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The veterinary field has changed more in the last five years than in the two decades before that. Artificial intelligence, wearable health monitors, 3D-printed implants, and cloud-based record systems are all reshaping how animal care is delivered. For anyone training to become a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician, understanding these tools is no longer optional. It is part of the job.

This article covers the biggest technology shifts in veterinary medicine right now and explains what they mean for the people working in clinics every day.

Table of Contents

• Artificial Intelligence
• Diagnostic Imaging
• 3D Printing
• Wearable Technology
• Telemedicine
• Cloud-Based Practice Management
• Precision Medicine and Genetics
• What This Means for Vet Assistants and Vet Techs
• Frequently Asked Questions

Artificial Intelligence Is Entering Everyday Practice

AI has moved well beyond research labs. A 2024 survey by the American Animal Hospital Association found that about 30% of veterinarians already use some form of AI in their practice on a daily or weekly basis. That number is growing fast.

In 2024, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hosted a symposium on AI in veterinary medicine. Researchers showed how AI tools are being used in radiology to catch small abnormalities in imaging that might otherwise be missed. Dr. David Levine of Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine noted that AI is moving beyond test programs into daily clinic use.

One real-world example: Antech Diagnostics launched RapidRead Dental in May 2025. This AI tool reviews dental X-rays and delivers a detailed report within 10 minutes, helping veterinarians make faster treatment decisions.

AI is also handling paperwork. Companies like VetRec and ScribbleVet build tools that record appointments and produce notes in seconds. The benefits include saved time, better accuracy, and clearer communication with pet owners. Experts agree that AI use in veterinary clinics is expanding quickly, and the tools are getting better each year.

For veterinary assistants, this means learning to work alongside AI documentation tools and supporting veterinarians who use them during appointments.

Diagnostic Imaging Has Gotten More Precise

Imaging tools in veterinary medicine now match what was found only in human hospitals a decade ago. MRI, ultrasound, and laparoscopy, once used only on people, are now standard tools in animal care. Digital radiographs have replaced traditional X-ray film, making it easier to share images and build better treatment plans.

A March 2025 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science tracked deep learning use in veterinary diagnostics. Researchers found steady growth in areas like radiography and cytology from 2013 through 2024.

New ultrasound technology uses flexible sensors that make it easier to scan animals of all sizes, including very small patients like kittens. These tools allow general practice clinics to handle diagnostic steps that once required a specialist referral.

Veterinary assistants play a direct role in this process. They prepare patients for imaging, maintain equipment, and help clients understand what each procedure involves.

3D Printing Is Changing Surgery and Prosthetics

Before 3D printing, building implants or prosthetics for animals was slow and expensive. That has changed. The technology now makes custom solutions faster, more affordable, and more precise. Using detailed scans, veterinarians can design braces and prosthetics built specifically for each patient.

The benefits extend into the operating room. Surgical teams can now use 3D-printed models of a patient’s anatomy to plan and practice a procedure before it happens. This has been shown to improve accuracy and shorten surgery time.

In 2024, five real cases at private veterinary clinics showed how 3D-printed anatomical models helped surgical teams. The cases ranged from skull surgery for cancer treatment to complex spinal procedures in dogs.

Some clinics can now build prosthetics and surgical tools on-site. This is especially useful for patients who need solutions that are not available through standard medical suppliers.

Wearable Technology Gives Veterinarians More Data

Pet wearables have grown from simple activity trackers into real clinical tools. Devices like smart heart rate monitors and fitness trackers collect health data in real time. That data helps veterinarians and pet owners spot problems early, before a condition gets worse.

As the technology improves, these devices are becoming more accurate. Data from a pet’s wearable can be shared directly with a clinic, giving the care team a clearer picture of how an animal is doing between visits.

Even stethoscopes are changing. New designs use AI to detect heart abnormalities and calculate heart rate from audio recordings.

For veterinary assistants, wearable data is becoming another type of medical record. Knowing how to find and read that data inside a practice management system is a skill that employers increasingly look for.

Telemedicine Has Created New Ways to Reach Clients

Telehealth grew quickly across all of healthcare in recent years, and veterinary medicine followed. Telemedicine gives pet owners in remote areas access to care they might not otherwise have. It also makes follow-up visits easier for clients who do not need to bring their pet in for every question.

Health technology expert Daniel Kraft, MD, spoke at the 2024 American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum. He noted that just as COVID-19 pushed human medicine into telehealth, the veterinary field is going through a similar shift driven by AI and digital tools.

Mobile veterinary services have grown as well. These services reach older or anxious animals that have a hard time traveling to a clinic. Online scheduling is also increasing, which points to a wider move toward digital access in veterinary care.

Cloud-Based Practice Management Has Become Standard

Cloud technology was just starting to appear in veterinary clinics several years ago. Today it is a core part of how most practices run. Cloud-based systems store medical records online rather than on a single computer. This means any team member can pull up a patient’s file from any device, at any time.

The day-to-day benefits are clear. Records are backed up automatically. Staff at different locations can all work from the same up-to-date information. There is no risk of losing files to a hard drive crash or office emergency.

For veterinary assistants, this means that entering patient data accurately matters more than ever. That information goes straight to the rest of the care team the moment it is saved.

Precision Medicine and Genetics Are on the Horizon

Precision medicine is one of the most promising areas in veterinary care. The goal is to match treatment to each animal based on its genetics, health history, and environment. With better diagnostics and continuous monitoring, veterinarians can catch disease earlier and choose treatments most likely to work for that individual patient.

Monoclonal antibodies are a newer type of treatment. These proteins are made in a lab and help an animal’s immune system target specific diseases. They have shown strong results in treating canine parvovirus, arthritis pain in dogs, and certain cancers like melanoma and mast cell tumors.

The market for AI-powered veterinary diagnostics grew from $1.61 billion in 2024 to $1.94 billion in 2025. It is expected to reach $4.05 billion by 2029. That growth shows how fast these tools are moving from research settings into everyday clinic use.

What This Means for Veterinary Assistants and Veterinary Technicians

Technology changes the tools, but it does not change the heart of veterinary care. Animals still need skilled people to provide hands-on support, calm nervous patients, help during procedures, and talk clearly with pet owners.

What changes is the knowledge base required, and it differs depending on the role.

Veterinary assistants work in a support role alongside the care team. That includes learning AI-assisted documentation tools, entering records into cloud-based systems, and helping prepare patients for imaging. As wearable devices and telehealth visits become more common, assistants are often the first point of contact for that data and those client conversations.

Vet techs take on more clinical duties and work directly with diagnostic tools and treatment equipment. Vet techs need to know how AI imaging tools work, how to monitor patients during advanced procedures, and how to read data from monitoring devices. The vet tech role is also growing in telehealth, where techs often handle triage and support remote consultations.

As Daniel Kraft, MD, said at the 2024 ACVIM Forum, “AI won’t replace veterinarians but veterinarians that use AI will replace those who don’t.” The same is true across every role in a clinic. Those who enter the field with a working knowledge of current technology are better prepared from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AI replacing veterinary assistants and technicians?

No. AI handles specific tasks like documentation and image analysis, but it does not replace the hands-on patient care, client communication, and procedural support that veterinary assistants and technicians provide.

Do veterinary assistants need to understand AI tools to get hired?

Familiarity with AI documentation tools and practice management software is increasingly valued by employers, even at the entry level. Training programs that cover current technology help graduates stand out.

What is the job outlook for veterinary technicians right now?

Demand is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9.1% employment growth for veterinary technologists and technicians through 2034, with about 12,200 job openings projected each year.

What is the difference between a veterinary assistant and a veterinary technician?

Veterinary assistants work in a support role, helping with patient handling, record keeping, and clinic operations. Veterinary technicians have a broader clinical scope, performing lab work, radiology support, surgical assistance, and patient monitoring under a veterinarian’s direction.

How long does it take to complete a veterinary assistant or veterinary technician program?

Program length varies by school and credential level. Veterinary assistant programs can often be completed in a matter of months, while veterinary technician programs take longer due to the expanded clinical curriculum. ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ offers both programs with a focus on hands-on, job-ready training.

Will veterinary clinics expect new hires to already know how to use these technologies?

Most clinics do not expect entry-level hires to know every software platform, but knowing AI documentation tools, electronic medical records, and digital imaging equipment gives new graduates a clear advantage.

ºÚÁÏÊÓƵ offers Veterinary Assistant and Veterinary Technician programs that prepare students for the realities of today’s technology-driven clinics. Contact MCC to learn more about program options and enrollment.

Sources

1. VOSD — AI in Veterinary Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging (2025):
2. Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine — AI and Predictive Analytics in Veterinary Medicine (2026):
3. GlobeNewswire — AI-Powered Veterinary Diagnostics Market Report (2025):
4. Veterinary Practice News — What’s Shaping Vet Med in 2025 (2025):
5. Frontiers in Veterinary Science — Review of Applications of Deep Learning in Veterinary Diagnostics (2025):
6. Frontiers in Veterinary Science — 3D Printing for Advanced Surgical Planning in Veterinary Medicine (2025):
7. VCA Animal Hospitals — What’s New in the World of Veterinary Medicine 2025:
8. Oakland Veterinary Referral Services — Emerging Technologies in Veterinary Medicine (2025):
9. Accio — Veterinary Medicine Trends: AI and Telehealth in 2025:
10. DVM360 — The Future of Veterinary Medicine Is Here (2024):
11. OC Veterinary Assistant School — The Future of Veterinary Technology: Trends and Innovations:
12. VetPort — Recent Technological Advancements in Veterinary Medicine (2023):