How to Choose an AI Scribe as a Veterinarian?
8 Key Factors to Consider
With so many veterinary AI scribes on the market, narrowing down your choices can feel overwhelming. The right tool should make documentation easier, more accurate, and less stressful for your team.
Here are 8 key factors to consider when evaluating a vet AI scribe:
#1 Quality of SOAP Notes
Anyone can say they have an AI scribe, but accuracy levels vary widely. Some systems generate notes that need heavy editing, while others produce near-final SOAPs right out of the box. The best way to test? Record a few appointments yourself. Most AI scribes are free or low-friction to try, and hands-on experience is far more telling than sitting through polished demos. For details, see our guide on the 5 Factors of AI Scribe Accuracy.
#2 Entry of Patient Names
Manual patient name entry is an overlooked burden, often delegated to already-busy support staff. Some scribes can automatically detect patient names and insert them into records — a feature that saves time and reduces the chance of errors.
#3 Client Discharge Notes
AI scribes should support both the medical record as well as client communication. When evaluating client discharge notes, some key questions to consider include:
- Does the tool generate a client discharge note after every appointment?
- Are notes dynamic and personalized, or just generic pre-written snippets?
- Is the language client-friendly rather than a condensed SOAP?
- Is the format clear, well-organized, and easy for clients to understand?
#4 Integration with Practice Management Software
Some scribes integrate directly with PIMS/EMRs, while others require manual transfer. Check whether the system supports exporting notes, one-click copy/paste, or side-by-side workflows. The smoother the integration, the easier adoption will be across your team. For details on different integration types, see our guide on Vet AI Scribe Integration Types.
#5 Ease of Copy/Paste
Even with copying/pasting, AI scribes are still a massive time-saver compared to manual entry. It's important to note that not all copy/paste experiences are equal. Some systems force you to flip between windows, while others sit side-by-side with your PIMS, making it seamless. This small difference has a big impact on efficiency during a busy day.
#6 Customization
Customizable templates can be helpful — but accuracy often drops when scribes deviate from standard structures. If your clinic requires tailored SOAPs, discharge formats, or workflow-specific templates, test them thoroughly to confirm the AI maintains accuracy after customization. For a deeper dive (pitfalls and safeguards), see Customization in Veterinary AI Scribes: Accuracy Pitfalls & Safeguards.
#7 AI Assistant Features
Many scribes now market themselves as “AI assistants” or “copilots.” Consider:
- Does it feel different from simply using ChatGPT?
- Is it genuinely trained in veterinary medicine, or just generic AI wrapped in new branding?
- Do you need these features, or are reliable SOAP notes really the goal?
#8 Language Support
If your clinic serves a diverse community, language support matters. Some scribes only handle English, while others can process multiple languages — even when clients switch mid-sentence. Ask whether the system can:
- Transcribe and summarize in the languages your clients speak.
- Generate discharge notes in the client’s preferred language.
- Handle bilingual conversations smoothly.
Explore our deep dive on evaluation criteria here: How to Evaluate Language Support in Veterinary AI Scribes.
Ultimately, accuracy and ease of use should drive your decision. The best advice? Get hands-on. Record a few appointments, see how the notes look, and decide if the system truly fits your clinic’s daily flow.
Good luck — and happy scribing!