AI Use Improves Pet Owners' Vet Relationships

A survey of 2,008 U.S. dog and cat owners links AI use for pet care to better communication with veterinarians.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Pet Health

AI Use Improves Pet Owners' Vet Relationships

Live Poll

Do you use AI to research your pet's health before visiting the vet?

A study from HABRI and Chewy Health found that AI use may strengthen veterinary-client relationships. Among AI users who had a veterinarian, 69 percent said the technology improved their relationship with their vet.

Why it matters

The findings suggest AI tools may help pet owners feel more prepared and understanding during veterinary care. The results are based on a survey, so they describe owner perceptions rather than measured clinical outcomes.

The figures come from a nationally representative online survey of 2,008 U.S. dog and cat owners conducted May 12-20, 2026, with 81% reporting prior AI use and 36% using it for pet care. The survey measured owner perceptions, so it does not show whether AI changes pets' health outcomes.

The players

HABRI

The Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, a nonprofit organization that funds research on the relationship between people and animals.

Chewy Health

The health division of Chewy, the online pet retailer, which co-released the study with HABRI.

The details

Owners reported using AI to understand symptoms, interpret diagnoses or lab results, manage routine care and prepare for veterinary visits. The most common reasons were quick answers (84%), reassurance (83%) and greater confidence in care decisions (82%).

The survey was conducted May 12-20, 2026.

Roadmap

The study extends the broader trend of consumers turning to general-purpose AI chatbots for health questions into the pet care market. It shows owners applying the same tools to animal health, with the study's findings pointing to a role for AI in veterinary communication.

Pet owners using AI for quick answers should treat the output as a starting point and bring questions to their veterinarian before acting on diagnoses or medication decisions. The study suggests better-prepared visits may help owners understand veterinary explanations more clearly.

The takeaway

Owners who use AI for pet questions may get more out of vet visits by writing down symptoms and questions beforehand. The study's findings are self-reported, so AI should complement rather than replace veterinary advice.