Vets Warn AI Advice Poses 'Ticking Time Bomb' for Animal Welfare

Experts are raising concerns about a potential crisis in animal welfare as pet owners increasingly seek advice from artificial intelligence rather than consulting veterinarians. New data from the RSPCA indicates that one in 10 owners are using AI chatbots for reassurance about their pets' health and behavior.

The most frequent AI inquiries involve checking symptoms for sick animals, seeking guidance on pet behavior and body language, and obtaining dietary recommendations. While AI can serve as a useful tool for understanding animals, welfare experts emphasize that it cannot replace professional veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

There is worry that a growing reliance on AI could lead to owner complacency and a failure to address animal illnesses promptly, potentially resulting in pets suffering unnecessarily. In severe cases, this could even lead to owners inadvertently breaking the law by not seeking necessary treatment for their pets.

Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, stated that while AI can assist responsible owners with general pet care information, such as enrichment ideas and play, the trend of using large language models for symptom checking or behavioral queries is concerning. "We're worried that... this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare," she said.

The findings, part of the annual Animal Kindness Index, suggest that ongoing cost of living pressures may be prompting some owners to seek quick, potentially cheaper solutions to avoid costly veterinary bills. The report found that 10 percent of owners have reduced their spending on vet care due to financial constraints, and one in 20 specifically cited economic reasons for using AI for health advice.

"AI chatbots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods, or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain," Hope added. "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."

Celebrity veterinarian Rory Cowlam has joined the RSPCA in urging the public to understand the appropriate uses of AI for pet advice. He advises owners to contact a vet immediately if they observe rapid changes in their pet's behavior. Urgent veterinary care is recommended for critical issues such as breathing difficulties, sudden collapse, major trauma, suspected poisoning, continuous bleeding, seizures, straining to urinate, a bloated stomach, or heatstroke.

Cowlam noted that veterinary professionals utilize AI tools in their clinics to support investigations and lab work, leading to faster treatment. However, he stressed the significant difference between a vet using AI to aid an examination and a pet owner using a chatbot to bypass one entirely. "Animals are hardwired to hide their pain, and AI on our smartphone screens can't feel a bloated stomach, test failing kidneys, or spot the subtle signs of suffering," he explained. "AI can be a great tool for brainstorming general pet tips, like how to keep your pet entertained, or enrichment ideas. But when your animal is genuinely sick, a chatbot is not where you should be looking for advice. If in doubt, log out from AI and reach out to a professional."