Basic Sciences Bldg. 2001 S. Lincoln Ave. The process of collecting and transfusing blood is very similar in veterinary and human medicine.
Blood is species specific-dogs can receive only dog blood and cats can receive only cat blood.
In addition, dogs and cats have blood types just as humans have blood types. Cats have A, B, and AB groups with specific factors within these groups that further differentiate them. Dogs that are A negative are considered universal donors. Multiple transfusions can also be a problem. Even though the donor and recipient may be compatible originally, the recipient's immune system may build up a sensitivity to a specific donor.