Far Country Canine Blood Bank

How it Works

Far Country Canine Blood Bank (FCCBB) is looking for dedicated blood donors who want to help save lives. Canine Heroes who donate blood will save lives! Veterinarians and pets are in need for blood products, mostly in urgent situations. Far Country Canine Blood Bank is selecting DEA 1.1 Negative donors and making blood available to other animal hospitals and doctors for pets in need. 

Currently, blood products are shipped to Alaska from an animal blood bank out of state, which can essentially affect the ability to treat pets with emergencies in a timely manner.  Far Country Canine Blood Bank would like to be able to provide our clients with options for treatment of their pets.

We need YOU and your dog! There are a few requirements in order to participate and a few rewards as well. Overall, saving lives is the best reward! Help us help pets in need by allowing your dog to be a blood donor today.
We need YOU and your dog! There are a few requirements in order to participate and a few rewards as well. Overall, saving lives is the best reward! Help us help pets in need by allowing your dog to be a blood donor today!! 

Blood Donor Eligibility Requirements:
1. Your dog must be at least 50 pounds.
2. Your dog must be less than 7 years old.
3. Your dog must be in good health.
4. Your dog must have a good temperament & be easy to handle at the veterinarians’ office.
5. Your dog must be current on Canine Rabies and Distemper-Parvo Vaccinations.
6. Your dog must NOT be on any prescribed medications.
7. Female dogs must not have had a history of pregnancy.
8. Your dog must be spayed or neutered.

Step 1: Pre-Screening

• If you think your pet is a potential blood donor, you will be asked to complete a health questionnaire about your dog and provide proof of its current vaccinations.
• After the health screening questionnaire is completed, you may set up an appointment for a FREE exam to determine if your dog would be a potential candidate for a blood donor.

Step 2: Initial Screening 

• The Doctor will perform a thorough physical exam on the dog. Health, ease of handling, and temperament of the dog will be determined and noted in their patient file.
• Dogs with appropriate temperaments and in good health have two vials of blood drawn for blood type screening. The most important blood type in dogs is “DEA 1.1 Negative” as this can be used as a “UNIVERSAL” blood type. This means that even if the dog needing the blood is a different blood type, they should not have any adverse reactions if they receive a DEA 1.1 Negative blood type. 

Step 3: Blood Donations

• Dogs selected for the program will be asked to make a donation every 2-3 months on a regular schedule.
• If there is an emergency and blood supplies for the blood bank are critically low, you may be asked to come in on nights, weekends, and even holidays to donate blood.

Rewards for Being a Canine Blood Donor at FCCBB:

• OVER $300 worth of blood testing performed annually at NO CHARGE: Blood typing, Annual Physical Exam, and blood chemistry profiles to include complete blood counts and thyroid testing.
• A donor is eligible to receive one unit of blood or plasma for every unit of blood donated FREE OF CHARGE should illness or injury ever warrant its use.
• After the first year of donations, the donor will receive a “Canine Hero” ID tag which will identify them as a donor, complete with the dogs’ name and blood type.
• Knowing your dog is saving lives with each donation.

Call or stop by soon to get more information on how your dog can become a blood donor!

Check it out! Far Country Canine Blood Bank was in the news August 15th, 2011. Click below to view the article.