Why do vets charge more to scan an animal than a private hospital would to scan a human?

"The typical cost of an MRI for a dog was 3,789 in 2025 in the UK, while for a cat it was 3,161 and for a rabbit, it was about 2,500."

"One big factor in the difference is VAT. This tax is not payable on most private hospital care but it is applied to vets' bills, at the standard rate of 20%."

"When a human is having an MRI they are usually conscious but when a dog or cat has a CT scan, MRI or even an X-ray, we tend to anaesthetise them."

"Williams estimates 25%-40% of the cost of a veterinary MRI is due to the need for anesthesia and additional personnel to monitor the procedure."

The cost of MRI scans for pets is significantly higher than for humans, with a typical dog MRI costing around £3,789 in the UK. Unlike human patients, pets often require anesthesia for scans, necessitating additional staff and resources. VAT is also applied to veterinary services, increasing costs. While private human scans range from £1,500 to £2,500, the overall expenses for veterinary care reflect the advanced technology and care required for animals, making comparisons between human and animal scans complex.

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