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About Us
About Our Blood Bank
Why Choose Us?
Our blood bank is unique. We are proud to be the largest canine volunteer blood bank in the nation.
Our canine donors are never sedated or forced to donate blood. Other blood banks have dogs that live on the premise donate blood. Our donors live in homes and come from a wide variety of backgrounds and breeds; from rescue dogs to show winners, service dogs, athletes to couch potatoes.
As the largest all-canine donor blood bank in the nation, you will be part of an organization consisting entirely of volunteer donors. We only accept volunteer donor dogs because we believe that lifesaving blood products do not need to come at the expense of the donor's quality of life and humane treatment.
The original blood bank, EVBB, was started in Severna Park in the early 1990s.
BRVA carried on that torch in early 2011, thus ensuring access to life-saving blood, sourced humanely.
We are constantly recruiting new donors to be able to expand our ability to supply local animal hospitals, emergency centers, cancer treatment centers, and university teaching hospitals.
We also help multiple non-profit groups and educate students and community groups throughout the year as well.
In spring of 2018, "Harley" sustained an unfortunate vehicle accident.
She was thrown out of her owner’s vehicle.
The extent of her injuries were not known. Initially, her owners were not sure if she was going to make it.
In spring of 2018, "Harley" sustained an unfortunate vehicle accident.
She was thrown out of her owner’s vehicle.
The extent of her injuries were not known. Initially, her owners were not sure if she was going to make it.
They had driven to western Loudoun County to visit friends and were unfamiliar with the area.
A good Samaritan saw that they were in need and offered to help them navigate to the nearest ER Vet. Upon triage by Blue Ridge Vets, her prognosis was guarded.
She had a broken upper palette, lost a lot of blood, and suffered a great bit of damage to her leg. Harley’s vitals were stable, but she was not in great spirits.
It wasn't until her doggy sister Bella walked past her bed that she really perked up.
This was a good sign! Harley was in BRVA's care for two weeks.
She received a blood transfusion and surgery to repair the damage to her mouth. After 3 months of physical therapy and laser treatment, it was determined it was best for her mobility to amputate her leg.
Learning about the process of dog blood banking after Harley received a lifesaving transfusion, her family knew they had to help!
Bella, her sister, came to donate with us the following year, and once Harley was completely healed and mobile, she became a donor too.
Their entire family tells everyone they meet that dogs can give blood and save lives too.
Without willing donor families like the ones that give so selflessly in our program, Harley might have never come home. Coming soon, more lifesaving stories from the recipients of our blood products!
