Survey data show fast tech adoption amid persistent vet staffing strain

Veterinary practices are adopting digital tools faster than many expected, even as workforce strain continues to shape daily operations. New 2026 survey findings from Instinct Science show that 91% of general practices changed or adopted at least one new technology in the past year, 90% now use digital diagnostic and imaging equipment, and 48% report using AI in some capacity. At the same time, the company’s specialty, emergency, and urgent care survey found staffing shortages remain the top challenge, cited by 85% of respondents, while client financial limitations have emerged as a major new pressure point. The surveys, released in March 2026, also suggest workplace structure is shifting: fewer than 10% of general practices still use a traditional full-time, fixed schedule, while 40% offer part-time roles and 25% have moved to a four-day work week. (globenewswire.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, the headline isn’t just that AI is arriving, but that it’s being adopted as a practical response to documentation burden, retention pressure, and uneven workloads. Among general practices using AI, nearly three-quarters said it improved efficiency, with the most common uses tied to medical records, SOAP note creation, and diagnostic assistance. That aligns with broader industry signals: AVMA has said AI tools can support earlier detection, administrative efficiency, and team workflows, while emphasizing that veterinary oversight remains essential. At the same time, workforce shortages remain structural rather than temporary, according to AAVMC, which has warned that shortages span sectors and are likely to persist without longer-term action. (globenewswire.com)

What to watch: Expect closer scrutiny of which tools actually reduce after-hours work, improve retention, and fit safely into clinical workflows as practices weigh technology investment against ongoing staffing and client affordability pressures. (globenewswire.com)