How Much Does a Dog MRI Cost? Why Is It Expensive?

Quick Takeaways

• Dog MRIs can be expensive, typically from $2,300 to $5,000 or higher.¹
• The cost can vary based on your location, chosen facility, and the complexity of the procedure.
• Your dog might need an MRI if they have a complex medical issue that requires detailed imaging.
• Pet insurance may reimburse you for your dog’s MRI expenses. MetLife Pet can reimburse you as long as it is for a covered accident or illness.

The cost of dog MRIs varies widely because it reflects the additional costs associated with getting an MRI, including things like sedation, bloodwork, specialists to interpret the images, and maintenance costs. Because of these factors, MRIs are considered the most expensive diagnostic test for dogs.¹ However, pet insurance like MetLife Pet can help you cover the costs.

If your dog needs an MRI and you don’t have pet insurance, be prepared to spend a fair amount of time navigating the veterinary health system. Here’s what you can expect if your dog needs an MRI.

What Is an MRI?

An MRI — short for magnetic resonance imaging — can diagnose complicated medical issues better than a physical exam or a simple X-ray or CT scan. An MRI scan is a noninvasive way to diagnose a litany of conditions by creating a detailed, high-quality image of your pet’s body.²

When would my dog need an MRI?

A senior dog, a very active dog, or a dog with pre-existing conditions is more likely to need MRIs. Your dog may need an MRI if other tests, like blood work, fail to determine why your dog is sick.

MRI scans can reveal details of soft tissues, tendons, and ligaments.² However, most MRI scans are used to diagnose brain and spinal issues. MRIs can diagnose many diseases that other scans miss, including:³

• Small tumors
• Strokes
• Meningitis
• Infections
• Degeneration, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Encephalitis

How Much Does a Dog’s MRI Cost?

On average, a dog's MRI typically falls between $2,300 and $5,000, but it can be higher.¹ MRIs are expensive because the imaging machine costs millions of dollars to obtain.⁴ These machines use magnetic fields to create their detailed images and the entire process can take an hour or more. Radiologists, a type of veterinary specialist, are trained to use these machines, analyze their images, and care for your pet throughout the process.

Why does a dog MRI cost so much?

The cost of the machine and the specialists contribute to what you are charged for a dog’s MRI. Likely, your local vet doesn’t have a radiologist on staff. They may have to refer you to a specialist at another veterinary hospital or to an imaging center. Based on your referral, the specialist will prepare a quote for you. The quoted price may not include all the additional items that typically accompany an MRI, such as:³

• Anesthesia
• Hospital stay
• IV fluids and catheter
• Staff monitoring
• Blood tests
• Physical exam
• X-rays

The cost of an MRI can also vary widely depending on where you live, what facility you choose to use, and the complexity of your dog’s condition. Work closely with your veterinary care team to negotiate the cost when possible. There are many options available if you can’t afford the cost of your dog’s care.

Additional costs

Keep in mind that MRIs are a diagnostic tool. While they can help your veterinarian determine what’s wrong with your dog, they may still need treatment in addition to the MRI. This can lead to significant additional costs.

Here are examples of real-life savings MetLife Pet policyholders received for common conditions that can be confirmed with MRIs:⁵

• Nickel, a 6-year-old pup from Louisiana, needed surgery for her IVDD. The bill came to $4,000 and MetLife Pet reimbursed her parents for over $3,200.
• Riggins, a senior goldendoodle from Colorado, was diagnosed with an abdominal tumor. Surgery came to $3,000, and MetLife Pet reimbursed his parents for $2,650.

My Dog Needs an MRI: Now What?

Prepare to drop your pal off at their appointment time. Your care team will give you instructions on caring for them when you pick them up later that day. Your dog will need anesthesia because, unlike humans, dogs can’t stay perfectly still.¹ Anesthesia side effects are rare since anesthesiologists tailor the medications to your pet and monitor them closely through the scan. By this point, you can trust that the care team will return your dog with minimal adverse effects.

After the scan, you will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results. Then you’ll be able to figure out what to do next with your pup’s care.

What if I can’t afford an MRI for my dog?

You can ask your veterinarian for a referral for the MRI. Don’t be afraid to shop around for a lower-cost option — some clinics provide imaging for pets for as low as $300.⁶ If you still can’t afford one, talk to your veterinarian. They may be able to recommend a lower-cost alternative.

Pet Insurance Can Cover the Cost of a Dog MRI

Hopefully, you aren’t in a situation where your dog needs an MRI. If you have an older dog, the best thing to do is to keep up with their exams to catch issues while the conditions are treatable. A healthy, well-cared-for dog is every pet parent’s goal.

We understand that hearing “your dog needs an MRI” can be extremely stressful. The good news is that MetLife’s Pet Insurance has policies that could cover diagnostic scans for your pet. Plan ahead and invest in your pet’s health so you can pick the best care team in their hour of need. Get started by fetching a quote.