ORLANDO, Fla. — Pet Alliance helped develop a national charter aimed at guiding how animal welfare organizations use artificial intelligence to support shelter pets.
The Orlando nonprofit joined nearly 60 participants from animal welfare, academia and business at the first Best Friends AI in Animal Welfare Summit, held Oct. 9-10 at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.
According to the announcement, animal welfare organizations are already using AI to analyze data, support marketing, improve operations and streamline communications.
Guidelines emphasize human oversight
Participants worked on the Charter for Responsible AI in Animal Welfare, a shared set of principles focused on the welfare of shelter dogs and cats, the human-animal bond and human judgment.
Its eight core commitments are animal lifesaving and welfare, humanity, integrity, oversight, accountability, intentionality, adaptability and sustainability.
The charter provides shared principles rather than government regulations.
“Saving the lives of pets in shelters has always been about working together, and that includes how our field uses AI,” Pet Alliance CEO Dr. Josh Fisher said.
National initiative continues through 2027
Best Friends Animal Society led the summit. Participants included representatives from the ASPCA, Humane World for Animals, PetSmart Charities, Petco Love and 23 Best Friends Network Partners, including Pet Alliance.
Technology representatives and university faculty, including AI ethics experts, also participated.
The summit marks the first step in a broader Best Friends animal welfare AI initiative continuing through summer 2027.
Pet Alliance serves dogs and cats in Orange, Seminole and Osceola counties through shelter, adoption and veterinary programs.
More information about the organization and available pets is on the Pet Alliance website.
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