Cornwall pet owners increasingly turning to AI instead of vets, warns RSPCA
RSPCA and vets caution against relying on AI for pet healthcare decisions
New data from the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index has revealed a growing trend among pet owners in Cornwall and the South West of England towards using artificial intelligence for pet healthcare advice, raising concerns about potential neglect of essential veterinary care.
According to the findings, 10% of pet owners in the region now routinely rely on AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok, seeking guidance primarily for symptom checks (65% of the time) and behaviour advice (28% of the time).
RSPCA welfare experts have issued a warning about the potential dangers of this reliance, suggesting AI could become a "ticking time bomb" for animal welfare.
While AI can serve be helpful, experts say the inability of AI to physically examine pets or capture the nuances of animal health presents significant risks.
RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence Gemma Hope, emphasised the importance of consulting a vet when in doubt about a pet's health.
“With many pet owners now using large language models to check symptoms or behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare,” Gemma said.
The study says financial pressure is a big motivator for the shift towards AI, with over half of South West pet owners expressing concerns about affording vet bills.
They say it has led to worrying trends: 9% of owners have reduced their vet care spend, 28% skip annual check-ups, and 5% are unregistered with a vet.
To assist potential pet owners, the RSPCA has developed a Pet Cost Calculator to outline the financial responsibilities of pet ownership.
TV veterinarian Rory Cowlam supports the RSPCA's stance, acknowledging AI's utility in clinical settings but stressing the need for professional veterinary consultation for health concerns.
“In my clinic, AI tools help support investigations, but there's a big difference between using AI to assist a vet’s work and using it to avoid vet visits altogether,” Rory said.
Owners are reminded to be vigilant about their pet's health and maintain regular veterinary consultations to ensure their well-being.
Key recommendations include knowing how to contact veterinary services, preparing an emergency plan for severe health issues, and booking prompt appointments if concerning symptoms arise.
Rory cautioned against relying solely on AI saying, “While AI can suggest general pet care tips, like enrichment ideas, it’s not a substitute when an animal is genuinely unwell. If in doubt, disconnect from AI and consult a vet.”
To mitigate unexpected expenses, pet insurance options, like those involving RSPCA's partnering with FirstVet for 24/7 video vet consultations, are available.
The RSPCA Animal Kindness Index 2026 can be accessed online for more information.