Veterinarians

Harder tasks remain firmly human. Vets must physically examine and touch animals; no robot can (yet) cuddle a scared pet or comfort an owner. Sensitive conversations – for example, discussing a pet’s illness or end-of-life care – require empathy that AI can’t provide.

Surgery and treatment planning also need a skilled vet at the controls. Experts emphasize that AI is a helper, not a replacement: it can speed up exams and flag issues, but a vet’s judgement and care are still essential ^[1]. In short, many routine chores are being automated, but core hands-on and people-skills tasks rely on human veterinarians.

On the other hand, adoption may be cautious. New AI systems can be expensive, and small clinics must budget carefully. Veterinarians also worry about trust and safety: unlike human medicine, there is no required FDA review for animal AI tools ^[2], so vets advise using them with care.

The professional view is that AI should complement a vet’s work, not replace it ^{[1] [2]}. Many pet owners expect a caring doctor, so clinics will likely introduce AI slowly, using it under vet supervision. In summary, AI in veterinary medicine is growing where it makes sense, but human skills and compassion remain key, so adoption will balance promise with caution.