INDIANAPOLIS — IndyVet Emergency & Specialty Hospital (IndyVet), central Indiana’s original 24-hour emergency and critical care veterinary center, will host a canine blood donor open house for central Indiana dog owners from 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 26 at its facility right off I-465 and Emerson Avenue on Indianapolis’ southeast side.
IndyVet will host two informative presentations on the unique blood donor program for animals, and also highlight money saving perks for donors, which includes free annual exams and vaccines, plus discounts on heartworm and flea medications, and more. Guests can tour the facility, meet the staff and hear testimony from other pet parents who participate in the program.
Even 1970s and 80s local children’s TV icon “Cowboy Bob” known from WTTV-Channel 4’s series Cowboy Bob’s Corral (with dog sidekick named Tumbleweed), will appear with his two dogs: 1-year-old Rocky and 4-year-old Lela — as they participate in the unique program. Two of his other dogs previously required multiple blood transfusions at IndyVet to treat immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a condition that affects the immune system.
Dogs who meet the requirements as donors need to be: between 1 and 8 years old, weigh at least 35 pounds, and be current on heartworm preventative and vaccines.
For those that meet the criteria, dog owners can sign their dog up for a blood screening on Sept. 26 by filling out a pre-registration form on IndyVet.com under “Blood Bank.” Thirty-minute screenings will be scheduled first-come, first-served in advance only, but reservations can also be made for another day and can also be scheduled at the event.
Screenings booked in advance or during the event will receive complimentary blood work, which is a $200 value. This blood work will determine if the dog can become a regular donor by donating blood at a minimum of every two months.
To book a screening or for more information on IndyVet’s blood donor program, visit IndyVet.com.