PHILADELPHIA, PA — Instinct Science released results from two surveys examining conditions in veterinary medicine across general practice, specialty, emergency, and urgent care clinics in 2026, finding increased use of artificial intelligence tools alongside persistent staffing challenges and changing workplace expectations.
The company’s inaugural State of General Practice Veterinary Care survey found that staff turnover remains manageable but that clinics are under pressure to retain employees and offer more flexible schedules.
Fewer than 10% of general practices still operate on traditional fixed full-time schedules, according to the survey. About 40% offer part-time roles, while 25% have adopted four-day workweeks.
The survey also found growing adoption of artificial intelligence tools in veterinary practices. Forty-eight percent of general practices reported using AI in some capacity, primarily for medical record and SOAP note creation (63%) and diagnostic support (38%).
Nearly three-quarters of respondents using AI said the technology improved efficiency. Cloud-based veterinary software was cited by 26% of respondents as having the most positive impact on daily work, compared with 13% who cited server-based systems.
Instinct Science also released results from its third annual Specialty, Emergency & Urgent Care Survey, which found staffing shortages remain the industry’s leading challenge.
Eighty-five percent of respondents cited staffing shortages as a major issue, up from 78% in the previous year. Although 55% of practices hired additional full-time employees in 2025, 32% reported working longer hours, suggesting workloads continue to outpace hiring.
Financial constraints among pet owners emerged as another concern, cited by 79% of respondents.
However, stress and compassion fatigue declined to 70% from 83% reported in 2023, which the survey suggested may reflect the impact of targeted workplace interventions.
Technology adoption was associated with operational improvements in specialty and emergency clinics. Sixty-seven percent of respondents reported improved efficiency and 57% reported improved patient care after adopting new tools.
More than half said technology reduced treatment or diagnostic errors, while 25% reported increased revenue capture.
Digital treatment sheets were cited as having the greatest efficiency impact at 55%, followed by cloud-based practice management software at 32%. AI scribes accounted for 21% of reported adoption and showed the largest increase since 2024.
“Technology is delivering real, measurable impact in terms of better workflow efficiency, better patient care, and in many cases, better profitability,” said Caleb Frankel, VMD, CEO of Instinct Science. “Whether it’s an emergency hospital managing surge volume or a GP practice trying to retain staff, the right tools can make a real difference.”
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