Concerns in the East as pet owners use AI over vets for animal health advice
RSPCA cautions pet owners about AI reliance
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is raising alarms as more pet owners in the East of England turn to artificial intelligence (AI) for advice instead of visiting the vets.
New data from the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index shows that 12% of pet owners in the region routinely seek AI support for pet care, with symptom checking being the most common reason.
The RSPCA are warning that the shift to AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok, for guidance could result in untreated illnesses in pets and legal issues for owners who ignore the needs of their animals.
Concerns have been raised amongst animal welfare teams across the east, that AI could inadvertently jeopardise animal welfare due to AI's inability to physically examine pets or detect urgent health changes.
Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said:
"While AI can be really useful to give you great ideas about enrichment activities or fun things to do to entertain your pets, it is no substitute for veterinary advice.
"We're really worried that people are using AI to ask questions to seek veterinary advice for their pets.
"What AI can't do is look at your pet, examine your pet, find if there's like a wound or something making your pet unwell. It can't conduct medical tests."
The latest Animal Kindness Index findings in the East of England also highlight the impact of financial pressures on pet care decisions, with 61% of pet owners worried about vet bill affordability, leading some to reduce vet care spending or use AI for advice.
In response the RSPCA has launched a Pet Cost Calculator to aid potential pet owners with budgetary planning. Its hoped this will educate people on the importance of understanding the costs involved in pet ownership, noting its rewarding yet demanding nature.
Celebrity vet Rory Cowlam supports the RSPCA's caution, stating his clinic uses AI to aid investigations but differentiates professional use from pet owners using AI to skip veterinary visits.
RSPCA advises pet owners to remain vigilant and consult a vet immediately if their pet exhibits rapid health or behavioural changes. For emergencies, owners are urged to seek urgent attention to prevent worsening conditions.