How AI can boost productivity without replacing staff

In modern veterinary practices, where stakes are high and time is scarce, productivity and efficiency are more important than ever. Many practices are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) tools for support. But with AI evolving rapidly, will it eventually replace veterinary staff members?

The human touch is central to veterinary care. AI is best used to augment human effort, not replace it. When thoughtfully integrated, AI can streamline operations, reduce cognitive load, and improve client service, all while empowering veterinary teams to do more of what they do best: deliver compassionate, hands-on care.

Augmenting multiple roles in the practice

AI can be a powerful tool to use across the entire veterinary practice, from the reception desk to the exam room.

Veterinarians benefit from AI-powered diagnostic support tools such as Vetology that analyze imaging and lab results, flagging potential abnormalities. These tools help speed up diagnosis and reduce oversight, but they don’t replace the clinician’s judgment—they enhance it. Think of AI as a second pair of eyes (that don’t get tired).

Veterinarians, technicians, and nurses can save time with AI scribe tools like ScribbleVet that record patient exams and then automatically complete SOAP notes and electronic medical records. By automating documentation, these scribe tools free up staff to focus more on the client and patient during the appointment and save hours each day that were once devoted to medical documentation. Some of these AI scribe tools even produce accurate patient dental charts, which is a huge time-saver.

Front office staff can rely on AI tools like AVA Petpawer to handle appointment scheduling, prescription refill requests, and routine questions. This reduces phone traffic and allows front desk teams to focus on more nuanced, customer-facing tasks that only humans can do.

Practice managers can harness the increased productivity that AI generates for their teams by opening up additional appointments, reducing overtime, and boosting the overall well-being of the veterinary staff. When patients are taken care of, medical notes are done, and scheduling is smooth, the whole clinic can function more efficiently.

The human element: Where AI cannot compete

Despite its speed and data-handling superpowers, AI can’t replicate the emotional intelligence, intuition, or human connection that defines veterinary care. Comforting an anxious client, assessing subtle behavioral cues, and making ethical decisions are all inherently human tasks. In fact, AI’s presence in the clinic can increase the need for skilled, empathetic veterinary professionals because more efficient clinics can typically see more patients each day.

Some practices have been able to reduce the time spent on medical records and the length of appointments, increasing the number of patients that can be seen. Fillmore Animal Hospital in California used this strategy and was able to increase revenue despite a staff shortage and reduced clinic hours.

Setting realistic expectations

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype, but AI isn’t magic. Just like any other tool, the value of AI depends on how it’s used. Practices adopting AI should set clear goals: Are you looking to improve appointment flow? Save time on SOAP documentation? Reduce burnout? Speed up diagnostics? Aligning AI solutions with practice needs ensures meaningful results.

It’s also essential to invest in training. Staff members need to understand what AI can (and cannot) do and how to use it effectively. The most successful practices treat AI as a team member that requires oversight, feedback, and updates.

The future is collaborative

AI isn’t the end of veterinary jobs; it’s the evolution of how we practice medicine. By taking over the time-consuming, repetitive, or data-heavy tasks such as SOAP notes and medical documentation, AI allows veterinary professionals to operate at the top of their licenses, focus on patient care, and find more balance in their workday. AI isn't replacing the team; it’s releasing them so they can focus on the heart of veterinary medicine.

Kat Reardon, DVM, is a practicing relief veterinarian and lead veterinarian at ScribbleVet, an artificial intelligence (AI) scribe for veterinary professionals. She leverages her experience across diverse clinics to design prompts and fine-tune tools for clinical accuracy, driving real-world AI scribe adoption in veterinary practice.