Just as people may need a blood transfusion, animals can require the same life-saving treatment for certain illnesses. It isn’t a stretch to say that dogs share many physiological similarities with humans, including the need for blood donations. Henry, a nine-year-old hunting dog, has become a dedicated donor, and his blood has helped numerous dogs in need.
Experts point to several common situations that prompt canine blood donations. When a dog is hit by a car, involved in a fight, or undergoes surgery, a steady supply of compatible blood can be the difference between a difficult recovery and a successful outcome. Claire Sharp, associate professor of veterinary medicine and manager of the blood bank at Murdoch University Animal Hospital in Perth, Australia, emphasizes how essential these donations are. She notes the role Henry plays at the donors’ program based at the hospital where he volunteers his blood for fellow canines.
Blood banks for animals began appearing in the United States and eventually spread to other nations, growing substantially since their inception in the 1960s. Today, the expansion of pet welfare services has brought significant improvements in how veterinary care is delivered. Sharp observes that in the past, families might choose to say goodbye sooner when pets became gravely ill. Now, with broader access to treatments and transfusions, many families opt to pursue care in the hope of a favorable outcome and extended quality time with their companions.
At the Perth clinic, the animal blood bank maintains records for roughly 70 dog donors and 40 cat donors. Like humans, animals have blood types that may or may not be compatible across species and individuals. For example, while cat blood is often preferred for transfusions to cats, a shortage of feline blood can necessitate using donor dog blood to save a life. This cross-species flexibility underscores the practical realities faced by veterinary teams when every minute matters in a critical transfer of life-sustaining blood.
Henry’s owner, Alisha Ayton, who also works at Murdoch’s clinic, highlights the dog’s ideal temperament for donation. He is calm, familiar with the routine, and comfortable in the environment. He reportedly hops onto the table and settles into position, demonstrating a cooperative spirit that makes the donation process smoother for both the dog and the veterinary team. This level of ease is what enables Henry to contribute so consistently to the program.
Since his first donation in 2016, Henry has completed 18 successful donations, earning recognition as the clinic’s oldest donor. His contributions have reached a diverse group of breeds, including a French bulldog mix, a Jack Russell terrier, a cavoodle, a bullmastiff, and a Rottweiler. The continued generosity of Henry and other canine donors helps ensure that a wide range of dogs can receive transfusions when needed, supporting better outcomes across medical conditions and emergencies.