ABOUT ME

I established my ultrasound scanning service after struggling to find a reliable local provider to scan my own dogs. Since then, I’ve seen a growing number of lay scanners entering the field, some using inexpensive equipment with limited training, and others setting up businesses after completing only a brief course with little or no practical experience. When I purchased my first ultrasound machine, I spent considerable time gaining hands-on experience, offering free scans to owners of pregnant bitches so I could develop practical skills before completing my formal training. After qualifying, I continued to offer free scans for many years, allowing me to build extensive practical experience across a wide range of breeds and stages of pregnancy. I have since achieved my Advanced Level 2 qualification and am a full member of the Animal Ultrasound Association.

Before taking early retirement to care for my terminally ill mother and disabled husband, I held a management position in finance with Lloyds Bank. I bring the same professionalism, discretion and commitment to my scanning service. As an experienced breeder myself, I understand pregnancy and whelping firsthand and am always happy to offer general guidance on what to expect, what you may need and how to prepare for whelping day.

I would advise caution with anyone offering pregnancy scans from as early as 21 days, as results at this stage can easily be inconclusive or inaccurate, sometimes resulting in owners being asked to return and pay for another scan. I will scan earlier where necessary, for example because of travel or show commitments, but clients should understand that the result may not be definitive. Early sacs can sometimes be seen from around 23 days, depending on the breed, but the optimum time for reliable pregnancy confirmation is between 28 and 35 days. Scans can then be carried out right through to the due date.

All scans are performed with owners present, so you can be fully involved, ask questions and see for yourself what is visible on the screen.

It is also important to understand that even when gestational sacs are clearly visible at around 30 days post ovulation, the foetuses themselves are still extremely small and in the very early stages of development. No ultrasound scan can guarantee puppy numbers, and any assessment can only be based on what is visible on the day.