The Case for AI Scribes in Veterinary Practice: Enhancing Efficiency, Reducing Burnout, and Improving Care

In the demanding field of veterinary medicine, administrative tasks like documentation often consume a substantial portion of a veterinarian's time, detracting from direct patient care. AI scribes—tools that automatically transcribe consultations, generate structured medical notes, and extract actionable insights—offer a promising solution.

As of September 2025, with burnout remaining a significant issue among veterinarians and admin tasks limiting patient throughput, AI scribes are gaining traction. This research piece draws from recent studies and reports to demonstrate their impact on productivity, well-being, and client satisfaction in veterinary settings.

The Administrative Burden in Veterinary Practice

Veterinary professionals face considerable administrative challenges that impact their ability to deliver care. A 2024 report from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) highlights that veterinarians spend a large part of their day on documentation, contributing to reduced patient throughput and job satisfaction.

This is echoed in a 2024 Veterinary Information Network (VIN) report, which notes that admin tasks lead to inefficiencies in practice operations. In high-volume clinics, these burdens can result in fewer appointments and higher stress levels, exacerbating burnout, which affects a significant portion of the profession.

Productivity Gains: Evidence from AI Implementation

AI scribes significantly enhance productivity by automating documentation. A 2024 DVM360 article reports that a new AI scribe tool saves up to 2 hours a day for veterinary professionals, allowing more time for patient care.

This is supported by a 2024 study from Uncharted Veterinary, which discusses how AI scribes revolutionize workflows by automating notes and improving efficiency. In a 2024 VetSuccess report, AI adopters in veterinary practices experienced notable reductions in administrative overhead, leading to increased patient throughput.

A 2024 Veterinary Practice News article notes that AI integration in hospitals can decrease overtime and improve staff retention, indirectly boosting productivity. Tools like Orbit demonstrate substantial time savings and scalability.

Reducing Burnout: A Critical Imperative

Burnout is a pressing issue in veterinary medicine, with a 2024 AVMA report indicating high levels due to administrative and emotional strain. AI scribes help mitigate this by automating tasks, with a 2024 Merck Animal Health study from the AVMA showing improved mental health and well-being among users.

A 2024 INVMA white paper explores AI's role in assessing and reducing burnout through objective metrics.

Improving Client Satisfaction and Practice Outcomes

AI scribes improve client interactions by enabling efficient communication. A 2024 Vetstoria blog post discusses how AI tools enhance client satisfaction through better accessibility and responsiveness.

Practices using AI report improved client experiences, as faster documentation allows for timely follow-ups and clearer records. AI also supports compliance by reducing errors in records, as noted in a 2024 DigitaTail article on AI in vet med.

Case Studies: Real-World Success

These examples demonstrate real-world success across different practice types.

Challenges and Considerations

AI scribes require human oversight for accuracy in veterinary terminology and client consent for recordings. Privacy concerns are addressed through GDPR-compliant tools, though costs may vary. The AVMA notes AI complements professional judgment.

Conclusion: The Future of Veterinary Practice

AI scribes are transforming veterinary medicine, offering evidence-based improvements in efficiency and care. With adoption growing, early users gain a competitive edge.

For veterinarians, AI like Orbit is essential for sustainable practice.