Veterinary X-Ray Systems for Nonprofits

Many pet rescue organizations can greatly benefit from having radiographs available at their facility.

Here are some reasons to look into veterinary X-ray machines and how to acquire this equipment to offer diagnostic imaging to dogs, cats, or other pets at a nonprofit center.

Reasons to Invest in Veterinary Digital X-rays

Radiographs provide diagnostic value in many situations. Although the level of medical care provided by a nonprofit varies depending on their capacity, funding, staffing, and goals, x-ray images are one of the best tools that can be used on a wide variety of patients with a wide variety of medical conditions.

One example is taking radiographs of a pregnant dog or cat that arrives at the facility, to see how many puppies or kittens are expected and check that they are all delivered safely. Another common use is evaluating a pet for a potentially surgical medical problem, such as an intestinal obstruction. Radiographs can also help a veterinarian evaluate the extent of damage with traumatic injuries like fractured bones and help plan for treatment.

This is just scratching the surface. Radiographs are one of the most widely used diagnostic tools at veterinary clinics. Any rescue offering veterinary services (to facility pets awaiting adoption, or to client-owned pets) can certainly benefit from having a good X-ray system. Exotic pets, and even large animals like horses (typically with a portable X-ray machine), also frequently need imaging for a variety of medical conditions.

What About Digital Versus Film Radiographs?

Digital is largely favored nowadays. Specifically, veterinary DR systems (rather than CR x-rays) are a preferred technology.

DR radiographs offer several advantages, such as the speed of image acquisition (immediate), automatic settings, ease of image sharing, and reduced need for retakes thanks to quick image analysis and automatic settings that help adjust the image.

Additionally, there is no need to purchase further equipment to process images, unlike film and CR technology, which require a film processor and plate processor, respectively. Finally, as technology continues to advance, it’s easier to find replacement parts for newer tech like DR.

The Business Plan

With any new equipment purchase, it’s important to make sure the new machine and financial investment make sense for the organization. 

Some private and government-owned nonprofits must provide a business plan or proposal to whomever they are held accountable, whether that is public/government regulations, board members, or other overseeing entities. Even if a formal report or proposal isn’t necessary, it still makes sense to create a plan to ensure the investment is financially feasible.

Here are a few factors to consider for a business and financial plan…

• How will the equipment be used? Is it only for pets waiting to be adopted? Or will the organization offer services to client-owned pets in the community?

• Which specific services will be offered? While a lot of X-ray studies are standard, the medical team may also have the option to offer contrast studies or other variations. 

• Who will perform the services? Vet techs can set up and take veterinary X-ray studies. And through experience, many technicians also gain some skill in reading images, or at least checking them for correct alignment and quality to make sure the image is usable. However, radiographic studies should be ordered by a licensed veterinarian. The vet is also the only one who can interpret the images, for making a diagnosis and treatment plan. Some nonprofits might already have qualified staff on their team. Others must consider hiring, either on a full-time or part-time basis or working with experts who are willing to volunteer their time.

• Do any other equipment or supplies need to be purchased? A film processor or CR plate reader would be examples—although fortunately, neither is needed with DR technology. However, if the DR unit doesn’t come with a sensor, the organization must add that to its purchase list. Another consideration is sedation or general anesthesia. Chemical restraint is becoming favored in X-ray studies, both for patient comfort and staff safety. Finally, think about props such as positioning troughs.

• Remember radiation safety. Don’t forget lead aprons, radiation badges, and other safety/compliance supplies. Setting up an X-ray suite can also require lead-lined walls and other radiation compliance factors in the local jurisdiction.

• Will the nonprofit charge for veterinary x-ray studies—and if so, how much? If performing radiographs on adoptable pets, the cost should be factored into the operating costs of the facility. If offering services to client-owned pets, consider how much local pet owners can pay and how much the organization needs to charge per study to maintain financial health.

• How to make the purchase of new equipment financially feasible? For many organizations, donations, grants, or a funding drive can really help with this. Think about any money the new equipment will bring in, as well as any associated new costs, such as equipment maintenance, interest/financing charges, staff time, and associated supplies or services. 

• How to educate pet owners on the value being provided? This is especially important if offering services to client-owned pets.

• Are all local regulations and legal requirements for nonprofits in that state/jurisdiction being met?

Finding Veterinary X-ray Systems

A good strategy would be to invest in the best possible X-ray unit within the nonprofit’s budget. But where to look for one or find a good deal?

Used or refurbished X-ray systems may present an affordable option that is still in very good condition. Some will still have warranties and service plans in place, while others will not.

Some nonprofits benefit from donations of new or like-new veterinary equipment. This could come from other veterinarians in the area or even local human hospitals who are upgrading their equipment. 

Some vendors or other organizations might offer new equipment as part of their own grant program, nonprofit arm, or effort to save on taxes. Or they might be willing to part with their demo or loaner machines for a very reasonable price.

Veterinary X-ray systems are one of the most universally used pieces of equipment that can help a lot of patients. With some planning and due diligence, it can be an excellent investment for any rescue or nonprofit that offers basic or advanced veterinary services to the animals in their care.

 Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM 

Veterinary Dental Equipment and X-ray for Nonprofits

Many pet rescue organizations, adoption centers, and other nonprofits use veterinary dental care to improve the health of pets being adopted or to provide a service to the local pet-owning community.

Here are some reasons to consider looking into veterinary dental equipment and offering dental services to dogs, cats, or other pets at a nonprofit center—as well as ideas for making it happen.

Reasons to Invest in Veterinary Dental Care

Along with obesity, dental disease is one of the most common preventable medical ailments in pets in the US. According to AAHA, most dogs and cats over the age of three have some degree of dental disease.

Dental disease can lead to periodontal disease, in which the structures that hold teeth in place are compromised. This can cause pain, infections, and tooth loss. Additionally, many pets suffer from common dental conditions like broken teeth, resorptive lesions (mainly in cats), and more.

Many of these conditions can be treated right there in the nonprofit or rescue organization. This could potentially offer benefits such as allowing pets to be more comfortable until they’re adopted or improving the mood and sociability of these pets by alleviating any dental pain they might be experiencing. 

Additionally, many experienced or knowledgeable pet owners know that they would need to pay for dental treatment (along with associated anesthesia costs) for a pet that has dental or periodontal disease. So, in theory, a “clean dental slate” could possibly improve the adaptability of some pets. The pet’s better-smelling breath might help in that regard, too.

Some nonprofit organizations also offer low-cost veterinary services to the community, either to all pet owners or to those who demonstrate proof of a low income. Dental care could be a great way to improve the overall well-being of those pets.

The Business Plan

While it would be wonderful to offer every possible healthcare service to pets in need, whether those waiting to be adopted or those who already have homes in the community, any organization must do their due diligence and ensure the new equipment/service offerings make sense to them.

Some private and government-owned nonprofits must provide a business plan or proposal to whomever they are held accountable, whether that means public/government regulations, board members, or other overseeing entities. Even if a formal report or proposal isn’t necessary, it still makes sense to create a plan to ensure the investment is financially feasible.

Here are a few factors to consider for a business and financial plan…

• How will the equipment be used? Is it only for pets waiting to be adopted? Or will the organization offer services to client-owned pets in the community?

• Which specific services will be offered? With dental care, this might include dental cleanings, dental radiographs, and treatment of specific conditions such as extractions of diseased or injured teeth.

• Who will perform the services? Veterinary dental cleanings, radiographs, and oral surgery require general anesthesia under the guidance of a licensed veterinarian. Radiographs and cleanings can generally be performed by trained vet techs, but under the direction and supervision of a veterinarian. Some nonprofits might already have staff who are qualified to perform these procedures. Others must consider hiring, either on a full-time or part-time basis, or working with qualified experts who are willing to volunteer their time.

• Do any other equipment or supplies need to be purchased? As mentioned, general anesthesia is required. This is no problem for many organizations that already have surgical capabilities. But it might represent an additional investment for centers that are new to offering such services.

• Will the nonprofit charge for veterinary dental services—and if so, how much? If performing dental services on adoptable pets, the cost should be factored into the operations costs of the facility. If offering to client-owned pets, consider how much local pet owners can pay and how much the organization needs to charge to maintain financial health.

• Is the purchase of new equipment financially feasible? For many organizations, donations, grants, or a funding drive can really help with this. Think about any money the new equipment will bring in, as well as any associated new costs, such as equipment maintenance, interest/financing charges, staff time, and associated supplies. 

• How to educate pet owners on the value being provided? This is especially important if offering services to client-owned pets.

• Are all local regulations and legal requirements for nonprofits in that state/jurisdiction being met?

Finding Veterinary Dental X-ray Machines and Equipment

A good strategy would be to invest in the best possible machine within the nonprofit’s budget. But where to look for one or find a good deal?

Used or refurbished dental X-ray systems or cleaning units may present an affordable option that is still in very good condition. Some will still have warranties and service plans in place, while others will not.

Some nonprofits benefit from donations of new or like-new veterinary equipment. This could come from other veterinarians in the area or even local human hospitals or dentists’ offices who are upgrading their equipment. 

Some vendors or other organizations might offer new equipment as part of their own grant program, nonprofit arm, or effort to save on taxes. Or they might be willing to part with their demo or loaner machines for a very reasonable price.

With some planning and due diligence, many nonprofit pet organizations can find ways to offer veterinary dental services—yet another way to continue improving the health and quality of life of the animals they serve.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM 

Veterinary Equipment Considerations for Non-Profits

Non-profit veterinary practices can encompass a variety of different business models, each with its own unique equipment needs and purchasing considerations. 

Here are some things to think about when planning a new non-profit or purchasing equipment for an existing non-profit organization.

Wish List

Some not-for-profit clinics help pet owners of limited financial means with basic wellness services like vaccinations, while others might include spay/neuter surgeries or even a wide range of care for illnesses. Other non-profits are rescue organizations helping dogs, cats, or other species, or even exotic animals overseas. And many other possibilities exist.

The first step is to envision the mission, goals, and practice style of the clinic. Which species will be helped? Which services will be offered—for example, are surgeries, diagnostic imaging, or dental care on the list?

If the clinic will be serving owned pets, are there eligibility requirements for the pet owners (such as proof of low income), or will everyone be able to access the facility’s care? 

The plan might need to change based on a variety of factors, including local business laws and regulations and other practical considerations like finances. But having a clear vision for the practice will help new non-profit owners focus on their goals and top priorities when tough decisions must be made.

Budget, Funds, and Regulations

A clear goal or vision is crucial to starting a non-profit that helps pets or other animals. But unfortunately, the goal must fit into a realistic business plan to become a reality and be sustainable in the long term. Keeping the doors open is the best way to help most animals.

A business plan is a great place to start. This includes important considerations such as the budget. Equipment purchases, operating costs, staff compensation, insurance, rent and overhead expenses, marketing and fundraising efforts, tax considerations, and many other financial factors can make or break any business, including non-profits. 

Compared to for-profit businesses, non-profits also have unique legal and financial requirements, which may have some variability between jurisdictions.

For example, there may be specific guidelines in terms of how the money is tracked and utilized and how (and how much) employees are compensated. And businesses might be required to hold regular member or shareholder meetings, with meeting notes submitted to a local regulatory body.

While there can be enormous tax benefits to having a non-profit business, there’s also the matter of figuring out how money will come into the business. Is there a small charge for services (low-cost versus free)? How much can be reliably raised in donations in that city or location? And are there grants or other helpful programs to apply for?

This can be quite complicated, with high stakes, so it’s smart to consult a business, legal, and financial professionals who have some familiarity with veterinary businesses.

Experts are there for a reason, and they can help create a plan for a financially feasible clinic.

Where to Buy or Source Equipment

With all of the above sorted out, a veterinarian will have a better idea of which equipment they can and should purchase for their new non-profit. At this stage—or, if searching for affordable equipment for an already-established non-profit—here are a few ideas for sourcing equipment…

• Look for used veterinary equipment. Talk to local colleagues who are looking to upgrade their veterinary digital x-ray system, anesthesia monitoring equipment, or even smaller items like Tonopens or otoscopes. They might be willing to sell at a discount. Also, look for veterinary equipment selling sites such as usedvetequipment.com or explore sites like eBay.

• Ask for equipment donations. It never hurts to ask! Perhaps other vets in the area, or even local human hospitals, are planning to get rid of old equipment when they upgrade. There could be tax benefits to them for donating, so it’s possible the exchange could be mutually beneficial.

• Establish relationships with vendors. They might have demo or loaner models, or other gently used items they are willing to part with for a reasonable cost.

• Hold a fundraiser. Explain to the local community which equipment you are looking to purchase and why, i.e., how it will help the pets you serve. 

• Look for grants. Some equipment providers or charitable organizations might be able to fund equipment for non-profit organizations. 

• Work with local veterinary clinics. Some of them might be willing to rent out their space and equipment to a non-profit or rescue organization. This could be a more economical alternative to purchasing equipment.

Besides purchase costs, consider other factors like reliability, the size of the equipment (for example, whether the new veterinary DR system will physically fit into the x-ray suite), portability if there is more than one location, and additional costs (shipping, installation, and warranties or costs of servicing/maintaining the equipment).

A little planning can go a long way toward finding equipment at a reasonable cost to help support a non-profit veterinary practice’s mission.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM