MSU Student’s Website Helps Boost Dog Blood Donations, Wins Awards

A website built by Michigan State student Emma Beach sparked a rise in pet blood donations at a local vet clinic, earning her two major Girl Scout honors. Her site links pet owners to blood banks and breaks down the donation process.

"Raising awareness and education for canine blood donations. So, I made a public website for people where they can find blood banks to donate or if they need blood for their animals," Beach said per ClickOnDetroit.

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services in Bloomfield Township, blood supplies grew after the site's launch. Beach noted, "I don't know the exact number, but there was an increase in donations coming specifically here after the project."

Her work caught the attention of Girl Scouts leadership. The Southeast Michigan chapter awarded her their Gold Award plus a scholarship for outstanding young women. Jan Robertjohn from the organization praised the project: "It was extraordinary. Her project proposal was something our committee had never seen before."

As a vet assistant at Oakland's emergency clinic, Beach stays busy. She steadies animals during crisis care, takes blood samples, monitors vital stats, and keeps watch during medical treatments.

Beach's path was clear from early on. "I've always wanted to be a vet," she said. 

Her site, pumpingpups.org, spells out donor requirements clearly. Qualified dogs must fall between ages 1 and 7, with a minimum weight of 50 pounds.