Every day, pets face emergencies that require fast access to blood. Whether it’s a serious injury, a complex surgery, or a chronic illness like anemia, blood transfusions can mean the difference between life and death. But for many veterinary hospitals, finding compatible blood on short notice isn’t always possible.

That’s why we created a solution right here in Buford, GA—the in-house veterinary blood bank at North Georgia Veterinary Specialists (NGVS). Our mission is simple: to make sure every pet in our care has immediate access to safe, lifesaving blood products—when they need it most.
If you’re a local pet owner looking to make a difference, your healthy dog or cat may be able to
join our donor program and help save other pets’ lives.
Not Enough Blood for the Pets Who Need It Most
When a pet experiences blood loss from trauma, surgery, or disease, transfusions are often the only option. These transfusions require typed, tested, and disease-free blood, which isn’t always available in smaller or non-specialty veterinary clinics.

That gap can cause critical delays in treatment—delays that can be devastating.
In some cases, even a few hours can change an outcome. That’s why having a reliable, local source of blood is so vital.
Emergency Moments Are Not the Time to Search for Help
Imagine rushing your dog to the ER after he’s been hit by a car—or learning your cat needs an urgent surgery due to a ruptured tumor. In those terrifying moments, you don’t want to hear “We’re out of blood” or “We have to wait for a shipment.”
Unfortunately, many clinics rely on out-of-state blood banks or small-volume supplies that can run dry quickly. And shipping delays or compatibility issues can cost precious time.
Without immediate access to quality blood products, pets lose critical treatment windows—and families lose hope.
A 24/7 Veterinary Blood Bank You Can Trust
At North Georgia Veterinary Specialists, we’re proud to offer around-the-clock access to fresh and frozen blood products for dogs and cats. Our blood bank is overseen by experienced emergency and specialty veterinarians who ensure:
- Safe, sterile collection
- Blood typing and cross-matching
- Thorough disease screening
- Proper storage and inventory tracking
Whether it’s whole blood, packed red blood cells, plasma, or platelets, our in-house bank is stocked and ready to go—so no pet has to wait.
This service is available not just to our patients but to any referring veterinary clinic that needs support during a pet emergency. We work hand-in-hand with local veterinarians across North Georgia to ensure they have what they need to save lives.
You Can Help: Enroll Your Pet in Our Donor Program
Healthy pets are heroes here. We welcome qualified dogs and cats between the ages of 1 and 7 years to join our blood donor program. Donors must meet specific health, weight, and temperament requirements and undergo regular screenings to ensure safety.
In return for their donation, our donor pets receive:
- A free physical exam at each donation visit
- Routine blood work and disease screening
- Lots of love and treats from our veterinary team
- The pride of helping other pets live longer, healthier lives
Most importantly, pet owners get the satisfaction of knowing their dog or cat is making a real difference—right here in our community.
Get Involved Today
Pet parents often ask us, “How can I give back?” Joining our donor program is one of the most powerful ways to do just that. If your pet qualifies, they can become part of a lifesaving team that provides critical care to animals in their most vulnerable moments.

Even if your pet isn’t eligible, spreading the word about our blood bank can help others get involved.
