What does AI mean for animal welfare? DC students take a closer look

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how people work across industries, from healthcare and business to skilled trades and even animal care. At Durham College (DC), students are exploring what that transformation means for their future careers, including how emerging technologies can support animal welfare.

Students in DC’s Animal Care program (to be renamed to Veterinary Assistant in September 2027) are learning how AI is being explored and applied in industry settings, from veterinary diagnostics to wildlife conservation. Through this exploration, they are gaining insight into how new technologies are changing the field and the importance of using these tools responsibly.

To help students examine these emerging trends in practice, Corey Gill, professor and AI consultant from DC’s Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), recently spoke with students in the Issues in Animal Care course.

“Whether a student is entering business, healthcare, skilled trades, construction, or another field, AI literacy is becoming a transferable skill,” said Gill. “By looking at real examples from animal care, students could move beyond the hype and have practical conversations about where AI is starting to add value, where caution is needed, and what responsible use looks like in their field.”

Throughout the class, students examined real-world AI applications across the animal care industry, including tools that support veterinary diagnostics, monitor pets’ health at home, and help identify habitat loss. They also considered when AI should be trusted, who is accountable when it gets something wrong, how to balance efficiency with animal welfare, and the broader ethical and environmental implications of AI use.

For Alicia Vrantsidis, a student in the program, the discussion highlighted the importance of finding the right balance between technology and hands-on expertise.

“I’m learning that AI can be a valuable tool to support veterinary care, especially when it comes to monitoring patients for signs of pain,” said Vrantsidis. “I think it can contribute to better care for animals, but it’s important to have regulations in place to ensure it’s used ethically.”

With 15 years of experience teaching in the Animal Care program, Keri Semenko, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences, has seen how the field continues to evolve.

“AI is already beginning to influence many areas of animal care, conservation, and animal welfare. It’s important that students understand both the opportunities and the challenges these technologies present so they can make informed decisions in their future careers,” Semenko noted.

The session is one example of how collaboration across DC can bring new perspectives into the classroom. Building on the positive response, the college will continue to explore opportunities to connect students with expertise from across disciplines and create learning experiences that connect course content to the evolving realities of today’s workforce.