5 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing In-House Diagnostic Equipment for Veterinary Rescues

For animal rescues, SPCA facilities, and veterinary non-profits, investing in in-house diagnostic equipment is a big decision that can significantly impact patient care and financial sustainability.

The right equipment can help diagnose conditions faster, reduce outsourcing costs, and improve outcomes for the animals in your care.

But understanding budgets are often tight, it’s essential to choose wisely.

Before purchasing tools like digital X-rays, ultrasound systems, or laser therapy, asking the right questions can help ensure your investment meets your facility’s needs while delivering long-term value.

1. Which Diagnostic Tool Will Benefit Our Patients Most?

Every facility has unique needs depending on the cases it handles most often. Your first step should be identifying which diagnostic equipment will have the most significant impact.

If your facility frequently treats trauma cases or orthopedic injuries, a digital X-ray machine should be a top priority.

An ultrasound system may bring the most value for monitoring pregnancies, diagnosing internal issues, or assessing soft tissue injuries.

Laser therapy might be best if your priority is post-operative recovery, wound and injury care, or treating inflammation.

Jot down the conditions you see most frequently and choose equipment that will directly improve the quality and speed of care for those cases.

2. What Is the Total Cost of Ownership?

The purchase price of diagnostic equipment is only part of the overall cost. Be sure to ask about additional expenses like:

• Maintenance and calibration costs

• Software updates and licensing fees

• Consumables like X-ray plates or ultrasound gels

• Staff training and certification

Understanding the total cost of ownership helps you budget and avoid unexpected expenses that could strain your resources.

3. What Is the Expected Return on Investment (ROI)?

While the upfront cost may seem a little steep, the long-term savings from reducing outsourcing fees and transportation costs can make in-house diagnostics a smart decision. Calculate the potential ROI by considering the following:

• The number of diagnostic tests you currently outsource each month

• The average cost per outsourced test

• The time and fuel costs associated with transporting animals

For example, if you refer 20 x-rays per month at $100 each, that’s $2,000 monthly or $24,000 annually. A digital x-ray machine costing $30,000 would pay for itself in just over a year, and every scan after that would represent savings.

4. Is the Equipment User-Friendly and Reliable?

Ease of use is important, especially in fast-paced environments like rescues and shelters. Equipment that’s difficult to operate or prone to malfunctions can slow down your workflow and lead to unnecessary frustration – not to mention making diagnoses more challenging.

Consider asking your distributor questions like:

• What’s the learning curve for using the equipment?

• Is there training resources and customer support available?

• What’s the average lifespan of the equipment and its reliability?

• What do maintenance requirements and downtime expectations look like?

Choosing intuitive and reliable equipment ensures that your team can focus on providing care without technical disruptions.

5. What Financing and Support Options Are Available?

Budget constraints are a common challenge for veterinary non-profits. The good news is, that many distributors offer financing options that make it easier to invest in diagnostic equipment without straining your budget.

Here are a few more questions to consider bringing to your distributor:

• What leasing vs. purchasing options do you offer?

• What payment plans and interest rates do you offer?

• Are grants or discounts available for non-profit organizations?

• What warranties and service agreements are available?

Choosing the right financing plan helps you access the tools you need without delaying essential upgrades.

A Few Final Thoughts

Bringing diagnostic equipment in-house can pay dividends in both patient care and financial sustainability.

By asking these five essential questions, you and your team can feel confident in selecting equipment that meets your needs, fits your budget, and delivers long-term value.

Evaluating your options carefully will help you provide faster, more effective care—empowering your team to save more lives and support animal welfare in your community!