Veterinarians

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (9%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 9 (39%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 12 (52%)

• Attend lectures, conferences, or continuing education courses.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Specialize in a particular type of treatment, such as dentistry, pathology, nutrition, surgery, microbiology, or internal medicine.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Operate diagnostic equipment, such as radiographic or ultrasound equipment, and interpret the resulting images.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Educate the public about diseases that can be spread from animals to humans.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Advise animal owners regarding sanitary measures, feeding, general care, medical conditions, or treatment options.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Perform administrative or business management tasks, such as scheduling appointments, accepting payments from clients, budgeting, or maintaining business records.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Plan or execute animal nutrition or reproduction programs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Direct the overall operations of animal hospitals, clinics, or mobile services to farms.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Establish or conduct quarantine or testing procedures that prevent the spread of diseases to other animals or to humans and that comply with applicable government regulations.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Research diseases to which animals could be susceptible.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Inspect animal housing facilities to determine their cleanliness and adequacy.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Treat sick or injured animals by prescribing medication, setting bones, dressing wounds, or performing surgery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inoculate animals against various diseases, such as rabies or distemper.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Examine animals to detect and determine the nature of diseases or injuries.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Collect body tissue, feces, blood, urine, or other body fluids for examination and analysis.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Counsel clients about the deaths of their pets or about euthanasia decisions for their pets.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Euthanize animals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train or supervise workers who handle or care for animals.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct postmortem studies and analyses to determine the causes of animals' deaths.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect and test horses, sheep, poultry, or other animals to detect the presence of communicable diseases.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Provide care to a wide range of animals or specialize in a particular species, such as horses or exotic birds.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Determine the effects of drug therapies, antibiotics, or new surgical techniques by testing them on animals.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Drive mobile clinic vans to farms so that health problems can be treated or prevented.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about veterinarians and AI