Background: While there has been extensive investigation into the selection and retention of human blood donors, veterinary research in this area is limited. This study aimed to identify the reasons for the rejection and withdrawal of canine and feline blood donors from a blood donation programme.
Methods: Records of cats and dogs presenting as prospective blood donors and/or donating between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Reasons for rejection at sign-up were categorised into medical and temperament. Reasons why animals left before retirement age were categorised into medical, temperament and owner related.
Results: Data from 362 dogs and 134 cats were analysed. Cats (20.8%) were more likely to be rejected than dogs (5.2%) at sign-up, mostly due to medical reasons. Both species often left the blood donor service early due to temperament reasons. Owner and medical reasons for leaving early were also common.
Limitation: This was a retrospective study with subjective assessment of temperament.
Conclusions: Inability to donate due to temperament and medical reasons is common. When recruiting blood donors, it should be recognised that a fairly high proportion will not be successful. Owner understanding and motivation are essential to ensure successful selection and retention of donors, which allows amortisation of recruitment costs.
Keywords: behaviour; blood donor; cardiomyopathy; transfusion.
© 2023 The Authors. Veterinary Record published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Veterinary Association.