Artificial intelligence (AI) tools have been popping up everywhere—from customer service chatbots to medical imaging software. But a new kind of AI tool has been making headlines recently: Agentic or ‘AI agents’.
If large language models like ChatGPT are “the brain,” AI agents are “the hands and feet.” They don’t just respond to you—they act on your behalf.
One of the fastest-growing agents in this category is OpenClaw, which earlier versions called Clawdbot and Moltbot. And even though this technology wasn’t built specifically for veterinary professionals, it’s important for our industry to understand what it is, why it matters, and what risks come with it.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
What Is OpenClaw?
OpenClaw is an open‑source AI agent—meaning anyone can look at the code, modify it, and use it for free. It started under the names Clawdbot and Moltbot but was recently rebranded as OpenClaw as it gained global attention.
The veterinary world may not be its primary audience, but understanding tools like this helps us prepare for where AI is headed.
What Does OpenClaw Actually Do?
Think of OpenClaw as a digital assistant that—not kidding—can operate your computer like a person would:
It runs directly on your device (not just in the cloud), and with its persistent memory, it can remember things you told it weeks ago.
Basically: it doesn’t just answer questions—it takes action.
So Why Should You Be Concerned?
Cybersecurity experts, including leading firms like Palo Alto Networks and Cisco, have issued warnings.
And here’s why:
IT ACTS AS IF IT WERE YOU.
These agentic A.I. tools operate autonomously, and in the case of OpenClaw and its associated applications, it acts using your identity. Imagine giving away your identity to a third party, and trusting them to always and completely act in your best interest. Sounds risky, right? This is further compounded by the fact that these tools seek full access to your PC to make these decisions.
Full administrative access to your PC is something that you should never allow, even for yourself in most cases, and by giving up this control, you allow these A.I. tools access to your personal sensitive information and the ability to do harm with that information.
OpenClaw has three major risk factors:
This combination has been called a “lethal trifecta” when not configured correctly.
The creator himself warns that OpenClaw is not ready for non‑technical users and must be set up with extreme care.
What About Moltbook?
Moltbook is a quirky—and slightly controversial—project. It’s a social network for AI agents.
Your OpenClaw bot can:
For most veterinary professionals, this is more of a curiosity than something practical—but it highlights how fast AI agents are evolving. While OpenClaw isn’t designed for clinics, understanding it helps veterinary teams prepare for the future of AI‑assisted work.
These tools are powerful — and powerful tools demand caution.
Simple Recommendations for Vet Teams
Bottom Line
OpenClaw is an impressive example of what the next generation of AI can do. But today, it’s more of a tech experiment than a practical tool for veterinary clinics.
It offers a glimpse into a future where AI can handle admin tasks, documentation, scheduling, and more—but the risks are very real if misused.
For now, the best approach for veterinary teams is:
The future of veterinary workflows will include AI automation—but it needs to be secure, reliable, and built with our industry’s needs in mind.