Veterinary AI Adoption More Than Doubled Since 2024
A new industry study shows most veterinary clinics now use AI to streamline daily tasks like documentation.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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AI usage among veterinary professionals in the U.S. and Canada climbed to 83.7 percent in 2026, up from 39.2 percent in 2024. Most practices now integrate these tools for routine clinical documentation.
Why it matters
The rapid integration of AI suggests a significant shift in how veterinary offices manage patient data and administrative workloads. Practices are moving toward AI-driven workflows, though many still lack formal strategy or governance for these new technologies.
The 2026 Veterinary AI Study drew on 1,730 responses, finding 88.3 percent of users engage with AI weekly or daily. While 62.8 percent use it for documentation, nearly half of practices currently lack a defined AI strategy.
The players
Digitail
A provider of veterinary practice management software that focuses on digitizing clinic operations.
American Animal Hospital Association
A professional association that sets standards for veterinary care and promotes high-quality practice management.
The details
Veterinary practices have largely adopted AI without disrupting existing clinic workflows. Professionals primarily leverage the technology to automate clinical documentation, though nearly 40 percent of users have attempted to build custom AI agents. Despite high adoption, the industry remains in early stages regarding formal oversight, with one-third of practices reporting no AI governance measures in place.
Timeline
2024: 39.2 percent of veterinary professionals used AI.
July 27 to August 12, 2026: Study data was collected from participants.
2026: 83.7 percent of veterinary professionals use AI.
The Home Front
This rapid shift follows the broader trend of medical industries automating administrative record-keeping to reduce clinician burnout. It marks a departure from traditional, manual chart-keeping as clinics prioritize tech-driven efficiency over legacy paper systems.
Pet owners should expect to see increasingly digitized interactions at their local clinics, including more automated appointment notes and faster digital records. When visiting, feel free to ask your vet how they protect your pet's health information when using new automated tools.
The takeaway
AI is becoming a standard feature in veterinary offices, with clinics increasingly relying on automation for daily documentation. Owners should note that while tech adoption is high, many practices are still developing the necessary governance to manage these digital tools securely.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in animal care at Veterinary Medicine.
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