This review will explore the interface between MRI, cardiovascular research, and animal models, with particular attention to values, limitations, and best practices. This includes the question of whether an animal model may be necessary or appropriate. Factors influencing the selection of small versus large animal models will be considered, including the features that distinguish mice from other animal models. MRI has proven extremely useful in studies of basic cardiovascular physiology, but its true utility lies in the acquisition of end points relevant to cardiovascular disease in preclinical and clinical investigations. Brief summaries will be presented of the many anatomic and functional parameters that can be assessed by cardiovascular MRI, along with its role in translational medicine. Finally, the predictive value and clinical relevance of animal models of cardiovascular disease will be explored, including steps that are recommended to maximize the predictive value of animal models in translational medicine.