It seems that there are few publications and few conferences without topics on artificial intelligence (AI). Nonetheless, are we really AI-ready in actual practice? And what can Veterinary leaders do to lead the shift to becoming AI-ready?
AI is quickly moving from novelty to necessity in Veterinary medicine, powering everything from clinical documentation to diagnostic support and client communication. Yet adoption within practices can lag behind availability. While the technology is improving and becoming more available at blinding speed, the lag in adoption is rarely the technology itself. It is leadership that stalls AI progress. Often leaders are confident about AI themselves; in fact, in the corporate world 80% of leaders believe they have figured out AI. By contrast, 39% of their employees disagree. Veterinary leaders play a decisive role in shaping whether AI becomes a trusted partner or a resisted disruption. The following may help.
Start with Purpose, Not Technology
Veterinary teams are more likely to embrace AI when they understand why it matters. Veterinary leaders should clearly connect AI to meaningful outcomes, such as: (1) reducing administrative burden; (2) improving patient care: (3) detecting disease earlier; and (4) enhancing client relationships. Leaders should emphasize that AI is much more than improving efficiency. AI builds capability. When AI is framed as a tool that improves patient care and restores time for medicine and compassion, rather than replacing it, resistance softens.
Treat AI as a Transformational Tool, Not Just an Interesting Project
It is important to emphasize the transformational potential of AI, rather than framing it as a “shiny” now technology. AI should belong to everyone in the practice, not just those in charge of IT. Veterinary leaders should highlight the capability to reimagine patient care, business operations, client interactions, and more. AI can be much more than a transactional tool; rather, it has potential to create value.
Normalize Curiosity and Learning
While this approach applies to everything new in practice, it is especially relevant for AI adoption. AI can feel intimidating, particularly in a profession grounded in scientific rigor and clinical accountability. Leaders should create a culture in which experimentation is safe. This includes encouraging questions, offering low-stakes opportunities to try AI tools, and openly acknowledging that no one has all the answers at this time. A learning mindset is more powerful than a directive.
Lead by Example and Visible Use
Adoption accelerates when leaders model behavior. When veterinarians and practice managers visibly use AI, it signals legitimacy. Some examples for modeling include using AI to streamline records, summarize cases, or support decision-making. Teams take cues from what leaders do, not just what they say.
Provide Practical Training and Support
Skepticism often stems from lack of competence and confidence. The Veterinary leaders can provide practical training opportunities. Short, practical training sessions focused on real workflows are far more effective than abstract overviews. The entire Veterinary healthcare team can participate or a few with special interest can be trained more extensively early on. Lifelong learning and professional development should be embedded in the practice culture.
Identify “AI Champions” within the Practice
“AI Champions” are team members who are enthusiastic and unusually receptive to the possibilities and to learning more. They can provide peer-to-peer support. This builds internal momentum and reduces reliance on top-down pressure.
Address Ethical and Clinical Concerns Head-On
Veterinary professionals are justified in being cautious. Leaders should proactively discuss topics, such as data privacy, clinical accuracy, and the limits of AI. It is important to establish clear guidelines early on, emphasizing that AI supports, but does not replace, clinical judgment. Leaders must emphasize that their team should neither over trust nor distrust AI. Transparency and forthrightness build trust, and trust enables adoption.
Start Small and Show Wins
Rather than rolling out sweeping changes, Veterinary leaders should begin with targeted use cases that solve real pain points. Examples include automated SOAP notes, client communication drafts, and inventory insights. Early successes create tangible value and build confidence across the team.
Reinforce That AI Enhances, But Does Not Replace the Human Bond
At its core, Veterinary medicine is a relationship-centered profession. Veterinary leaders should consistently reinforce that AI is there to amplify the human elements of care. AI has the potential to free time for deeper client conversations, better patient observation, and more thoughtful decision-making. Veterinary leaders can remind the team that today ½ to 2/3 of U.S. adults and over ¾ of adults under 30 are adopting AI, giving Veterinary team members the opportunity to share with their clients how AI is being used for better patient care and client communications. Regarding time saving, this extra time could be directed towards reimagining the ecosystem of Veterinary healthcare in the practice.
The Bottom Line
AI-ready leaders are not born, they are developed, as are their teams. AI adoption in Veterinary practice is less about technology deployment and more about cultural transformation. Leaders who communicate purpose, model use, support learning, and build trust will not only accelerate adoption, they will position their teams to thrive in a rapidly evolving profession.