The London Vet Show revealed six recurring themes that expose the real challenges veterinary practices face heading into 2025. Rather than asking for novel solutions, practitioners repeatedly posed questions about maximizing existing resources and navigating industry complexity.
1. How do we get more out of the tech we already have?
This dominated conversations across both days. Practices aren't seeking additional systems; they want to unlock untapped potential in their current platforms, PMS capabilities, integrations, automation, and reporting modules.
Key insight: "Underutilisation is the biggest hidden cost in veterinary tech." Practices need confidence and clarity to use existing tools effectively, not additional purchases.
2. Where do we start with improving workflow – without overwhelming the team?
Practitioners sought manageable, incremental improvements rather than complete operational overhauls. They wanted actionable starting points addressing appointment flow, lab results, and communication loops.
Key insight: Incremental change outperforms sweeping transformation when teams drive improvements collaboratively.
3. Is AI genuinely useful right now, or is it still hype?
Interest in artificial intelligence was high but practical. Practitioners wanted transparent answers about current applications, time savings, and safety considerations, not futuristic abstractions.
Key insight: AI curiosity remains strong, but practices require clarity rooted in everyday veterinary reality.
4. How do we support our teams better… without adding more pressure to them?
Managers recognize the tension between implementing improvements and protecting staff wellbeing. They need tools that feel intuitive and changes that feel collaborative.
Key insight: Team support and operational efficiency are inseparable considerations.
5. What should transparency from tech providers actually look like?
Practitioners openly questioned industry standards, seeking honest communication about limitations, evidence-based claims, and avoidance of marketing jargon.
Key insight: Transparency expectations are moving from niche concern to mainstream demand.
6. How do we make good decisions when everything keeps changing?
Decision fatigue emerged as a significant concern. Practitioners want guidance frameworks to navigate technology choices confidently.
Key insight: Trusted advice matters more than sales messaging or promotional strategies.
Collective Revelations
These questions collectively indicate a fundamental shift in veterinary technology adoption:
"Practices are no longer chasing innovation for innovation's sake."
The profession prioritizes:
- Extracting value from existing solutions
- Taking realistic, measured improvements
- Supporting teams authentically
- Understanding AI's genuine applications
- Demanding provider transparency
- Making grounded decisions
The underlying challenge is contextual and communicative rather than purely technological. The veterinary sector increasingly values practical guidance, honest conversations, and sustainable implementation strategies over flashy innovations.