GITNUXREPORT 2025

Vet Industry Statistics

U.S. veterinary industry surpasses 50 billion dollars, growing amid pet demand.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Average veterinary college debt for new graduates is over $180,000, impacting career choices and practice ownership rates

Statistic 2

The number of veterinary schools in the U.S. is 35, with over 8,000 students enrolled as of 2023, indicating ongoing industry education capacity

Statistic 3

The number of veterinary conferences and trade shows has doubled in the last decade, indicating industry growth and increased professional development opportunities

Statistic 4

The number of university veterinary programs authorized to admit students increased by 10% in 2023, indicating expansion in veterinary education capacity

Statistic 5

Veterinary staff training and continuing education spending increased by 15% between 2018 and 2023, reflecting industry commitment to professional development

Statistic 6

The U.S. veterinary industry generated approximately $50 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 7

The global veterinary pharmaceuticals market is projected to reach $23.35 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%

Statistic 8

Telemedicine consultations in veterinary care increased by over 300% during 2020-2021

Statistic 9

Growth in the pet food market is also driving veterinary industry revenue, with global pet food sales reaching over $100 billion in 2023

Statistic 10

The growth of integrative and holistic veterinary services has increased by 25% over the last three years, reflecting pet owners’ demand for alternative treatments

Statistic 11

Pet wellness plans, including preventive care packages, are now used by over 40% of veterinary clinics to boost revenue

Statistic 12

The veterinary industry has seen a 10% annual growth rate in organic and natural pet food segments over the past five years, indicating shifting consumer preferences

Statistic 13

The pet tech industry, including GPS trackers, smart feeders, and health monitors, is valued at over $3 billion globally as of 2023, and impacts veterinary care planning

Statistic 14

Veterinary pharmaceutical R&D investments have grown steadily, with a CAGR of 6% over the past five years, emphasizing innovation in pet medicine

Statistic 15

The global antimicrobial veterinary market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, driven by the need for disease prevention in livestock and pets

Statistic 16

The integration of client engagement software and digital marketing tools has increased veterinary practice revenue by approximately 15%, improving client communication

Statistic 17

The global veterinary anesthesia market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028, driven by advances in surgical procedures

Statistic 18

The pet health insurance market in North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% through 2027, as more pet owners seek financial protection

Statistic 19

The veterinary telehealth market surpassed $2 billion globally in 2023, reflecting rapid adoption of remote veterinary services

Statistic 20

The percentage of pet owners using mobile apps for pet health management has doubled in the last three years, impacting veterinary client engagement

Statistic 21

The global pet wearables market, including fitness trackers and GPS collars, is valued at over $700 million in 2023 and is expected to grow, impacting veterinary monitoring

Statistic 22

The veterinary supply chain market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, driven by increased demand for pharmaceuticals and equipment

Statistic 23

The pet cannabis market, including hemp-based products, is emerging rapidly, with sales expected to reach $350 million globally in 2024, affecting veterinary medicine and recommendations

Statistic 24

The veterinary mobile app market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2028, enhancing remote monitoring and client communication

Statistic 25

The veterinary industry in Australia is valued at over AUD 4 billion, with strong growth in companion animal services

Statistic 26

The global veterinary diagnostics market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2025, with rapid growth in point-of-care testing devices

Statistic 27

Approximately 78% of households in the U.S. own a pet, contributing to the steady demand for veterinary services

Statistic 28

The pet population in the U.S. is over 200 million animals, including 77 million dogs and 94 million cats

Statistic 29

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 20% increase in pet adoptions in 2020, boosting veterinary demand

Statistic 30

Pet insurance adoption in the U.S. has increased by 30% since 2019, encouraging more preventative care veterinary visits

Statistic 31

The canine market accounts for roughly 60% of pets receiving veterinary care, with feline patients representing about 35%, and other pets making up the remaining 5%

Statistic 32

The demand for exotic pet veterinary care has increased by 15% in recent years, with more clinics offering specialized services for reptiles, birds, and small mammals

Statistic 33

Pet owners are increasingly seeking personalized veterinary care, with 65% expressing a preference for tailored treatment plans

Statistic 34

The total number of pets in the U.S. is projected to increase by 10 million over the next five years, maintaining steady demand for veterinary services

Statistic 35

The veterinary industry is increasingly adopting AI and machine learning tools for diagnostics, with over 50% of clinics integrating some form of AI-powered software as of 2023

Statistic 36

The use of robotics in veterinary surgery is on the rise, with over 15 clinics employing robotic-assisted procedures as of 2023, improving precision and outcomes

Statistic 37

The veterinary industry is projected to see a 7% CAGR in digital diagnostics over the next five years, driven by advancements in imaging and testing technologies

Statistic 38

The number of veterinary-related patents filed has increased by 25% over the past five years, driven by innovation in treatments and diagnostics

Statistic 39

The adoption of 3D printing for veterinary prosthetics and surgical models has expanded by 20% annually over recent years, enhancing treatment precision

Statistic 40

The percentage of veterinary clinics conducting in-house laboratory testing has increased to over 70%, facilitating faster diagnosis

Statistic 41

The pet medical device market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027, driven by innovations in diagnostic and treatment tools

Statistic 42

There are over 115,000 veterinary clinics in the United States as of 2023

Statistic 43

The number of licensed veterinarians in the U.S. has grown by 14% over the past decade, reaching over 100,000 as of 2023

Statistic 44

The average annual expenditure per pet on veterinary care is approximately $600, with higher costs for older pets

Statistic 45

The number of practicing veterinary technicians in the U.S. exceeds 60,000, providing essential support in clinics

Statistic 46

In 2022, the average age of a practicing veterinarian in the U.S. was approximately 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 47

Women account for approximately 65% of all veterinarians in the U.S., reflecting gender diversity in the industry

Statistic 48

Approximately 80% of veterinarians work in private practice, with the rest engaged in research, industry, or academia

Statistic 49

The number of emergency veterinary clinics has increased by over 35% in the last five years, highlighting growth in urgent care services

Statistic 50

The veterinary industry employs over 250,000 professionals, including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, as of 2023

Statistic 51

The use of electronic health records (EHR) in veterinary practices has become nearly universal, with over 90% adoption rate in the U.S.

Statistic 52

Approximately 25% of practicing veterinarians in the U.S. work in specialty practices such as cardiology, oncology, or ophthalmology, indicating a trend toward specialization

Statistic 53

Workforce diversity initiatives have increased the recruitment of minority veterinary professionals by over 20% in recent five years, promoting inclusion in the industry

Statistic 54

The average salary for a veterinarian in the U.S. was approximately $105,000 in 2023, with regional variations

Statistic 55

Client compliance rates for veterinary treatment plans are around 60%, which influences treatment outcomes and veterinary revenue

Statistic 56

The use of teletriage services in veterinary practice has increased by 150% in the last two years, providing veterinary first aid and advice remotely

Statistic 57

The environmental sustainability efforts in the veterinary industry have led to 30% of clinics adopting green practices such as waste reduction and energy efficiency

Statistic 58

The proportion of veterinary clinics offering dermatology services has increased by 12% over the past three years, reflecting pet skin health concerns

Statistic 59

Over 70% of veterinarians report increased workloads and administrative burdens, highlighting industry stress points

Statistic 60

Veterinary nutrition services are offered by approximately 55% of practices, supporting pet dietary health

Statistic 61

The adoption rate of sustainable practices in veterinary clinics is about 30%, with goals to reach 50% in the next five years, reflecting industry focus on environmental responsibility

Statistic 62

The number of veterinary research publications increased by 20% between 2018 and 2023, indicating growing scientific activity in the field

Statistic 63

The percentage of veterinary clinics offering alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care has increased by 18% over the last four years, reflecting a holistic approach to pet health

Statistic 64

Over 60% of veterinary practices now implement client feedback and review systems to improve service quality, influencing practice reputation

Statistic 65

The percentage of young veterinarians opting for urban practice settings has increased by 10% over the last three years, indicating demographic shifts

Statistic 66

The veterinary industry is increasingly utilizing cloud-based practice management software, with over 80% of clinics adopting such solutions for better operations

Statistic 67

Veterinary practice mergers and acquisitions increased by 22% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reflecting industry consolidation

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Key Highlights

The U.S. veterinary industry generated approximately $50 billion in revenue in 2022
There are over 115,000 veterinary clinics in the United States as of 2023
The number of licensed veterinarians in the U.S. has grown by 14% over the past decade, reaching over 100,000 as of 2023
Approximately 78% of households in the U.S. own a pet, contributing to the steady demand for veterinary services
The pet population in the U.S. is over 200 million animals, including 77 million dogs and 94 million cats
The global veterinary pharmaceuticals market is projected to reach $23.35 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 20% increase in pet adoptions in 2020, boosting veterinary demand
The average annual expenditure per pet on veterinary care is approximately $600, with higher costs for older pets
Telemedicine consultations in veterinary care increased by over 300% during 2020-2021
The number of practicing veterinary technicians in the U.S. exceeds 60,000, providing essential support in clinics
Growth in the pet food market is also driving veterinary industry revenue, with global pet food sales reaching over $100 billion in 2023
In 2022, the average age of a practicing veterinarian in the U.S. was approximately 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce
Women account for approximately 65% of all veterinarians in the U.S., reflecting gender diversity in the industry

The booming U.S. veterinary industry, fueled by a pet-loving nation with over 200 million animals, is now a $50 billion powerhouse experiencing rapid growth driven by technological innovations, increasing demand for specialized and holistic care, and a steady influx of pet owners investing in their pets’ health and wellness.

Educational and Professional Development

Average veterinary college debt for new graduates is over $180,000, impacting career choices and practice ownership rates
The number of veterinary schools in the U.S. is 35, with over 8,000 students enrolled as of 2023, indicating ongoing industry education capacity
The number of veterinary conferences and trade shows has doubled in the last decade, indicating industry growth and increased professional development opportunities
The number of university veterinary programs authorized to admit students increased by 10% in 2023, indicating expansion in veterinary education capacity
Veterinary staff training and continuing education spending increased by 15% between 2018 and 2023, reflecting industry commitment to professional development

Educational and Professional Development Interpretation

Despite soaring student debt and a burgeoning education sector, the veterinary industry is investing heavily in professional development, hinting at a future where increased knowledge may just be the best prescription for balancing the scales of growth and sustainability.

Market Size and Revenue

The U.S. veterinary industry generated approximately $50 billion in revenue in 2022
The global veterinary pharmaceuticals market is projected to reach $23.35 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%
Telemedicine consultations in veterinary care increased by over 300% during 2020-2021
Growth in the pet food market is also driving veterinary industry revenue, with global pet food sales reaching over $100 billion in 2023
The growth of integrative and holistic veterinary services has increased by 25% over the last three years, reflecting pet owners’ demand for alternative treatments
Pet wellness plans, including preventive care packages, are now used by over 40% of veterinary clinics to boost revenue
The veterinary industry has seen a 10% annual growth rate in organic and natural pet food segments over the past five years, indicating shifting consumer preferences
The pet tech industry, including GPS trackers, smart feeders, and health monitors, is valued at over $3 billion globally as of 2023, and impacts veterinary care planning
Veterinary pharmaceutical R&D investments have grown steadily, with a CAGR of 6% over the past five years, emphasizing innovation in pet medicine
The global antimicrobial veterinary market is projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2027, driven by the need for disease prevention in livestock and pets
The integration of client engagement software and digital marketing tools has increased veterinary practice revenue by approximately 15%, improving client communication
The global veterinary anesthesia market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% through 2028, driven by advances in surgical procedures
The pet health insurance market in North America is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5% through 2027, as more pet owners seek financial protection
The veterinary telehealth market surpassed $2 billion globally in 2023, reflecting rapid adoption of remote veterinary services
The percentage of pet owners using mobile apps for pet health management has doubled in the last three years, impacting veterinary client engagement
The global pet wearables market, including fitness trackers and GPS collars, is valued at over $700 million in 2023 and is expected to grow, impacting veterinary monitoring
The veterinary supply chain market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2028, driven by increased demand for pharmaceuticals and equipment
The pet cannabis market, including hemp-based products, is emerging rapidly, with sales expected to reach $350 million globally in 2024, affecting veterinary medicine and recommendations
The veterinary mobile app market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2028, enhancing remote monitoring and client communication
The veterinary industry in Australia is valued at over AUD 4 billion, with strong growth in companion animal services
The global veterinary diagnostics market is projected to reach $6 billion by 2025, with rapid growth in point-of-care testing devices

Market Size and Revenue Interpretation

From a $50 billion industry thriving on innovations like telemedicine—which saw a 300% surge during 2020-2021—to pet owners increasingly seeking holistic, tech-enabled, and insurance-backed care, the veterinary sector is evolving swiftly, turning the classic "man's best friend" into a high-tech, health-conscious partner in the booming $100 billion pet food market and beyond.

Pet Ownership and Population Demographics

Approximately 78% of households in the U.S. own a pet, contributing to the steady demand for veterinary services
The pet population in the U.S. is over 200 million animals, including 77 million dogs and 94 million cats
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a 20% increase in pet adoptions in 2020, boosting veterinary demand
Pet insurance adoption in the U.S. has increased by 30% since 2019, encouraging more preventative care veterinary visits
The canine market accounts for roughly 60% of pets receiving veterinary care, with feline patients representing about 35%, and other pets making up the remaining 5%
The demand for exotic pet veterinary care has increased by 15% in recent years, with more clinics offering specialized services for reptiles, birds, and small mammals
Pet owners are increasingly seeking personalized veterinary care, with 65% expressing a preference for tailored treatment plans
The total number of pets in the U.S. is projected to increase by 10 million over the next five years, maintaining steady demand for veterinary services

Pet Ownership and Population Demographics Interpretation

With over 78% of U.S. households owning pets—totaling more than 200 million animals—and a significant surge in adoptions, insurance, and personalized care preferences, the veterinary industry is clearly thriving on the enduring human-pet bond, even as it adapts to the expanding diversity of pet owners and species.

Veterinary Diagnostics and Medical Devices

The veterinary industry is increasingly adopting AI and machine learning tools for diagnostics, with over 50% of clinics integrating some form of AI-powered software as of 2023
The use of robotics in veterinary surgery is on the rise, with over 15 clinics employing robotic-assisted procedures as of 2023, improving precision and outcomes
The veterinary industry is projected to see a 7% CAGR in digital diagnostics over the next five years, driven by advancements in imaging and testing technologies
The number of veterinary-related patents filed has increased by 25% over the past five years, driven by innovation in treatments and diagnostics
The adoption of 3D printing for veterinary prosthetics and surgical models has expanded by 20% annually over recent years, enhancing treatment precision
The percentage of veterinary clinics conducting in-house laboratory testing has increased to over 70%, facilitating faster diagnosis
The pet medical device market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027, driven by innovations in diagnostic and treatment tools

Veterinary Diagnostics and Medical Devices Interpretation

As veterinary medicine accelerates into the age of high-tech innovation—with AI diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and 3D-printed prosthetics leading the charge—clinics are not only chasing the future but redefining it, ensuring that man's best friend receives smarter, more precise care at a faster clip than ever before.

Veterinary Industry Infrastructure and Workforce

There are over 115,000 veterinary clinics in the United States as of 2023
The number of licensed veterinarians in the U.S. has grown by 14% over the past decade, reaching over 100,000 as of 2023
The average annual expenditure per pet on veterinary care is approximately $600, with higher costs for older pets
The number of practicing veterinary technicians in the U.S. exceeds 60,000, providing essential support in clinics
In 2022, the average age of a practicing veterinarian in the U.S. was approximately 49 years old, indicating an aging workforce
Women account for approximately 65% of all veterinarians in the U.S., reflecting gender diversity in the industry
Approximately 80% of veterinarians work in private practice, with the rest engaged in research, industry, or academia
The number of emergency veterinary clinics has increased by over 35% in the last five years, highlighting growth in urgent care services
The veterinary industry employs over 250,000 professionals, including veterinarians, technicians, and support staff, as of 2023
The use of electronic health records (EHR) in veterinary practices has become nearly universal, with over 90% adoption rate in the U.S.
Approximately 25% of practicing veterinarians in the U.S. work in specialty practices such as cardiology, oncology, or ophthalmology, indicating a trend toward specialization
Workforce diversity initiatives have increased the recruitment of minority veterinary professionals by over 20% in recent five years, promoting inclusion in the industry
The average salary for a veterinarian in the U.S. was approximately $105,000 in 2023, with regional variations
Client compliance rates for veterinary treatment plans are around 60%, which influences treatment outcomes and veterinary revenue
The use of teletriage services in veterinary practice has increased by 150% in the last two years, providing veterinary first aid and advice remotely
The environmental sustainability efforts in the veterinary industry have led to 30% of clinics adopting green practices such as waste reduction and energy efficiency
The proportion of veterinary clinics offering dermatology services has increased by 12% over the past three years, reflecting pet skin health concerns
Over 70% of veterinarians report increased workloads and administrative burdens, highlighting industry stress points
Veterinary nutrition services are offered by approximately 55% of practices, supporting pet dietary health
The adoption rate of sustainable practices in veterinary clinics is about 30%, with goals to reach 50% in the next five years, reflecting industry focus on environmental responsibility
The number of veterinary research publications increased by 20% between 2018 and 2023, indicating growing scientific activity in the field
The percentage of veterinary clinics offering alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care has increased by 18% over the last four years, reflecting a holistic approach to pet health
Over 60% of veterinary practices now implement client feedback and review systems to improve service quality, influencing practice reputation
The percentage of young veterinarians opting for urban practice settings has increased by 10% over the last three years, indicating demographic shifts
The veterinary industry is increasingly utilizing cloud-based practice management software, with over 80% of clinics adopting such solutions for better operations

Veterinary Industry Infrastructure and Workforce Interpretation

As the veterinary industry booms—bolstered by a growing, diverse workforce and innovative services—its increasing reliance on technology and sustainability efforts signals a professionalizing field that’s both caring for our pets and adapting to a rapidly evolving world.

Veterinary practice mergers and acquisitions increase

Veterinary practice mergers and acquisitions increased by 22% in 2022 compared to the previous year, reflecting industry consolidation

Veterinary practice mergers and acquisitions increase Interpretation

The 22% surge in veterinary practice mergers and acquisitions in 2022 signals a tightening of the industry leash, as practices consolidate to remain competitive amid evolving pet healthcare demands.