Donating blood this weekend could help save both people and pets.
Anyone who donates blood at Alachua County Animal Services on Saturday can either adopt a shelter animal for free or sponsor an adoption for someone else as part of its Heart 2 Heart Partnership Program with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.
The blood drive will take place at the 3400 NE 53rd Ave. shelter. Adoption coordinator Dory Rosati, 26, said she hopes the 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. event draws extra attention to the animals.
“It’s a nice way to help if you’re a college student,” she said, “so if you can’t adopt right now, it’s a great way to help someone else adopt.”
UF biology sophomore Tori Hall said she fostered five puppies after volunteering at the Alachua County Humane Society.
“Really there’s no risk to you,” the 19-year-old said. “All you have to do is take care of them, which is honestly the best part.”
The blood drive is the shelter’s first time putting heartworm-positive dogs who have undergone treatment up for adoption. The No. 1 reason why dogs are euthanized is because they are heartworm positive, Rosati said.
“We’re hoping to raise funds and money needed to continue this program,” she said, “but we really want the whole community involved.”
Dogs and cats from Alachua County Animal Services awaited adoptions Saturday. The organization hosted the Summer Lovin’ Pet Adopt-a-thon where all adoptions were free to the public.
