Pets in need of blood on East Coast

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hurricane Sandy has placed a demand for animal blood on states affected by the storm. The Indianapolis Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center is seeking the help of pet owners around the state.

IVEC distributes canine and feline blood locally and nationwide. The organization works with 90 veterinary hospitals on the East Coast alone and it is estimated that more than 60 clinics have been affected.

Officials say pets need blood transfusions and major surgeries after an emergency or disaster, much like humans. Officials are concerned that the lack of power puts a higher need on blood replenishing due to lack of refrigeration; Blood cannot be used once it has reached room temperature.

In order to become a donor the pet's blood is screened to determine blood type and whether or not the pet meets donor requirements.

For more information on donating your pets blood, please visit the IVEC website .