The Animal Ultrasound Association recently hosted an in person Small Animal Pregnancy training day, led by Catherine Stowell, head sonographer and founder of both Portable Ultrasound Machines and the AUA. The day brought together a small group of motivated learners and provided a valuable opportunity to combine theory, practical scanning, and honest discussion about the realities of pregnancy diagnosis in dogs.

One of the strongest themes to emerge from the day was just how easy it is, even with the very best intentions, to invest time and money into the wrong equipment or to underestimate the importance of structured, professional training.

When good intentions are not enough

Among the participants were two sisters whose father has been scanning dogs for several years. Like many people entering the world of ultrasound, he had purchased a widely available scanner from Amazon. These machines are often marketed as suitable for dog pregnancy scanning and are attractively priced, which makes them a common choice for beginners.

He had not undertaken any formal ultrasound training, but felt confident in his ability based on his experience using the machine. Prior to the course, he had confirmed one of their dogs, a larger stock type herding breed, as being five weeks pregnant. Puppies had already been pre sold on the strength of that diagnosis.

During the training day, the dog was rescanned using professional grade ultrasound machines and under the guidance of an experienced sonographer. It quickly became clear that the dog was not pregnant.

This was, understandably, disappointing and awkward for the family involved, particularly as difficult conversations then had to take place with people who were expecting puppies. However, it became one of the most powerful learning points of the entire course.

The situation was not the result of carelessness. Everything had been done with good intentions. The reality is that without proper training and with equipment that is simply not fit for purpose, the risk of false pregnancy identification is much higher than many people realise.

Thanks to the diligence of his daughters in attending the course, the mistake was identified early and further time, money, and emotional investment were avoided. While the outcome was disappointing, it was also immediately beneficial and protective for everyone involved.

Seeing the difference in real time

During the practical sessions, participants used a range of professional machines, including the Apogee 1000 Lite, ScanPad, and Elite 5600, all fitted with microconvex probes designed specifically for small animal pregnancy scanning. These were compared directly with the Amazon scanner, which used a standard convex probe.

On the day, only one dog was actually pregnant, a Jack Russell at just three weeks. This was a challenging case, even for experienced scanners. With the professional machines, early pregnancy structures could be identified with confidence. With the cheaper scanner, nothing could be seen at all.

This direct comparison made a lasting impression. It clearly demonstrated that not all ultrasound machines are created equal, and that suitability for the job matters far more than price or marketing claims.

Making informed choices from the start

Also attending the course were two friends who run a dog walking business together. Having already trained in microchipping, they are now expanding their skills into ultrasound scanning. They do not currently own a scanner, but after the training day, they are likely to invest in a ScanPad, having seen first hand the importance of appropriate equipment.

The two sisters also left the course far better equipped to make informed decisions about training and machine purchase. Although their father’s experience was uncomfortable, it ensured that a valuable lesson was learned in a supportive and educational environment.

Training that fits real life

The main priority of the AUA is to produce competent, confident paraprofessional scanners. This means providing high quality training, honest advice about equipment, and ongoing support.

For those who cannot attend in person training due to busy schedules or other commitments, the AUA also offers on demand, pre recorded online training. This allows learners to study at their own pace while still benefiting from structured, professional education.

The PUM and AUA teams are always happy to discuss training and machine options, explain what is and is not fit for purpose, and offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances. Not only that but scanning and machine user support is for life, because confidence grows with experience, reassurance, and the right foundations.

This training day was a clear reminder that ultrasound scanning is about far more than owning a machine. It is about understanding anatomy, recognising limitations, and having the training and equipment needed to make accurate, responsible decisions. When those elements come together, everyone benefits, especially the animals in our care.