The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) toolkit to help veterinary professionals navigate the growing use of AI by animal owners seeking health advice, diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
New findings from the BVA’s Voice survey suggest that vets believe around one in seven clients (15%) are using AI technology to help make decisions about their animals’ health and welfare.
The most commonly reported use is attempting to diagnose health problems, with two-thirds of vets surveyed identifying this as a concern. Other uses include researching treatments, checking veterinary advice and deciding whether an animal needs to see a vet.
While AI can provide useful general information, the BVA warns that relying on it for veterinary decisions can lead to confusion, inaccurate conclusions and potentially harmful delays in seeking professional treatment.
To address these challenges, the BVA has developed a range of practical resources, including guidance on discussing AI-generated information with clients, a workplace AI policy template and a charter promoting responsible use of the technology.
The toolkit also includes videos to help vets manage conversations with owners who arrive at appointments with AI-generated diagnoses or treatment suggestions that may contradict professional veterinary advice.
The initiative follows survey findings suggesting that almost half of veterinary workplaces do not currently have an AI policy.
The BVA recognises the opportunities AI presents for veterinary medicine but emphasises the importance of using the technology safely, ethically and alongside professional clinical judgement.
For animal owners, the message is clear: AI may be a useful source of general information, but it should not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment advice from a qualified veterinary professional.
