a professional service - to your doorstep

An ultrasound scan is a key tool for the conscientious breeder for planning the management and welfare of the pregnant bitch and organising breeding plans and waiting lists.
Ultrasound scans are quick, safe, non-invasive and painless. Pregnancy in dogs can be confirmed from as early as 30 days of gestation in the comfort, security and convenience of your own home - avoiding the need for a stressful trip to a vet at this vulnerable time for the developing pups.
Using only quality materials and equipment, BorderScan's fully mobile service can operate wherever there is access to an electricity supply, it really is as simple as that.
A professional service - to your doorstep.

answer the 'is she, isn't she?' question

  • how does ultrasound work?

    'Ultrasound' is ultra-high-frequency sound waves, way beyond what humans and animals can hear.
    The probe of the scanning machine transmits these sound waves into the body and the onboard computer uses the echoes that bounce back to create black and white images of organs and structures inside.
    Because it uses sound waves and not X-rays (radiation), ultrasound is harmless when used by a trained technician.
    The best time to scan is 30-35 days after the last mating.

  • what happens in a scan?

    The bitch stands on a flat surface (floor or table) and the probe is placed on the skin of the bitch's belly. Water-based gel is used so the probe makes good contact.
    Scans are best done in a quiet room without distractions such as other dogs or young children. Friends and family are welcome to watch the scan being done, provided they can stay quietly in the background.
    The scan itself takes around 10-20 minutes, depending on how settled the bitch is and what information the client needs to know.

  • about me

    BorderScan is run by me, Heather. I'm a retired science teacher who has trained, competed, judged and bred dogs for over 40 years. Scanning allows me to monitor my own canine girls during their pregnancies and help fellow breeders in the privacy and comfort of their own homes.
    I trained in 'the safe use of ultrasound for confirmation of canine pregnancy' (Levels 1 & 2) in 2015 with Vet Image Solutions in Kent. I am fully insured and a member of the PVG Scheme Record Disclosure (Scotland.)

location and prices

BorderScan covers all TD postcodes, plus Edinburgh (EH) and some north Northumberland (NE) codes.
If your postcode isn't on the list below just email for a no-obligation quote. The price will reflect the basic service plus travel costs.



  • £45 TD2-6, TD10-15, EH36, EH41
  • £50 TD1, EH1-13, EH15-25, EH31-35, EH37, EH39, EH40, EH42
  • £55 EH14, EH26-30, EH38, EH43-55, TD7, TD8, TD9, NE70, NE71
  • £60 + mileage ML, FK, other NE postcodes and beyond, individual quote

appointments

11:00am or 2:00pm, Mon - Fri
price includes:

  • the scan (allow approx 30 mins)
  • all equipment and materials
  • digital images of the scan emailed to you afterwards, if requested
  • my transport costs

All scans must be paid in full at the time of the appointment.

terms and conditions

The small print. Check here to see what the service requires you to sign and agree to.