ
SALMA
REVAN
SUNNY
THUMPER
RIP
IVY
TOMATO
GIDGET
RIGGINS
RUE
KONA
KALADIN
COLBERT
SKOUT
QUEST
MAIZEY
VALKA
JESSE
DUTTON
SHILLING
KIMBER
ALOY
LUCY
MONGO
FESTUS
STELLA
NELLIE
OPAL
BIRDIE
MOSLEY
CURRENT FELINE DONORS
GOOSE
LEAF
LUCY
MILO
BLACK BEAN
MAMA MIA
SCOTCH
KWAZII
SULLY
BANANA SPLIT
WINNIE
ELSIE
FRANK
PESO
RUBEN
TIM TAM
BLOOD BANK
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE CRITERIA FOR A DOG/CAT TO BE A DONOR?
The following are the requirements for blood donors at our location:
- Must be between 1 and 8 years old*
- Dogs must be greater than 50 pounds
- Cats must be greater than 10 pounds
- Must be current on core vaccines
- Must be healthy and friendly**
- Must be on a monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventative
- Must not have had previous blood or plasma transfusions
*New donors are admitted into the program through 5 years of age; existing donors can donate until their 8th birthday.
**All of our donors will have to pass a temperament screening, which includes a mock blood donation. This screening will help us evaluate the ease of restraint and their comfort in our facility. This will be performed on the day of the initial health screening.
HOW OFTEN DOES MY DOG/CAT DONATE?
Once accepted into the donation program, donations will occur every 8 weeks if the pet remains in good health. Due to the investment in bloodwork, we ask that your pet commit to at least 1 year of donations.
CAN I BE THERE DURING THE DONATION?
During the process of donation, the owners are not able to be present.
DOES THE DONATION PROCESS HURT?
Donating is not painful to your pet. We minimize discomfort by using a local anesthetic cream on the venipuncture site. We will try our best to make this an enjoyable experience for your pet with treats and praise. We will practice positive reinforcement so your pet will look forward to donations!
CAN THEY EAT THE DAY OF DONATION?
Sedation is not required for blood donations, so please feed your pet their normal diet the day of donation. They will also be getting a good snack after!
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO MY DOG/CAT BEING A BLOOD DONOR?
Annual blood work and examinations on donation days will be performed at no cost to you. Our donors will go home with goodie bags filled with treats and toys. They may also be posted to the ‘Hero Board’ in our lobby and social media sites with your permission. Most importantly, their donation can save other pets’ lives in our community!
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG/CAT IS DIAGNOSED WITH AN ILLNESS OR NEEDS MEDICATIONS AND IS A DONOR?
This can be discussed on a case-by-case basis with our blood bank veterinarian to determine what is best for your dog and potential recipients of the donation.
