Dogs step up to save lives at local animal blood donor clinic

The Canadian Animal Blood Donor Bank held a dog donor clinic – to collect emergency blood before it’s needed.

Dogs in the Halifax area had a chance to be heroes on Thursday, as a second canine blood donor clinic at the Lady Hammond Animal Hospital brought together pets and their owners to give the gift of life.

The event, hosted by the Canadian Animal Blood Bank, allows healthy dogs to donate blood that can help other pets in emergency situations. One donation can save up to three dogs, according to organizers.

Ariana Pierre, manager of clinical operations of Nova Scotia for the Canadian Animal Bank, explained the process.

“Dogs who are between one to eight years of age, over 55 pounds, healthy, friendly and up to date on vaccines are eligible to donate. Once cleared, the donation itself takes about three to five minutes, and owners stay with their dogs the entire time,” she said.

Pierre said the program launched in Nova Scotia earlier this year and has already grown to include at least 25 hospitals within a 100-kilometre radius. She said having blood on hand before emergencies happen saves valuable time.

“We’re trying to eliminate the emergency scramble to find blood at the last minute,” she said.

Michelle Clark brought her dog Onyx, a repeat donor, who remained calm throughout the donation.

“When I first found out blood donation for a dog was something that was being done, I thought, what a great idea,” she said. “If my dog can help save somebody else’s dog, why not?”

Some dogs, especially younger ones, need time to get used to the process. Ashlan Potts brought her dog Rumour for his first experience, attending the clinic beforehand to help him feel comfortable.

“He got to see the space, meet the people… it just makes it less scary for them,” Potts said.

Potts said her motivation is personal. Her last German Shepherd required emergency surgery, and access to donated blood which made a life-saving difference.

“If he hadn’t had access to blood, we might have lost him,” she said. “So if Rumour’s healthy and he can, why wouldn’t he?”

After collection, the blood is processed and distributed to emergency veterinary hospitals across Nova Scotia and the Maritimes. Clinics like this run roughly once a week, and the blood bank encourages owners to check if their dogs qualify.

Pierre said certain breeds - including Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and Greyhounds, are often universal donors, which makes their donations especially valuable. Dogs can donate every three months, as long as they remain healthy and comfortable with the process.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page