The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has released a package of resources to help veterinary practices manage the rising use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools by clients and to support vets using AI at work. The materials are intended to assist practices in adopting AI effectively, safely and ethically, while giving clinicians practical ways to handle conversations when client-sourced AI information contradicts professional opinion.
What the toolkit contains
The toolkit, exclusive to BVA members, bundles policy and communication aids designed for deployment at practice level. It includes a mix of written templates and multimedia guidance to standardise how practices approach AI.
- a practical, downloadable policy template for use by workplaces considering or already using AI tools
- a printable waiting-room charter setting out a practice’s commitments on responsible AI use
- a series of videos demonstrating how to manage difficult conversations when AI-derived diagnoses or treatment suggestions conflict with veterinary advice
| resource | purpose |
|---|---|
| Policy template | Establish workplace rules on AI use and governance |
| Waiting-room charter | Inform clients of practice stance and expectations |
| Instructional videos | Guide vets through client conversations about AI |
Survey findings that prompted the guidance
The toolkit follows results from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey. The survey reported that almost half of respondents said their workplace did not have an AI use policy in place, while about one in three were unsure whether a policy existed. Vets in clinical practice estimated that roughly one in seven clients are using AI technology in the care of their animals.
When asked about the types of AI use by clients, the most commonly reported application was attempting to diagnose an animal’s health issue — mentioned by two-thirds of vets surveyed. Other frequently cited uses were researching treatment options, checking information provided by their vet, and deciding whether veterinary treatment was needed before making an appointment.
Availability and BVA position
The toolkit is available exclusively to BVA members and can be downloaded from the BVA’s resources pages. BVA’s overarching policy position on artificial intelligence in the veterinary profession is publicly accessible for non-members.
The materials are practical in focus: they aim to help practices formalise an approach to AI, protect clinical decision-making, and improve client communications where AI plays a part in the care pathway. The BVA also provides an open policy statement setting out its stance on AI use in veterinary services.
Sheep and goat veterinary practices — like all livestock clinicians — are likely to encounter client-sourced AI information, whether that is used to check or challenge diagnoses, explore treatment options or decide on the need for a face-to-face appointment. The toolkit offers a starting point for practices seeking to adopt a clear, consistent and documented approach.
