Fears pet owners turning to AI over vet visits

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) could be replacing “vital” trips to the vets, new research reveals.

Data from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index reveals that 10% of pet owners are now routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their pet.

Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok are most commonly being used for guidance, symptom checking for unwell pets (62%), advice on behaviour and body language (49%), and dietary tips (30%).

There are concerns that increased reliance on conversations with AI could lead to complacency from pet owners, untreated illnesses in animals, and people unwittingly breaking the law if they do not get treatment for a pet.

Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said: “Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer – including for animal welfare. And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, and to or to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.

“But we’re worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare.

“AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods, or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.

“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it’s vital to reach out to a vet immediately.”

In addition, the Animal Kindness Index findings have fuelled RSPCA concerns that ongoing cost-of-living pressures are driving some people to seek a “quick fix” towards potentially costly vet bills.

More than half (56%) of pet owners are worried about being able to afford vet bills, according to the Kindness Index.

Indeed, one in 10 pet owners admit to reducing their spend on vet care due to financial pressures, while one in 20 admit their use of AI chat bots for health advice was fuelled by the economic situation.

The situation could get worse, with 24% of pet owners now skipping their animal’s annual check up, while 7% are not registered with a vet at all.