GITNUXREPORT 2025

Veterinary Industry Statistics

Veterinary industry booming with technology, expanding markets, and rising pet healthcare needs.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The global veterinary services market was valued at approximately $41.96 billion in 2021

Statistic 2

The veterinary industry in the US generated about $32 billion in revenue in 2020

Statistic 3

There are over 84,000 licensed veterinarians in the United States

Statistic 4

The number of veterinary practices in the U.S. exceeds 28,000

Statistic 5

In 2022, the veterinary pharmaceuticals market was valued at around $17 billion worldwide

Statistic 6

The veterinary biomaterials market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030

Statistic 7

The number of veterinary technicians and technologists in the US is over 132,000

Statistic 8

The pet food market is valued at over $100 billion globally, with a significant portion spent on veterinary-approved pet diets

Statistic 9

The number of veterinary schools worldwide exceeds 50 institutions, training thousands of new vets annually

Statistic 10

Veterinary AI market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 42.1% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 11

The global pet insurance market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow substantially

Statistic 12

The veterinary industry’s employment growth rate is projected at 12% from 2022 to 2030, faster than many other healthcare sectors

Statistic 13

The market for veterinary companion animal pharmaceuticals is expected to reach over $9 billion globally by 2025

Statistic 14

The global pet health diagnostics market is anticipated to reach $3.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%

Statistic 15

There are over 250 veterinary conferences held worldwide annually, facilitating industry networking and continuing education

Statistic 16

The pet supplement market, including veterinary-approved products, is projected to reach $10 billion globally by 2027, reflecting growth innovations in pet health

Statistic 17

There are over 15,000 veterinary tech schools and programs worldwide, preparing new professionals annually

Statistic 18

The veterinary market for orthopedics and joint health products is expected to reach over $1.5 billion globally by 2024, indicating a focus on musculoskeletal health

Statistic 19

The veterinary surgery devices market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030, driven by technological advances

Statistic 20

The number of veterinary interns and residents participating in postgraduate training programs exceeds 10,000 globally each year, supporting advanced veterinary education

Statistic 21

The global equine veterinary market is projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2026, reflecting growth in equine health management

Statistic 22

The veterinary laboratories' market size is expected to reach $3 billion worldwide by 2027, driven by diagnostics and testing services

Statistic 23

The pet wellness market, including nutritional supplements and preventive health, is projected to reach approximately $20 billion globally by 2030, showing robust growth

Statistic 24

Mobile veterinary clinics are increasing in popularity, accounting for about 20% of veterinary practices in some regions

Statistic 25

The number of specialty veterinary hospitals has increased by over 20% during the last decade, showing diversification in veterinary care

Statistic 26

The average veterinary practice employs approximately 4.5 staff members, including veterinarians, technicians, and administrative personnel

Statistic 27

The veterinary industry dedicated to exotic animal care is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8%, reflecting niche specialization

Statistic 28

The number of veterinary startups focusing on innovative pet health products increased by over 40% from 2018 to 2023, indicating industry dynamism

Statistic 29

The pet population in the US is estimated to be over 70 million dogs and 74 million cats

Statistic 30

Approximately 65% of U.S. households own a pet, equating to about 84 million pet-owning households

Statistic 31

The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $180 for cats

Statistic 32

40% of pet owners prefer online booking and digital communication for veterinary services, indicating a shift in client preferences

Statistic 33

About 80% of pet owners are willing to pay out-of-pocket for better veterinary care, showing high consumer investment

Statistic 34

The number of pets covered under veterinary health insurance plans increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022, indicating rising demand for pet health coverage

Statistic 35

The use of advanced diagnostic imaging, like MRI and CT scans, in veterinary practice increased by 20% over the past five years

Statistic 36

The adoption rate of electronic medical records (EMRs) in veterinary clinics is over 85%, improving efficiency and record-keeping

Statistic 37

Approximately 40% of veterinary practices have implemented pharmacy automation systems, improving medication management

Statistic 38

The veterinary industry’s R&D expenditure is growing at about 7% annually, driven by new drug and treatment development

Statistic 39

The use of canine and feline DNA testing in veterinary diagnostics has increased by more than 30% over the past five years, aiding in personalized medicine

Statistic 40

About 55% of veterinary practices have adopted cloud-based practice management systems, improving data accessibility and collaboration

Statistic 41

Approximately 70% of veterinary clinics in the US use pet health record software, enhancing client communication and data management

Statistic 42

The veterinary industry’s investment in biotechnology and regenerative medicine is growing at a rate of 9% annually, reflecting innovation trends

Statistic 43

The adoption of laser surgery in veterinary practices has increased by 50% in the last decade, offering less invasive procedures

Statistic 44

Veterinary visits for pets increased by 13% from 2019 to 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 45

Telemedicine veterinary consultations increased by 74% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 46

The average age of veterinarians in North America is around 50 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 47

The number of veterinary oncology practices has grown by over 15% in the last decade, reflecting increasing awareness and treatment options

Statistic 48

The gross profit margin for veterinary practices averages around 25-30%, varying by region and specialization

Statistic 49

Preventive care, including vaccinations and dental services, accounts for approximately 45% of revenue in veterinary clinics

Statistic 50

The veterinary industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with over 30% of veterinary practices adopting eco-friendly initiatives

Statistic 51

Vet techs or veterinary assistants constitute about 60% of the technical staff in practices, supporting veterinarians in clinical procedures

Statistic 52

The number of veterinary practices offering anesthesia and pain management services has increased by 35% over the past decade, reflecting advances in veterinary care

Statistic 53

The average cost of a spay/neuter procedure in the US ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the location and animal size

Statistic 54

Veterinary telehealth services have grown by 150% since 2019, as remote consultations become more commonplace

Statistic 55

The pet grooming and wellness segment within veterinary practices accounts for roughly 15% of their revenue, highlighting cross-service opportunities

Statistic 56

The expansion of veterinary emergency and critical care services has resulted in a 25% increase in throughput for urgent care clinics

Statistic 57

Globally, over 60% of veterinary clinics now incorporate some form of digital marketing or social media outreach, expanding client engagement

Statistic 58

The number of veterinary professionals aged over 60 is increasing, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce, indicating upcoming generational shifts

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Key Highlights

The global veterinary services market was valued at approximately $41.96 billion in 2021
The veterinary industry in the US generated about $32 billion in revenue in 2020
There are over 84,000 licensed veterinarians in the United States
The pet population in the US is estimated to be over 70 million dogs and 74 million cats
Approximately 65% of U.S. households own a pet, equating to about 84 million pet-owning households
Veterinary visits for pets increased by 13% from 2019 to 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
The number of veterinary practices in the U.S. exceeds 28,000
The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $180 for cats
In 2022, the veterinary pharmaceuticals market was valued at around $17 billion worldwide
The veterinary biomaterials market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030
Mobile veterinary clinics are increasing in popularity, accounting for about 20% of veterinary practices in some regions
The number of veterinary technicians and technologists in the US is over 132,000
The pet food market is valued at over $100 billion globally, with a significant portion spent on veterinary-approved pet diets

The veterinary industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and innovation, driven by a booming pet population, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences, transforming it into a multi-billion-dollar global market poised for continued expansion.

Market Overview and Industry Size

The global veterinary services market was valued at approximately $41.96 billion in 2021
The veterinary industry in the US generated about $32 billion in revenue in 2020
There are over 84,000 licensed veterinarians in the United States
The number of veterinary practices in the U.S. exceeds 28,000
In 2022, the veterinary pharmaceuticals market was valued at around $17 billion worldwide
The veterinary biomaterials market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030
The number of veterinary technicians and technologists in the US is over 132,000
The pet food market is valued at over $100 billion globally, with a significant portion spent on veterinary-approved pet diets
The number of veterinary schools worldwide exceeds 50 institutions, training thousands of new vets annually
Veterinary AI market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 42.1% from 2023 to 2030
The global pet insurance market was valued at approximately $2.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow substantially
The veterinary industry’s employment growth rate is projected at 12% from 2022 to 2030, faster than many other healthcare sectors
The market for veterinary companion animal pharmaceuticals is expected to reach over $9 billion globally by 2025
The global pet health diagnostics market is anticipated to reach $3.2 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.3%
There are over 250 veterinary conferences held worldwide annually, facilitating industry networking and continuing education
The pet supplement market, including veterinary-approved products, is projected to reach $10 billion globally by 2027, reflecting growth innovations in pet health
There are over 15,000 veterinary tech schools and programs worldwide, preparing new professionals annually
The veterinary market for orthopedics and joint health products is expected to reach over $1.5 billion globally by 2024, indicating a focus on musculoskeletal health
The veterinary surgery devices market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2030, driven by technological advances
The number of veterinary interns and residents participating in postgraduate training programs exceeds 10,000 globally each year, supporting advanced veterinary education
The global equine veterinary market is projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2026, reflecting growth in equine health management
The veterinary laboratories' market size is expected to reach $3 billion worldwide by 2027, driven by diagnostics and testing services
The pet wellness market, including nutritional supplements and preventive health, is projected to reach approximately $20 billion globally by 2030, showing robust growth

Market Overview and Industry Size Interpretation

With a booming market surpassing $41.96 billion globally and a burgeoning workforce exceeding 250,000 professionals, the veterinary industry is riding a wave of technological innovation, specialty growth, and canine confidence—proving that when it comes to pet health, the future is not just bright but also remarkably well-funded.

Market Segments and Product Innovations

Mobile veterinary clinics are increasing in popularity, accounting for about 20% of veterinary practices in some regions
The number of specialty veterinary hospitals has increased by over 20% during the last decade, showing diversification in veterinary care
The average veterinary practice employs approximately 4.5 staff members, including veterinarians, technicians, and administrative personnel
The veterinary industry dedicated to exotic animal care is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8%, reflecting niche specialization
The number of veterinary startups focusing on innovative pet health products increased by over 40% from 2018 to 2023, indicating industry dynamism

Market Segments and Product Innovations Interpretation

As veterinary care diversifies from mobile clinics and exotic specialties to innovative pet health startups, the industry’s rapid evolution underscores a profound commitment to catering to every creature’s needs—big or small—with a dash of entrepreneurial spirit.

Pet Demographics and Consumer Behavior

The pet population in the US is estimated to be over 70 million dogs and 74 million cats
Approximately 65% of U.S. households own a pet, equating to about 84 million pet-owning households
The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $180 for cats
40% of pet owners prefer online booking and digital communication for veterinary services, indicating a shift in client preferences
About 80% of pet owners are willing to pay out-of-pocket for better veterinary care, showing high consumer investment
The number of pets covered under veterinary health insurance plans increased by 22% from 2019 to 2022, indicating rising demand for pet health coverage

Pet Demographics and Consumer Behavior Interpretation

With over 70 million dogs and 74 million cats roaming U.S. homes, it's clear that pet owners are investing heavily—both financially and digitally—in their furry friends' health, signaling a booming pet healthcare industry that demands innovation and compassion in equal measure.

Technologies, Research, and Industry Developments

The use of advanced diagnostic imaging, like MRI and CT scans, in veterinary practice increased by 20% over the past five years
The adoption rate of electronic medical records (EMRs) in veterinary clinics is over 85%, improving efficiency and record-keeping
Approximately 40% of veterinary practices have implemented pharmacy automation systems, improving medication management
The veterinary industry’s R&D expenditure is growing at about 7% annually, driven by new drug and treatment development
The use of canine and feline DNA testing in veterinary diagnostics has increased by more than 30% over the past five years, aiding in personalized medicine
About 55% of veterinary practices have adopted cloud-based practice management systems, improving data accessibility and collaboration
Approximately 70% of veterinary clinics in the US use pet health record software, enhancing client communication and data management
The veterinary industry’s investment in biotechnology and regenerative medicine is growing at a rate of 9% annually, reflecting innovation trends
The adoption of laser surgery in veterinary practices has increased by 50% in the last decade, offering less invasive procedures

Technologies, Research, and Industry Developments Interpretation

As veterinary medicine embraces cutting-edge technology—from MRI scans and DNA tests to laser surgery and cloud-based records—it's evident that the industry is increasingly veterinary-optimized, ensuring smarter, more personalized, and less invasive care, all while catapulting innovation with a 7-9% annual R&D growth.

Veterinary Services and Practice Trends

Veterinary visits for pets increased by 13% from 2019 to 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Telemedicine veterinary consultations increased by 74% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The average age of veterinarians in North America is around 50 years old, indicating an aging workforce
The number of veterinary oncology practices has grown by over 15% in the last decade, reflecting increasing awareness and treatment options
The gross profit margin for veterinary practices averages around 25-30%, varying by region and specialization
Preventive care, including vaccinations and dental services, accounts for approximately 45% of revenue in veterinary clinics
The veterinary industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with over 30% of veterinary practices adopting eco-friendly initiatives
Vet techs or veterinary assistants constitute about 60% of the technical staff in practices, supporting veterinarians in clinical procedures
The number of veterinary practices offering anesthesia and pain management services has increased by 35% over the past decade, reflecting advances in veterinary care
The average cost of a spay/neuter procedure in the US ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the location and animal size
Veterinary telehealth services have grown by 150% since 2019, as remote consultations become more commonplace
The pet grooming and wellness segment within veterinary practices accounts for roughly 15% of their revenue, highlighting cross-service opportunities
The expansion of veterinary emergency and critical care services has resulted in a 25% increase in throughput for urgent care clinics
Globally, over 60% of veterinary clinics now incorporate some form of digital marketing or social media outreach, expanding client engagement
The number of veterinary professionals aged over 60 is increasing, accounting for approximately 15% of the workforce, indicating upcoming generational shifts

Veterinary Services and Practice Trends Interpretation

Amid a pet care boom fueled by pandemic-driven visits and a 150% surge in telehealth, the veterinary industry is balancing a decade of growth—highlighted by a 15% rise in oncology clinics and a 35% increase in pain management services—while facing the inevitable aging workforce and a push toward eco-friendly, digitally savvy practices that ensure our furry friends receive increasingly advanced and compassionate care.