Veterinary Blood Bank
Life-Saving Blood When Every Second Counts
Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch's in-house blood bank is one of the only hospital-based veterinary blood banks between Tampa and Fort Myers. As a VECCS Level 3 accredited facility, we maintain a full inventory of blood products, plasma, cryoprecipitate, and antivenin on-site, so treatment can begin the moment your pet needs it.
Our blood bank is fully integrated into our emergency, critical care, and surgical services, supporting pets facing trauma, severe illness, or complex procedures any time of day, every day of the year.
Why a Blood Bank Matters
Why Access to Blood Can Make a Difference
In emergency and critical care situations, time is often the most critical factor. Conditions involving blood loss, anemia, or clotting disorders can progress rapidly, and delays in treatment may significantly impact outcomes.
By maintaining an on-site blood bank, our team can begin transfusions promptly when they are medically necessary, supporting stabilization, improving survival, and giving pets the best possible chance at recovery.
Immediate access allows us to focus on treatment, not logistics, when every second matters.
In-house Blood Bank with Immediate Access to Life-saving Blood Products
Our veterinary blood bank is equipped to support a wide range of emergency and medical needs with carefully managed blood products. Products are selected based on patient condition, urgency, and compatibility. All blood products are stored, handled, and administered according to strict medical protocols to ensure safety, quality, and effectiveness for every patient. Our blood products include:
Seamlessly Integrated Into Emergency and All Specialty Services
Our blood bank is not a standalone service. It is fully integrated into our emergency, surgical, and intensive care teams. This allows blood products to be administered quickly and safely when patients require immediate stabilization, advanced surgical intervention, or ongoing ICU support.
Because diagnostics, transfusions, monitoring, and treatment all occur under one roof, our team can make timely, informed decisions without transferring care or delaying treatment. This integrated approach helps reduce stress for pets and their families while supporting better medical outcomes.
Become a Blood Donor
A Simple Way Your Pet Can Help Save Lives
Our blood bank relies on a dedicated group of healthy donor pets to provide life-saving transfusions for patients in emergency, surgery, and critical care 24 hours a day. Eligible donor dogs and cats are carefully screened for health, temperament, and safety, and donations are performed under the supervision of our medical team. All of our blood donors tolerate donations very well and can safely donate several times a year.
All blood bank donor pets receive complimentary veterinary services, including wellness exams, bloodwork, core vaccines, preventatives, treats, and bandanas. Donors also receive NexGard Plus flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as a thank you for helping save lives. It's our way of giving back to the pets and families who make our blood bank possible.
All donor pets are carefully screened and monitored to ensure safety and comfort during every donation.
When a Blood Transfusion May Be Recommended
Blood transfusions are recommended when a pet’s body cannot safely compensate for blood loss, anemia, or clotting disorders on its own. In emergency situations, transfusion therapy may be critical to restoring oxygen delivery, stabilizing circulation, and preventing further deterioration. A transfusion may be considered in cases such as:
Carefully Screened.
Closely Monitored.
Responsibly Managed.
Patient safety is at the center of every transfusion we perform. All blood products are handled using strict medical protocols, including blood typing, compatibility testing, and careful monitoring before, during, and after transfusion.
Our team follows established veterinary transfusion guidelines to minimize risks and ensure each patient receives the appropriate product for their specific condition. Throughout the process, pets are closely monitored for response and comfort, with adjustments made as needed to support a safe and effective transfusion.
A Resource for the Veterinary Community
The VMC blood bank also serves as a critical resource for referring veterinarians managing complex or emergency cases. We work with referring practices to support patients who require transfusion services, advanced diagnostics, or intensive care monitoring.
Our team prioritizes clear communication and coordinated care, providing timely updates and working alongside primary veterinarians to support continuity of treatment and long-term outcomes for shared patients.
Founded to Support Critical Care
The Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch blood bank was founded by Lesleigh Redavid, DVM, DACVECC, to ensure critically ill and injured pets have immediate access to life-saving blood products when time matters most. As a board-certified critical care specialist, Dr. Redavid recognized the importance of preparedness in emergency and ICU settings where delays in transfusion can significantly impact outcomes.
The blood bank is managed with the support of Courtney, CVT, VTS (ECC), who works closely alongside Dr. Redavid to oversee blood handling, coordination, and day-to-day operations. Together, they help ensure transfusion services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the hospital’s emergency, surgical, and critical care teams. This collaborative approach allows VMC to provide timely, responsible transfusion support as part of comprehensive, patient-centered care.
What to Expect If Your Pet Needs a Transfusion
Clear Guidance During Stressful Moments
If your pet requires a blood transfusion, our team will take the time to explain why it’s recommended, what it involves, and what to expect before, during, and after treatment. We understand how overwhelming these decisions can feel, especially in emergency situations.
You’ll receive transparent information, compassionate guidance, and ongoing updates throughout your pet’s care. Our goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and confident in every decision made on your pet’s behalf.
Immediate Support When Every Second Counts
Here, When It Matters Most
When every moment counts, having immediate access to blood products can make a life-saving difference. At Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch, our blood bank allows us to act quickly, decisively, and compassionately 24 hours a day.
Whether your pet needs emergency care, surgical support, or intensive medical treatment, our team is here to help.
Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch
15205 Garnet Trail, Bradenton, FL 34211
Phone: (941) 739-1800
Hours: Open 24 hours a day