What to Expect at SVI

Our entire team is dedicated to your pet’s safety and your comfort before, during, and after the imaging service.

What to Expect at SVI

At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we understand how important your pet is to you. Our mission as an outpatient imaging center is to provide fast, accurate answers about your pet’s health using advanced, human-grade imaging technology. Unlike a general veterinary clinic, we specialize in diagnostics—allowing your veterinarian to create the best possible treatment plan.

Because our process is different from a regular vet visit, we want to ensure you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your pet’s appointment.

Please Note:

  • Unlike a general vet clinic, we do not have exam rooms, so pet owners cannot stay with their pets during imaging.

  • Our focus is diagnostics only—your veterinarian will determine the best treatment plan based on our findings. All reports will be sent to your veterinarian unless you request otherwise.

Our Commitment to Your Pet’s Health

At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we take pride in providing fast, high-quality diagnostic imaging in a stress-free environment. By following the steps below, you help us ensure the best possible experience and results for your pet.

If you have any additional questions before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We look forward to helping you get the answers you need for your treasured pet!

Read on for more about each step of the process below. We also provide detailed FAQs here.

Step 1 - Referral and Scheduling

To ensure your pet receives the most appropriate diagnostic test, your veterinarian must complete our referral form here. Don’t worry about copying the link. Most vet offices are familiar with SVI and they know how to place the referral.

Once we receive the referral from your vet, our team will review it and reach out to you to schedule your pet’s imaging appointment.

If you just want to speak to us, you can call or email us using the contact info at the very bottom of this page, or click the “make an appointment” button to fill out the pet owner contact form.

Step 2- Preparing for your pet’s visit

Proper preparation helps us ensure the best possible imaging results. Here’s how you can get your pet ready:

Fasting Requirements

  • Pets must fast for 12 hours before the appointment.

  • No food should be given the morning of the appointment, or we may need to reschedule.

  • Water is fine, and your pet can continue drinking as usual.

  • Morning medications can be given as prescribed by your vet.

Keeping Your Pet Calm

  • To reduce stress and movement during imaging, we require that you give your pet an anti-anxiety medication (such as gabapentin or trazodone) the night before the appointment and again two hours before arrival.

  • If your pet does not already have a prescription for one of these medications, please consult with your veterinarian in advance.

  • If you are unable to administer the medication at home, we can do so at the appointment. However, this may result in an extra charge.

Step 3 - What to expect on appointment day

Check-In

  • When you arrive, our receptionist will greet you and invite you to take a seat in the waiting area while we notify your assigned veterinary technician.

  • Your assigned technician will:

    • Confirm your pet’s scheduled procedure.

    • Ask when your pet last ate and review any medications.

    • Have you sign a consent form for the imaging.

    • Provide an estimated pick-up time and explain when to expect results.

The Imaging Process

  • Anesthesia is required for ALL MRIs and some CTs. This is essential to obtain diagnostic images. MRIs and CTs are very sensitive to motion.

  • Anesthesia is NOT required for ultrasounds and many CTs

  • If anesthesia is needed, we will fully explain the process and obtain your consent beforehand.

  • A standard imaging procedure typically takes about three hours. However, analyzing the images takes additional time—our board-certified radiologists carefully review every scan before sending a report to your veterinarian.

Step 4 - Picking up your pet and payment

When your pet is ready for pickup our team will:

  • Reach out to you to confirm the release time

  • Give you a brief update on your pet’s condition

When you arrive to pick up your pet, our receptionist will:

  • Call your assigned veterinary technician to confirm readiness.

  • Process payment for the imaging service.

You will have an opportunity to speak with a doctor

  • Any questions about the findings will be answered

Payment Information

  • We do not accept cash or checks.

  • We accept CareCredit (please create an account before your visit if using this option).

  • All major credit cards are accepted.

  • We can send a payment link or you can swipe your card.

Step 5 - Getting results and next steps

  • If your pet’s case is urgent, we will call your veterinarian as soon as possible after the imaging is completed.

  • A formal radiology report will be sent to your vet within 24 hours.

  • Your veterinarian will also receive access to the images, should they need to review them.

  • The report and images are available to you through your vet.

  • Your veterinarian will discuss the findings with you and determine the next steps for your pet’s care.