‘AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain’
Data from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index reveals that in the Yorkshire & Humber region, 7% of pet owners are now routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their pet.(Image: Getty Images)
Animal welfare experts are warning of a “real cause for concern” as rising numbers of Humber pet owners turn to AI to help treat their pets. The latest figures from the RSPCA’s Animal Kindness Index reveals that 7% of pet owners in the Yorkshire & Humber region are now routinely turning to the likes of ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for advice and support in looking after their precious pets.
More than half who use AI, 56%, are seeking advice on behaviour and body language and 33% are symptom checking for unwell pets, but the RSPCA is concerned that relying on conversations with AI could lead to complacency, as well as untreated illnesses in animals. The organisation warns it could even lead to people unwittingly breaking the law if they don’t get treatment for a pet that is suffering.
Gemma Hope, RSPCA assistant director of policy, advocacy and evidence, said: “Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer – including for animal welfare. And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, and to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.
“But we’re worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare. AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods, or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.
“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it’s vital to reach out to a vet immediately.”
The Animal Kindness Index is an annual, UK-wide study tracking public attitudes and values towards animal welfare, compiled by the RSPCA working in collaboration with the Scottish SPCA and Ulster SPCA. The 2026 findings are driving RSPCA concerns that ongoing cost of living pressures are driving some people to seek a “quick fix” towards potentially costly vet bills.
More than half (54%) of pet owners across the Yorkshire & Humber region are worried about being able to afford vet bills. And 8% admit to reducing their spend on vet care due to financial pressures, while 2% admit their use of AI chat bots for health advice was triggered by the economic situation.
More than a quarter (29%) of pet owners in the region are now skipping their animal’s annual check up, while 8% are not registered with a vet at all.
Gemma added: “Pet ownership can be one of the most rewarding things imaginable – and there’s hundreds of rescue animals looking for a second chance of happiness on our website. But there’s also no hiding it – pet ownership is a massive responsibility, and can be expensive. That’s why we’ve created a calculator to help people prepare, and decide which pet may be right for them and their budget.”
TV’s Rory Cowlam has backed the RSPCA’s call, with the celebrity vet reminding the public when AI may be useful, and when they need to seek proper veterinary attention for their pets.
Rory said: “In my own clinic, we use AI tools all the time. It can be brilliant for rapidly supporting investigations or lab work so we can treat our patients faster. But there is a massive difference between a vet using clinical AI to support an examination, and a pet owner using a text chatbot to skip one entirely. “That’s why these new findings from the RSPCA’s Kindness Index could be a real cause for concern. Animals are hardwired to hide their pain, and AI on our smartphone screens can’t feel a bloated stomach, test failing kidneys, or spot the subtle signs of suffering. “AI can be a great tool for brainstorming general pet tips, like how to keep your pet entertained, or enrichment ideas. But when your animal is genuinely sick, a chatbot is not where you should be looking for advice. If in doubt, log out from AI and reach out to a professional.”
Get all the latest headlines sent straight to your inbox for free with our newsletter. You can stay up to date with all the breaking news and top stories as they happen in Hull and East Yorkshire by clicking this link.