California is making gradual progress toward replacing closed-colony animal blood banks with operations that obtain blood from pets in the community. A law change on animal blood banking nearly two years ago was intended to alleviate shortages of blood for dogs and cats and end the practice of keeping animals caged for years as blood donors.
What are closed-colony animal blood banks?
Closed-colony animal blood banks are facilities that keep dogs and cats in captivity and collect blood from them every few weeks. These animals are usually retired racing greyhounds or shelter animals that are not adopted. Supporters of the closed-colony model say it ensures a reliable blood supply free from disease. Opponents consider it to be inhumane and archaic.
California was the only state in the U.S. that required blood banks to obtain blood from captive animals until January 2022, when a new law went into effect that allowed veterinarians to open animal blood banks using blood drawn from pets living in the community. California pet owners are now able to provide their animals for blood draws, usually in exchange for services, such as health screenings and examinations. Most commercial blood banks around the country similarly rely on pet-owner volunteer programs.
How many community blood banks are there in California?
In the nearly two years since the law went into effect, 39 community blood banks have registered with the California Veterinary Medical Board (CVMB) to obtain a blood bank premises permit. Nearly all, however, are only collecting blood for use in their own patients.
Only one community blood bank, Brave Unity Blood Bank, has started selling canine blood and blood component products, such as frozen plasma and red blood cells, to other veterinary practices in the state. Brave Unity Blood Bank is located at Lenity Vet Specialists and Emergency Care in Northern California and uses blood from dogs that belong to staff members or clients.
Dr. Kim Tong, the founder and medical director of Lenity and Brave Unity, said that she decided to start a community blood bank because she saw the need for more blood products in the state and wanted to offer an alternative to the closed-colony model.
“I think it’s more humane and ethical to use animals that are living in the community, that are loved and cared for, and that are willing to donate blood,” she said. “We also screen our donors very carefully and test them for infectious diseases and blood types. We follow the same standards as the closed-colony blood banks.”
When will the closed-colony blood banks be phased out?
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will discontinue licensing the two closed-colony blood banks in the state, Hemopet and Animal Blood Bank Inc., within 18 months of making a finding that community blood banks sold more canine blood and blood component products than closed-colony operations for four consecutive quarters.
Such a finding could be a long way off, as the demand for animal blood products still exceeds the supply in California. According to the CDFA, Hemopet and Animal Blood Bank Inc. sold a combined total of 15,000 units of canine blood and blood component products in 2022, while Brave Unity Blood Bank sold only 300 units.
Dr. Jean Dodds, the founder and president of Hemopet, said that she is not opposed to the idea of community blood banks, but she doubts that they can meet the needs of the state.
“We have been providing blood products for over 30 years, and we have a loyal customer base that trusts us and our quality control,” she said. “We also take good care of our donor animals, and we adopt them out to loving homes after they retire. We are not a puppy mill or a factory farm. We are a nonprofit organization that does a lot of good for the veterinary community and the animals.”
Dr. Dodds said that she hopes that the CDFA will extend the deadline for phasing out the closed-colony blood banks until there is enough evidence that community blood banks can provide a sufficient and safe blood supply for the state.
What are the benefits of community blood banks?
Advocates of community blood banks say that they offer several benefits over closed-colony blood banks, such as:
- Improving animal welfare by using pets that are living in normal environments and are not subjected to repeated blood draws in captivity.
- Increasing the diversity of blood types and antigens by using animals from different breeds and backgrounds.
- Reducing the risk of transmitting diseases that are not routinely tested for in closed-colony blood banks, such as tick-borne diseases and heartworm.
- Enhancing the bond between pet owners and their animals by involving them in the blood donation process and educating them about the importance of blood transfusions for veterinary medicine.
- Creating a sense of community and collaboration among veterinary practices that participate in blood banking and share blood products with each other.
Dr. Tong said that she hopes that more veterinarians and pet owners will join the community blood banking movement and help save the lives of animals in need.
“It’s a very rewarding experience to see your own pet or your client’s pet donate blood and know that they are helping another animal,” she said. “It’s also a great way to raise awareness and educate the public about animal blood banking and transfusion medicine. I think it’s the future of veterinary blood banking in California and beyond.”
