Left to right is AI specialist, Richard Susskind, Kerrie Hedley from XLVets and Serina Filler from Pennard Vets.
Future Horizons Event Helps Veterinary Professionals Harness The Power Of AI
4 hours ago 
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The latest in a series of events examining the future of the veterinary profession has been the most successful yet, with more than 60 industry professionals coming together to explore how to harness the potential of artificial intelligence (AI).
The Future Horizons days are hosted by XLVets, a community of more than 70 independent veterinary practices that share knowledge, experience and skills to support one another.
Held in central London, the one-day event, titled ‘Future Horizons: Exploring AI in Practice’, featured a keynote speech from internationally renowned author and AI specialist Richard Susskind.
The programme explored real-world applications of AI, governance considerations and emerging tools, with discussions on how the technology can enhance veterinary services. XLVets’ members also shared examples of AI case studies from their own practices.
Kerrie Hedley, CEO at XLVets, said: “AI is evolving rapidly, but the greatest opportunity lies not simply in doing existing tasks faster. It’s about challenging ourselves to think differently about what may be possible in the future. The care, compassion, expertise and relationships at the heart of veterinary practice will always matter most, but AI has the potential to help us work in new ways and unlock opportunities we may not yet have considered.
“Our aim was to create a space where members could come together, learn from one another and explore how AI is already being applied in veterinary practice.”
Kerrie added: “Richard Susskind has spent more than 40 years exploring the roles of technology and AI across a wide range of industries. He talked about both the challenges and opportunities AI brings to the veterinary profession in a practical and accessible way, explaining what is changing, what it means and how to prepare for the future.
“All this made it a very popular event, offering fresh ideas and practical actions that attendees are now exploring in their own practices. Case study examples included building AI agents to support repetitive tasks, using large language models within team support functions to assist with triage, and developing client-facing tools such as a calf health app using Claude Code. The feedback we received has been overwhelmingly positive, and there is strong demand for more sessions like this one.”
Richard Susskind was invited to attend the event to broaden thinking about what a future including AI could mean for a professional industry such as veterinary. He has advised governments, organisations and professional firms worldwide and is the author of influential books including The Future of the Professions, Tomorrow’s Lawyers and How to Think About AI.
Serina Filler, Group Clinical Operations Director at Pennard Vets and an XLVets member, said: “One of the most thought-provoking ideas from the day was the distinction between automation and innovation. Many of us are already experimenting with AI tools, but the event challenged us to think beyond isolated efficiencies and consider what new possibilities AI could unlock across our practices, as well as what is currently holding us back. Bringing together people from across the profession to share ideas and practical examples made the discussions particularly valuable.”
The AI event follows XLVets’ Future Horizons One Health Day earlier this summer, which brought together veterinary professionals, sustainability leaders and industry partners to explore the links between animal, human and planetary health. Following its success, One Health Day is now set to become an annual event and the community plans to embed AI discussions into many of its upcoming events.
For details of upcoming XLVets Future Horizons days visit www.xlvets.co.uk.
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