Should You Buy New or Used Veterinary Equipment? (5 Considerations to Help You Decide)

Shiny new veterinary equipment—whether it’s something large like a veterinary x-ray machine, something small like a Tonopen, or anything in between—is an exciting addition to any hospital. 

Many veterinarians like having a warranty or service plan to keep their new equipment in tip-top shape. 

On the other hand, many vets prefer used equipment to save on costs while still receiving great value—assuming the equipment is in good condition. 

So, which is best—new or used veterinary equipment? As you can imagine, the answer depends on many factors and varies from practice to practice. Here are five considerations that may help you decide…

Upfront Costs

The most obvious factor that vets, practice managers, and other buyers compare is how much they will pay to acquire their new equipment (or used but “new to us” equipment). 

To compare selling costs, call vendors for a price quote. Also, search for used equipment on sites like eBay or veterinary-specific sites like usedvetequipment.com.

In addition to the “price tag” of the equipment itself, investigate ALL upfront costs involved in getting your veterinary equipment into the hospital and in working order. This includes…

• Cost of the equipment itself.

• Any transport costs.

• Set up or installation costs.

In general, used equipment costs less than similar models of new equipment. But you must factor in ALL costs to know for sure.

Functionality (or Lack Thereof)

First, make sure the equipment you are purchasing has all the capabilities you want. For example, with an ultrasound, cost differences may correlate with image detail/clarity, ability to use on species of different sizes, and features such as color Doppler. 

So, the cost isn’t always an “apples to apples” comparison. Make sure you’re buying as much as you need for your patient care goals.

Also, particularly when buying used equipment, make sure it is in working order. Check reviews of the seller (if applicable) or reviews of the reselling site/platform. Ask about guarantees or options to return your purchase and get a refund if the equipment doesn’t match the condition stated by the seller.

There’s nothing wrong with buying used veterinary equipment that’s well-worn and has a few quirks that are less than perfect—so long as the seller is honest and you are okay with what you’re buying. In many cases, used equipment can be in excellent working condition.

Integration Into the Hospital

Even if it’s on your “dream” equipment list—it has to be a practical fit for your veterinary practice.

This means it should physically fit into the space designated for its use in the hospital, with enough space for staff to operate equipment safely. For equipment such as x-rays, there are additional considerations such as proper radiation shielding in the walls of the x-ray suite.

Remember to check for electrical compatibility, as some machines may require an electrician consultation and rewiring.

And finally, think about integration with your hospital’s PIMS or practice management software, if applicable.

New veterinary equipment tends to have more options in terms of integrating into modern software and offering smaller models with more convenient electrical specifications. However, that’s not to say you can’t find used equipment that meets your needs. Just be sure to do your research.

Long-term Maintenance Costs

Ask about the availability of a warranty, including both initial costs and costs to renew. Ask exactly what it covers. 

Specifically, ask about damages common to veterinary hospitals such as drop damage or even bite damage (example: veterinary dental x-ray equipment like sensors that go in a patient’s mouth).

What about service and maintenance? Is regular maintenance, calibration, or other relevant service covered? Is there a 24-hour helpline for minor issues? 

For older models, will replacement parts be available for years to come? If not, this problem could limit the lifespan of your new purchase, as it might not be possible to replace or repair components when they stop working.

Also, even if the warranty is comprehensive, how long will it take to get your machine back up and running? Is loaner equipment available in the meantime so your practice can keep operating?

Everyone’s tolerance for maintenance is different. Some vet teams feel minor glitches and repairs are a small inconvenience for saving on costs overall. In that case, used equipment might make more sense. 

Other veterinary practices want a guarantee their equipment will work and be repaired quickly when needed. For these teams, new equipment may be a better fit. However, some used equipment may have a warranty that’s transferrable. So used equipment may still be a viable option.

Daily Usage and ROI

For example, some busy practices in highly populated areas may perform radiographs several times a day. Slower practices might only perform studies a few times per month.

For busier practices, it probably makes sense to have durable, high-performing equipment that’s unlikely to break down. On average, this is more in alignment with new veterinary equipment.

In either case, it makes sense to create a plan, so your equipment purchase is financially feasible and creates a return on your investment by bringing in income. For example, how often will the equipment be used? And how much will you charge per use? 

Consulting a financial professional can help, whether purchasing new or used.

By taking the time to consider all these factors, a veterinary practice can help narrow down which equipment purchases make sense for them—and whether new or used equipment is the best fit.

Written by: Dr. Tammy Powell, DVM