Dolly, a 7-year-old black Labrador, makes regular visits to the DoveLewis veterinary hospital blood bank in Portland, Oregon. In fact, she’s one of 94 dogs — along with 48 cats — who routinely donate blood there to help animals in need.
Although Dolly doesn’t love the donation itself, she knows what comes afterward. As soon as it’s over, she receives a baby food treat and a new toy — rewards that keep her tail wagging every time she walks through the door.
Why These Donations Matter
According to Kelsey Reinauer, the hospital’s blood bank manager, donated blood plays a critical role during emergencies.
When dogs and cats arrive with life-threatening injuries or illnesses, blood transfusions often make the difference between survival and loss. Because of that, donor animals like Dolly provide an essential service.
However, the need continues to outpace the supply.
A Growing Shortage
Reinauer explains that veterinary blood banks across the country face a significant shortage.
Only a small number of facilities operate at this scale, which makes every donation even more valuable. As a result, hospitals rely heavily on repeat donors who can safely give blood on a regular basis.
A Quick and Gentle Process
To show how the process works, Reinauer demonstrated a donation with Rocket, a 2-year-old golden and Labrador mix.
In less than 10 minutes, she collected a pint of blood. Throughout the process, staff closely monitored Rocket’s comfort and stress levels.
Reinauer emphasized that building trust with both animals and their owners remains essential. By working together and paying close attention to each donor’s behavior, most animals grow comfortable enough to return again and again.
Rewards and Recovery
Once the donation ends, Rocket and Dolly waste no time hopping off the table. Both eagerly await their treats, clearly relieved and ready to head home.
For their owners, these visits hold deeper meaning.
Giving Back in a Powerful Way
Rocket’s owner understands just how important these donations have become. While many people don’t initially realize that pets may need blood transfusions, critical care often depends on them.
By bringing their dogs in each month, owners like Denise Duncan and Kim Laird know they’re helping save lives far beyond their own pets.
Through calm donors, dedicated staff, and a growing community of volunteers, the blood bank continues its quiet but lifesaving work — one wagging tail at a time.