British pet owners are paying steep prices for diagnostic scans, with many only now realising that veterinary MRI costs can exceed those for private human patients.
A dog MRI in the UK averaged £3,789 in 2025, according to insurance firm NimbleFins, while scans for cats averaged £3,161. By comparison, a full-body MRI at a private hospital typically costs between £1,500 and £2,500.
The disparity is driven by a mix of factors, including anaesthesia, lower usage rates and tax differences.
One key factor is VAT. Private healthcare for humans is largely exempt, but veterinary services attract the standard 20% rate. This means a £1,500 scan includes about £250 in tax before the clinic earns any revenue.
Another major cost is anaesthesia. Unlike human patients, animals must usually be sedated to remain still during scans.
Rob Williams, a veterinary surgeon and president of the British Veterinary Association, said this process typically requires at least two trained staff members. He estimates anaesthesia alone accounts for 25–40% of the total cost.
MRI machines used by veterinary clinics are similar to those in hospitals, with comparable installation and maintenance expenses. The difference lies in utilisation.
Hospital scanners operate throughout the day, handling multiple patients. In contrast, a veterinary clinic may use its scanner only once or twice a week, spreading fixed costs across far fewer cases and pushing up individual bills.
Vets also often send scan images to specialist radiologists for interpretation, adding another layer of expense.
The broader trend reflects rising veterinary costs. The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority found prices increased by 63% between 2016 and 2023, citing limited price transparency and increasing industry consolidation.
New regulations aim to address this. Veterinary practices will soon be required to publish prices and provide written estimates for treatments expected to exceed £500.
Data from price comparison platform Vet Fair shows costs for identical procedures can vary by 100–150% between clinics in the same area.
While greater transparency may not make pet MRIs cheaper, it could help owners make more informed choices and avoid overpaying.
