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Logo of Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital with mountain peaks and a paw print design.
Two veterinary professionals caring for a large black and white dog on an exam table in a clinical setting.

Blood Bank

At Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

We provide life-saving blood products to pets in need and compassionate care to the pet heroes who donate. From emergency cases to scheduled procedures, our services include everything from pet platelet transfusion to dog blood transfusion.

Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

Saving pet lives, together

Donations at our blood bank are performed by registered veterinary technicians under veterinarian supervision, with care taken to ensure a stress-free experience. The process involves shaving and sterilizing a small patch of fur on the donor's neck, followed by a quick 5-minute collection while the pet rests calmly on its side. We often use mild oral sedation (given at home beforehand) to keep pets comfortable during their visit.

Our blood bank relies on healthy, pre-screened community pets who donate every few months, with each donation potentially saving multiple lives. After collection, donations are processed using our state-of-the-art centrifuge to separate them into red blood cells and plasma components, which are then stored in specialized refrigeration and freezer units until needed by pets recovering from surgery, injuries, toxicities, immune-mediated conditions, or cancer.

Three veterinary professionals care for a brown dog on an exam table in a clinical setting.

Donor Benefits

  • Free blood typing

  • Free annual blood work for donor health records. Results will be added to your dog’s regular health records

  • Free annual heartworm test and heartworm preventative discount through Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital

  • If your pet should ever need any blood products, you will receive a discount on blood products after 12 donations (2 years) and free blood products after 24 donations (4 years)

  • ​Dog food discount from Purina

  • Free nail trim at each donation if needed

  • For each successful donation, your pet gets a $75 credit that can be used at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, or, we can mail you a check

Donor Responsibilities

  • Donate every 2-3 months

  • Appointments last 60 minutes with the option to leave your pet for a few hours or for the day

Donor Requirements for Dogs

  • Generally healthy and friendly disposition

  • Between 1-7 years of age

  • Over 35 pounds

  • Taking monthly flea, tick, heartworm prevention

  • Up-to-date on their vaccines

Donor Requirements for Cats

  • Generally healthy and friendly disposition

  • Between 1-7 years of age

  • Over 10 pounds

  • Indoor-only lifestyle

  • Taking monthly flea prevention

  • Up-to-date on their vaccines

See if your pet is a candidate

Reach out for a blood donor screening, free of charge.

You do not have to be a Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital client to be part of the donor program and your pet can continue to see your primary care veterinarian.

Phone303-996-1366
Emailwrahbloodbank@wrah.com

A refrigerator in a veterinary blood bank holding labeled blood bags.
Two vets in scrubs in a veterinary clinic attending to a large dog on a table.
Gray sign with bold white type saying "blood donor collection".
Woman with a dog exits the door of an emergency department with glass doors and a red "EMERGENCY" sign above.
Orange tabby cat lying on a gray blanket with a red and black checkered blanket.
Veterinary hospital reception with staff at computers and a speckled countertop.
Three vets in scrubs in a veterinary clinic attending to a large dog on a table.
Shelves in a veterinary blood bank holding labeled blood bags and a notice.

Our partner hospitals

Veterinary Emergency Care Wash Park

Veterinary Emergency Care Wash Park

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Veterinary Emergency Care Lowry

Veterinary Emergency Care Lowry

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