RSPCA welfare experts are now warning pet owners that while AI large language models can be a "helpful tool" in looking after their animals - they risk being a "ticking time bomb" for animal welfare.

The call has been backed by celebrity vet Rory Cowlam, with the CBBC presenter urging pet owners to know when their smartphone can help with their pet care - and when a professional vet’s opinion is needed.

Brand new data from the RSPCA's Animal Kindness Index reveals that in Wales, 8% of pet owners are now routinely using AI for advice and support in looking after their pet.

And for those across the nation turning to tools like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok for guidance, symptom checking for unwell pets (66%) and advice on behaviour and body language (46%) are among the most common reasons people seek help.

There are concerns that increased reliance on conversations with AI could lead to complacency from pet owners, untreated illnesses in animals, and even lead to people unwittingly breaking the law if they do not get treatment for a pet that is suffering.

Gemma Hope, RSPCA Assistant Director of Policy, Advocacy and Evidence, said: “Whether we like it or not, AI is a game changer - including for animal welfare.

“And it can be one of many helpful tools responsible pet owners use to understand their animals, and to or to get tips on things like enrichment, play time ideas and more.

“But we're worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioural challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare.

“AI chat bots cannot physically examine an animal, check their bloods, or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain.

“However good or clever AI may seem, if someone is in doubt about their pet’s health or notices rapid changes, it's vital to reach out to a vet immediately."

Now into its fifth year, the Animal Kindness Index is an annual, UK-wide study that tracks public attitudes, behaviors, and values regarding animal welfare - with the RSPCA working in collaboration with the Scottish SPCA and Ulster SPCA.

And this year’s findings has fuelled RSPCA concerns that ongoing cost of living pressures are driving some people to seek a “quick fix” towards potentially costly vet bills.

According to the Kindness Index, far more than half (62%) of pet owners across Wales are worried about being able to afford vet bills.

Indeed, more than one in ten pet owners (11%) admit to reducing their spend on vet care due to financial pressures, while 4% of people in Wales admit their use of AI chat bots for health advice was fuelled by the economic situation.

But the situation could be even worse - almost one third (30%) of pet owners across the Welsh nation are now skipping their animal's annual check up, while 6% are not registered with a vet at all.