As someone who spends a lot of time inside veterinary practices and speaking at conferences, I’ve seen how quickly artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming part of everyday workflows. From drafting client communication to helping with scheduling, reminders, and even medical documentation, AI in veterinary medicine is no longer an abstract idea. It is here, and it’s moving fast.

But with new technology comes responsibility. That is why I strongly recommend that every veterinary practice establish a clear AI policy.

Why Owners Need an AI Policy

For practice owners, an AI policy is not just a formality—it’s a safeguard. Without clear guidelines, you run the risk of staff using AI in ways that could compromise patient care, client trust, or even legal compliance.

Here are a few reasons every veterinary business owner should care:

• Data security: AI tools handle sensitive information. Without boundaries, client or patient data could end up in the wrong place.
• Consistency: Your brand and medical recommendations should be consistent. An AI policy ensures that staff-generated communication reflects your values and standards.
• Liability: If AI generates a mistake in medical notes, treatment plans, or client communication, the responsibility can fall on the practice or the individual veterinarian involved. A clear policy helps reduce this risk by defining what is and isn’t acceptable.
• Future-proofing: As artificial intelligence grows, regulations are inevitable. A written AI policy positions your practice ahead of the curve.

Why Teams Are Asked to Sign an AI Policy

For team members, being asked to sign an AI policy is not about mistrust—it’s about clarity and protection. I’ve found when I talk with veterinary teams, most staff want to know why such policies are needed. Here’s the perspective that matters:

• Protecting patients: AI is a tool, not a decision-maker. A policy reinforces that medical judgment must always come from veterinary professionals.
• Protecting staff: If a mistake happens, a policy ensures staff know they won’t be blamed for using AI tools within defined guidelines.
• Clear boundaries: Without a policy, people are left guessing—Can I use AI to help with discharge instructions? Can I ask it to explain lab results? A policy removes uncertainty.
• Training and support: Signing a policy usually goes hand-in-hand with training. This means teams get the education they need to use AI responsibly.

What Should Be in a Veterinary AI Policy

From my experience, the most effective AI policies in veterinary practices include:

1. Acceptable uses – where AI can support (client communications, reminders, administrative tasks) and where it cannot replace professional judgment.
2. Data privacy rules – clear instructions that personal, client, or patient identifiers must not be entered into public AI tools.
3. Oversight and review – AI outputs (like client emails or SOAP notes) should be reviewed by a human before being finalized.
4. Training requirements – staff should receive ongoing education to keep up with changes in AI.
5. Accountability – clarity on who in the practice is responsible for monitoring AI use.

Moving Forward Together

Artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine will only become more common, and the practices that handle it responsibly will stand out as leaders. For practice owners, an AI policy is a way to protect your business, your team, and your clients. For team members, signing a policy is a commitment to using new tools responsibly and with confidence.

From my perspective working across the industry, the message is simple: AI is a powerful ally, but only if we set boundaries and use it wisely. An AI policy makes that possible.

✅ Bottom line: If you own a veterinary practice, put an AI policy in place. If you work in a veterinary practice, understand that signing one protects you as much as it protects the business and can help reduce liability risks for both the practice and individual veterinarians.