Smart Care: The Emerging Role of AI in Pet Care and Animal Research

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how we approach many aspects of everyday life – and pet care or zoological research are no exception. Smart algorithms, machine learning models, and data analytics are opening new possibilities not only for caring for pets at home but also for expanding our understanding of nature and the animal kingdom.

But what does this development actually mean from the animal’s perspective? And how is it reshaping the daily lives of veterinarians, researchers, and pet owners?

Smart Devices Supporting Pet Care

Today, many pet owners already use smart collars that track their animal’s activity, heart rate, and sleep. This data is continuously collected and analyzed by AI systems capable of detecting abnormal behavior patterns or potential signs of illness. This enables early intervention – often before the human eye would notice anything unusual.

Another practical application is in feeding. Smart feeding devices can dispense the right amount of food at the right time – based on AI-driven recommendations tailored to the pet’s age, weight, breed, and activity level. This helps maintain a balanced diet and can reduce the risk of obesity, for example.

Understanding Behavior – and Supporting Training

AI now makes it possible to analyze pet behavior more deeply than ever. Data gathered from video footage and sensors can be used to train algorithms to recognize signs of stress, anxiety, or aggression. This information is invaluable to both owners and trainers – helping them understand why an animal is behaving a certain way and how best to respond.

There are also applications designed to support training by offering personalized guidance based on the animal’s personality and learning style. In practice, AI can act as a virtual training coach, adjusting instructions in real time based on the animal’s reactions.

Where Research Meets Technology: AI in Zoology

Tracking animals in the wild has traditionally been difficult due to the challenge of collecting large amounts of reliable data without disturbing the animals. Now, AI can be used to analyze automatically gathered data such as GPS tracking, thermal imaging, or video footage. It can recognize movement, behavior patterns, and even identify individual animals in the footage – faster and more accurately than a human.

AI is also beginning to revolutionize veterinary research. Areas such as medical image analysis, genetic research, and disease risk prediction are being transformed by AI, helping researchers make faster and more precise decisions. With Vetlyn’s own app, it’s even possible to turn collected patient data into clear summaries and ask an AI assistant for diagnostic insights.

Responsibility Doesn’t Disappear with Technology

As technology evolves, it raises ethical questions. Where is the line between constant monitoring and an animal’s right to privacy? How can we ensure that the conclusions AI draws are reliable and overseen by humans?

The use of AI in animal care should always be guided by the principle: animal welfare comes first. While AI offers many advantages, its use demands careful consideration and transparent guidelines – just as in human healthcare.

Looking Ahead

AI shows no signs of slowing down, and in the future, we can expect even more sophisticated and intelligent applications to support animal care. We may see systems capable of predicting illnesses weeks before symptoms appear, or devices that interpret animals’ emotional states more accurately than ever.

At the same time, research institutions around the world are increasingly leveraging AI to understand interactions within ecosystems and between species – knowledge that is vital for assessing the impacts of climate change.