Imagine a veterinarian diagnosing a dog’s condition in minutes using AI tools, while a pet store employee sets up a recurring food delivery for a customer with a few taps on a handheld device. These aren’t scenes from a sci-fi movie—they’re real-world examples of how the pet industry is using technology to simplify workflows. Here’s a breakdown of the latest innovations reshaping pet care operations.
Bridging the Gap Between In-Store and Online Services
Pets at Home, a UK-based retailer, recently expanded its Easy Repeat subscription service to physical stores. Originally an online offering, Easy Repeat lets customers schedule automatic deliveries of essentials like food and flea treatments. Now, store employees use handheld devices to set up subscriptions in three steps, linking them to the Pets Club loyalty program. This seamless integration marries the convenience of automation with the expertise of in-store staff, who can provide personalized advice during setup. “Customer feedback is clear: people appreciate the service they receive from our expert colleagues and genuinely love coming into our stores,” says Chief Consumer Officer Kathryn Imire. The move is part of a broader push to create a “world-class petcare platform” by merging digital tools with human know-how.
AI Takes the Stage in Veterinary Care
Veterinary clinics are quietly undergoing a tech revolution. Nearly 40% of veterinarians now use AI tools to diagnose animals faster and more accurately. For example, machine learning algorithms analyze medical records and imaging data to flag potential health issues, reducing the time spent on manual reviews. Telemedicine is also gaining traction, especially in rural areas where clinics are scarce. Wearables like pet fitness trackers feed real-time data to vets, allowing early intervention for conditions like obesity or heart disease. “AI in veterinary medicine is transforming how we approach diagnosis and therapy,” notes a St. Matthews University blog post, adding that these tools help deliver “a more proactive and efficient care model.”
The Subscription Boom Goes Physical
Retailers like Pets at Home aren’t just stopping at in-store subscription setups. They’re also investing in behind-the-scenes workflow upgrades. The company’s recent adoption of Microsoft’s generative AI agents helps automate customer service and inventory management, cutting down on repetitive tasks. Employees piloting a veterinary digital assistant report faster access to treatment guidelines and client histories, freeing up time for hands-on care. CIO William Hewish describes this as part of a strategy to master the omnichannel experience across 450 stores, online platforms, and partner vet practices.
Data-Driven Health Resets for Pets
The rise of tech isn’t just limited to businesses. A recent survey found that 69% of pet owners plan health resets for their animals in 2025, mirroring their own wellness goals. This trend is driving demand for apps and platforms that track pet health metrics, from activity levels to meal plans. Retailers and clinics are responding by integrating these tools into their ecosystems, offering curated product bundles and preventive care packages. For busy pet parents, automated reminders and AI-driven product recommendations eliminate guesswork, ensuring Fido’s flea treatment never arrives late again.
What’s Next? The Blending of High Tech and High Touch
As AI handles more routine tasks, pet care professionals are focusing on areas where human interaction shines—like nutritional counseling and behavioral training. The key lies in balancing automation with empathy. As one industry expert puts it, “Tech should free up time for the moments that truly matter, whether it’s comforting a nervous cat or explaining a treatment plan to a worried owner.” With workflow upgrades showing no signs of slowing down, the future of pet care looks lighter on paperwork and heavier on tail wags.
References:
- https://www.auntminnie.com/clinical-news/molecular-imaging/article/15625746/fda-clears-siemens-ai-for-pet-ct
- https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pet-care-industry-news–6403693
- https://veterinary.stmatthews.edu/blog/future-of-veterinary-medicine
- https://www.auntminnie.com/clinical-news/molecular-imaging/article/15632438/ai-increases-pet-ct-reporting-efficiency-in-lymphoma-staging
- https://trendinmind.com/ai-tools-for-workflow-automation/
- https://hai-production.s3.amazonaws.com/files/hai_ai_index_report_2025.pdf
- https://retail-systems.com/rs/Pets_At_Home_Expands_Easy_Repeat_Online_Subscription_Service_To_Stores.php
- https://www.montana.edu/usp/research_celebration/2025%20SRC%20Program%20Updated.pdf
