How Much Does an MRI Cost for a Dog or Cat?

If your dog has been recommended for an MRI, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is:

“How much is this going to cost?”

The answer can be confusing—and sometimes frustrating—because prices vary widely depending on where you go and what’s included.

This guide will walk you through:

• What a veterinary MRI typically costs
• Why prices vary so much
• And how to make sure you’re getting real value—not surprises

Typical Cost of a Veterinary MRI

In most cases, a veterinary MRI will cost somewhere between:

$2,700 and $5,500+

That’s a big range. And here’s why:

Many facilities advertise a lower “base price,” but additional services are often billed separately.

These can include:

• Anesthesia
• Monitoring
• Contrast dye
• Neurological exam
• Radiologist interpretation

By the time everything is added, the final cost can add up to thousands of dollars  higher than the initial quote.

Why MRI Pricing Can Be Confusing

Veterinary MRI pricing isn’t always straightforward.

Some centers use a menu-style approach, where each component is billed individually. That can make the initial price look lower—but the total cost less predictable.

Our center offers all-inclusive pricing, which bundles everything into one clear number.

This approach closes the gap between what you’re being quoted vs. what you’ll actually pay.

What’s Included in an MRI scan?

A complete MRI should include:

• General anesthesia (so your pet stays still and safe)
• Continuous monitoring during the scan
• Contrast imaging (when medically appropriate)
• A detailed interpretation by a board-certified veterinary radiologist
• A plan for next steps based on the findings

If any of these are not included in the initial quote, they may be added later.

Our Approach: Simple, All-Inclusive Pricing

At Veterinary Outpatient MRI – Seizure & Spine Diagnostic Center, we’ve taken a different approach.

We offer:

$2,700 all-inclusive MRI

• Includes anesthesia, monitoring, contrast, and radiologist report
• No hidden fees or add-ons

If additional areas need to be scanned:

• $300 per additional area

A Critical Step Most Pet Owners Don’t Know About

Before jumping straight to an MRI, there’s an important step that can help determine whether imaging is even necessary:

A Comprehensive Neurological Exam

This exam evaluates how your pet’s brain and nervous system are functioning and helps answer a key question:

Is the problem likely coming from the brain or spine?

At our center:

• The neurological exam is complimentary when an MRI is performed
• If an MRI is not indicated, it can be done as a standalone exam for $125

This helps ensure:

• The right test is done
• At the right time
• For the right reason

Getting Answers Faster Matters

When a pet is experiencing seizures, weakness, or difficulty walking, time matters.

An MRI can often provide:

• A clear diagnosis
• A faster path to treatment
• Relief from uncertainty

In many cases, results are available quickly, with:
Radiologist reports typically delivered within 48 hours

How to Avoid Overpaying for an MRI

When comparing options, here are a few questions to ask:

• Is the price all-inclusive?
• Does it include anesthesia, contrast, and interpretation?
• Is a neurological exam part of the process?
• Are there additional fees I should expect?

Clarity upfront can save both money and stress.

Final Thoughts

An MRI is one of the most powerful tools available for diagnosing neurological and spinal conditions in pets.

But just as important as the test itself is:
How it’s approached

A thoughtful, step-by-step process—combined with transparent pricing—can make all the difference.

Next Step: Get Clear Answers

If your dog has been recommended for an MRI or is experiencing symptoms like seizures or mobility issues, we’re here to help.

Call us to discuss your case or
Schedule a neurological exam

You’ll get clear guidance on what’s needed—and what’s not—so you can make the best decision for your pet. 

Veterinary Outpatient MRI-Seizure and Spine Diagnostic Center

3137 E Lincoln Drive

Phoenix, AZ 85016

602 825 3445; admin@vetoutpatientmri.com