The Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Chewy Health have released a study examining how pet owners navigate care using artificial intelligence. Based on a nationally representative survey of more than 2,000 U.S. dog and cat owners, the research revealed that 36% of pet owners have used AI for pet care, often to interpret symptoms, diagnoses, or lab results.
According to the study, clients who use AI report positive impacts on their veterinary visits. Among AI-using pet owners who have a veterinarian:
- 69% said the technology improved their relationship with their veterinarian
- 67% felt more informed before a clinic visit
- 62% reported their conversations with their veterinarian had become more productive
The study noted that owners still recognize AI’s limitations, rating clinical teams far higher for trustworthiness, accuracy, and personalization. Mita Malhotra, president of Chewy Health, stated that this trend creates an opportunity for practices to guide how clients use AI while “providing the expertise, judgment, and human connection that technology simply cannot replace.”
To assist clinical teams with these client conversations, the organizations released a companion guide: “The Bond Factor II.”