Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly changing how veterinary practices function day to day. While most veterinarians are familiar with the obvious advantages of its use, such as automated note-taking and faster workflows, AI tools also have a less-discussed but equally important role when it comes to minimizing liability. Veterinarians are already burdened with high-stakes decisions, complex legal requirements, and documentation that’s often overwhelming. So, how can AI scribe tools help mitigate these concerns, and what do you need to know before selecting an AI scribe? AI tools, such as scribes, offer veterinary teams support, yet they still require mindful use and a clear understanding of their limitations to avoid potential pitfalls. Photo courtesy ScribbleVet The obvious benefits of AI AI tools, such as scribes, automated medical record generators, and client communication systems, streamline workflows and make the daily grind a lot less grueling, at least from an administrative standpoint. Veterinarians often spend 10 or more hours weekly on documentation, usually after appointments or outside clinic hours. AI tools help reduce that burden by transcribing conversations, generating SOAP notes, and summarizing client communication in real time. This improves both efficiency and accuracy by capturing detailed, clinically relevant information. The result is a more consistent medical record and more time for patient care, team support, or work-life balance. The not-so-obvious: How AI minimizes liability The legal risks involved in veterinary practice can often stem from incomplete or inaccurate medical records. Whether it is a missed detail that results in an improper diagnosis or a client disagreement about what was discussed, these issues can lead to serious legal consequences. Here are several ways AI can minimize those risks: Reduction of human error Manual documentation, especially under time pressure, can lead to inconsistencies, missed information, and errors that affect both clinical outcomes and legal defensibility. Spelling mistakes, incomplete histories, and vague assessments are common when notes are written by hand, after the fact. AI-powered scribe tools reduce this risk by capturing details in real time, standardizing terminology, and ensuring key clinical observations are documented accurately. By minimizing reliance on memory and manual entry, AI scribes help create more complete, consistent, and legally sound medical records. Improved client communication When veterinarians are freed from typing during appointments, they can engage more fully with clients, explaining diagnostics, answering questions, and building trust in real time. This improves client satisfaction, increases adherence to treatment plans, and reduces misunderstandings that can lead to complaints or legal issues. AI scribes can preserve the full context of those conversations, creating a reliable record while allowing practitioners to stay fully present. Better liability shield AI scribe tools provide a detailed, timestamped record of every step in the veterinary care process. Whether it is recording consent for procedures, documenting a patient’s condition, or keeping track of follow-up communication, AI scribes offer a reliable defense in case of disputes. For example, if a client claims they were not informed about potential risks during a procedure, having a verbatim, AI-generated transcript of the conversation can protect the veterinary practice. AI scribe tools also offer traceability, showing exactly what was discussed with the client, when, and how the information was presented. CityVet in Virginia Beach, Va., had a client attempt a chargeback, stating charges were not authorized for their dog’s euthanasia. The practice submitted its AI scribe recording, including the timestamp of when the client agreed to the estimate, and it won the chargeback. Ongoing verification and audit trails With AI scribes, every action is recorded and verifiable. If a mistake occurs, staff members can quickly identify where it happened, who made the entry, and when it occurred. This audit trail can be invaluable in defending a practice against liability claims, as it provides a transparent, verifiable record of events. Drawbacks of AI While AI scribes can help minimize liability, like any technology, AI is not without its potential pitfalls. It is important to approach these tools with awareness and a clear understanding of what they can and cannot do. Over-reliance on technology AI is a tool, not a substitute for clinical judgment. While AI scribes can automate note generation and streamline documentation, they still require review and oversight from the practitioner. Context, nuance, and prioritization are human skills that AI cannot replicate. The most effective use of AI happens when veterinarians treat it as a second set of hands, not a second brain. Data privacy and security concerns AI scribe tools handle sensitive data, such as client names, medical records, diagnoses, payment details, and communications. If that information is exposed due to a breach, improper access, or system failure, the consequences can be serious. Clinics may face legal claims, compliance violations, damaged reputations, and loss of client trust. These risks are not theoretical. They can come from outdated software, third-party vulnerabilities, or even accidental access by an unauthorized team member. Once data is compromised, recovery is difficult, and accountability is high. This is where verified security compliance matters. Standards, such as SOC 2 Type 2, require AI scribe tools to enforce strict controls over how data is stored, accessed, encrypted, and monitored. Logs track who viewed what and when. Permissions prevent staff from seeing records they should not. Real-time alerts and backups reduce the risk of data loss or silent breaches. Using a secure AI scribe tool helps prevent these problems before they happen. It also gives your practice a defensible position in the event of an investigation or dispute, because the safeguards are already in place and documented. Integration and adoption costs Implementing AI systems into a veterinary practice comes with upfront costs, both for the software itself and for training staff. While these tools often pay for themselves in time saved, the initial investment can be a hurdle for smaller practices. Evaluating an AI tool: The 80/20 Rule When evaluating an AI tool for your practice, consider the 80/20 rule—80 percent of the features in AI tools are fairly standard and easy to develop, but it is the 20 percent of advanced capabilities that truly differentiate high-quality products. With AI scribes, this 20 percent includes features such as custom dictation capabilities, specialized integrations with practice management systems, and the ability to handle more nuanced clinical details. Some AI scribes will offer features that improve your workflow and customize to your specific needs. When choosing an AI scribe, ensure it has the flexibility and sophistication to meet your practice’s needs. Look for tools that understand veterinary language, adapt to your practice, and integrate with your existing systems. Embracing the future of veterinary care AI tools have already revolutionized the way veterinary professionals document and communicate. By increasing efficiency, minimizing human error, and providing reliable legal protection, they have a place in virtually every practice. Further, the key to maximizing AI’s potential is choosing the right tool, staying involved in the process, and being mindful of its limitations. AI is here to support, not replace, the expertise and compassion that veterinarians bring to their work every day. As AI technology continues to improve, so will the possibilities for veterinary practices. It is up to us to ensure we are making the most of these tools to provide better care, reduce liability, and enhance the client experience. Jeff Werber, DVM, is chief veterinary advisor for ScribbleVet. He is an Emmy Award-winning veterinarian who merges innovation and compassionate care to advance pet health. With more than 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Werber co-founded AirVet, the nation’s largest pet telehealth platform, as well as the AAHA-certified VCA Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, Calif. Rohan Relan is ScribbleVet's founder and CEO. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with engineering backgrounds from UC Berkeley and Stanford. Over the past nine years, Relan has focused on advancing AI and exploring its capabilities. Five years ago, he adopted Potato, a spirited street dog from Mexico. Potato became the inspiration behind ScribbleVet and is now the company’s mascot. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult your attorney for advice on specific legal issues.
