Veterinary Transfusion Center

What is the VTC?

The VTC is a volunteer blood donor program for animals. We are a non-profit center with the goal of providing life-saving blood products to the pets of San Antonio and the surrounding area. If you think your dog or cat is a potential donor, please fill out the Donor Information page and mail it to the VTC to start the screening process. We will contact you for further information and to schedule a screening visit. We may also ask to contact your regular vet to verify current health status and preventative health care of the prospective donor.

Blood Donor Requirements

Blood donors should be healthy, indoor pets with a good preventative health program with a regular vet. Dogs and cats should be between 1 and 8 years of age. Dogs should weigh at least 50 pounds, and cats should weigh at least 10 pounds.

Donors should have good temperaments and tolerate light restraint well. Donors should not have been transfusion recipients in the past.

Although being a blood donor does not pay, registered donors will receive FREE blood products should they need it in the future.

The Screening Process

Once a potential donor�s history and current health status have been verified, the center will call and arrange initial screening. This involves a visit to the center to test the pet�s temperament, and to draw a small blood sample for blood typing and screening of infectious diseases and general health.

Once donors are accepted to the program, they will be placed on the active donor list. Donors will remain active for no more than 2 years. You may be called no more than once every 2 months to donate, depending on the blood product demands of the area. Owners should be prepared for a 2 year commitment; we are investing money in your pet, and unless we achieve multiple donations, the cost of blood will go up.

Download donor questionnaire.