The acceptance criteria can be found here .

No. The entire donation process is free for owners, from worming treatment & vaccination to the blood analysis performed.

As in Humans, the entire donation procedure is safe, controlled and not painful. The associated risks are extremely low and adverse effects are rare. See here a scientific article recently published by our team, describing the adverse reactions identified in 3690 feline donations.  

After the donation, the blood units are processed in our laboratory. The blood bags are centrifuged to separate their components: Red Blood Cells, Plasma and Platelets. This way, a single unit of donated whole blood can create up to 3 different units to assist in the transfusion of 3 patients. In the case of underweight animals, even more patients can be helped with a single blood donation. Our team are proficient in maximising every precious donation, to help as many animals as possible.
Once the Red Blood Cell Concentrate, Frozen Plasma and Platelet Concentrate units are prepared, they undergo several quality controls tests, blood compatibility tests and screening for infectious diseases in order to ensure that they are safe, compatible and effective. Finally, after labelling and packaging, the units are safely stored until they are used in hospitalised patients in veterinary clinics and hospitals.

Yes, blood transfusions have a cost for patients because unfortunately there is no public support for the activity of Veterinary Blood Banks. As in Human Medicine, blood donation is done in an altruistic and complimentary way, which makes us very proud. However, in addition to donating blood, there are various laboratory and logistical procedures prior to its use in sick animals:

1. All donors have general blood tests to ensure they are in good health and that the whole donation process is safe.
2. Whole Blood is processed and divided into its various components (Plasma, Red Blood Cells and Platelets).
3. Quality controls are carried out on each of these components, which ensure that there has been no bacteriological contamination, for example.
4. Tests are carried out to ensure that the blood group is compatible.
5. PCR and antibody tests are performed to confirm that there is no presence of infectious organisms that could be transmitted by transfusion.
6. Units are packaged, labelled, and stored in equipment with permanent temperature control.
As a way of guaranteeing correct prophylaxis, parasite treatment and annual vaccinations are also provided free of charge for owners.

In addition, we have the entire laboratory structure with equipment and specialised personnel, which ensure the best practices and allow us to provide the best care for our animals, exactly at the level of what is done in Human Medicine.
At the end of the chain, we have a logistics team that ensures the receipt of orders and the immediate distribution of units throughout the country, allowing all our animals to have urgent access to blood units.
It is for all these reasons that transfusions must have a cost that allows us to guarantee this excellent care, which includes not only the safe administration of blood components to our animals, but also the guarantee of the safety and well-being of our valued donors.
Despite this, we try daily to ensure that no sick dog or cat misses a transfusion for economic reasons. To this end, we have a Solidarity Policy that evaluates the clinics on a case-by-case basis, so that all patients can be treated regardless of the economic capacity of the owners. Additionally, our team is proud to have a very close relationship with several Animal Associations that have allowed universal access to this excellent care.

Blood donations are carried out in our facilities, in veterinary practices that support us or in various social spaces that meet the specific conditions and requirements. If you want to know where donations are carried out near your home, please contact us by email or telephone.

In general, we ask owners to bring blood donors to the donation site. However, in cases where it is not possible to travel, BSA can organise the dedicated transport for our donor cats. However, this should always be arranged and confirmed by the blood donation team.

Yes, animals must fast for 2-3 hours before donation. However, fasting should be from food only. Water must always be available before and after blood donation.

Yes, both cats and dogs have different blood groups and, as in humans, it is very important to know their blood group and ensure blood compatibility prior to any transfusion. This helps prevent transfusion reactions, which can endanger the lives of sick animals.
In cats there are 3 important blood groups – A, B and AB. In dogs there are two clinically important groups DEA 1 positive and DEA 1 negative. The acronym DEA stands for the English Dog Erythrocyte Antigen.
All blood donors are assigned their blood group at their first donation.

Yes. In addition to the vast pleasure of being able to help sick animals, there are other advantages for blood donors:
- Standard annual vaccination;
- Parasite treatment at each donation;
- Determination of blood group;
- Microchip application and registration;
- General physical examination before each donation;
- Annual blood tests (biochemical panel and CBC)
- Analysis of important infectious diseases in each donation: Leishmania, Babesia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia and Brucella in dogs; FIV, FeLV, Mycoplasma and Bartonella in cats.

Yes, several general blood tests and infectious disease screening are performed to ensure that donors are healthy enough to donate blood and do not transmit infectious diseases. All results are available and fully accessible in the reserved area of the website, which can be requested at any time.

Any placed dressings can be removed in 3-4 hours. After the donation, it is important to ensure a quiet place where the donor can rest, avoiding excessive activities. The use of collars and manipulation of the puncture site should be avoided to prevent local hematomas. If you notice any local bleeding, you should apply compression for 10 minutes without any immediate concerns regarding cleaning the area. Permanent access to fresh water must be offered, as well as a well-deserved tasty meal! Finally, a reinforced dose of pampering is essential for a full recovery of all our Super Heroes!
For any questions or assistance, you should always contact us 24 hours a day by telephone/email.

Dogs are never sedated. For this reason, only dogs that are calm enough to lay on the donation table for 5-10 minutes without the need for great restraint are eligible as blood donors.
Given the more special and impulsive temperament of our cats, it is sometimes necessary to administer a light dose of sedation. This only serves to increase relaxation and reduce reaction to any stimuli, decreasing movements during the donation and ensuring a quick and comfortable process. As it is a light sedation, donors are always conscious, and recovery is practically immediate.
On many occasions, due to the extreme care taken regarding the well-being of our donors and our super caring team, the dose of sedation needed is often reduced as donors make more donations.

Firstly, a quiet place without stimuli is always ensured so that the donor remains calm during the donation. Dogs are always laid down on a comfortable table with one or two people holding and reassuring them throughout the process. Cats, on the other hand, are carefully wrapped in a blanket, to keep them snuggled and giving them a sense of security and comfort throughout the process. After correct positioning, a small area under on their neck is shaved and sterilised, allowing easy identification of the jugular vein where the blood donation is made. This is the only large-calibre vein that allows donation in dogs and cats and is located in an area of less sensitivity and well-tolerated access. After the blood donation, local compression is performed for 5 minutes and, in dogs, a compression collar with ligature is applied.
At the end of the whole process, the stimuli return with a reinforced session of more than deserved attention and cuddles…