GITNUXREPORT 2025

Veterinary Statistics

Veterinary industry thrives with growing pet ownership and innovative healthcare services.

Jannik Linder

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

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Over 44,000 veterinary practitioners are registered in the United States

Statistic 2

The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $150 for cats

Statistic 3

Globally, the pet food market was valued at $94 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $133 billion by 2026

Statistic 4

Antibiotics account for approximately 40% of drugs prescribed in veterinary medicine, mainly for livestock

Statistic 5

The pet insurance market in the U.S. was valued at about $2.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow

Statistic 6

An estimated 320 million animals are housed in research facilities worldwide, contributing to veterinary research

Statistic 7

The global veterinary vaccines market was valued at $3.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2028

Statistic 8

The annual economic impact of the veterinary industry in the U.S. exceeds $48 billion, including direct and indirect contributions

Statistic 9

The global exotic pet market, including reptiles and small mammals, is projected to reach $14 billion by 2027, impacting veterinary services

Statistic 10

The global pet pharmaceutical market was valued at approximately $6.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow substantially

Statistic 11

The veterinary pharmaceutical sector accounts for around 25% of total pharmaceutical sales in animal health, showing its importance in overall healthcare

Statistic 12

Globally, livestock veterinary services constitute a significant portion of veterinary income, particularly in developing countries, where animal husbandry is vital for economy

Statistic 13

The global pet beds and accessories market was valued at $15 billion in 2020 and continues to grow, indicating expansion in pet comfort products

Statistic 14

The veterinary biotechnology segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028, driven by developments in genetic testing and therapy

Statistic 15

The rate of pet obesity in the U.S. is nearly 60% among dogs and cats, raising concerns over health and treatment costs

Statistic 16

The global pet nutraceuticals market is forecasted to reach $2.5 billion by 2025, reflecting rising interest in pet health supplements

Statistic 17

The total global expenditure on pets is estimated at over $200 billion annually, signifying the economic importance of the pet industry

Statistic 18

The consumption of pet supplements and wellness products has increased by 20% annually over the past five years, signaling a focus on preventive health

Statistic 19

Approximately 55% of pet owners have used or are interested in using pet health tracking devices, reflecting increasing adoption of technology

Statistic 20

An estimated 40% of pet owners are willing to pay extra for organic or premium pet food options, showing consumer demand for quality products

Statistic 21

The adoption rate of electronic identification methods like microchips in pets exceeds 90% in some countries, aiding in pet recovery efforts

Statistic 22

The global veterinary dermatology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, driven by increased awareness of skin health in pets

Statistic 23

The percentage of pet owners with pet-specific health insurance in the U.S. is roughly 3%, indicating room for growth in pet healthcare coverage

Statistic 24

Approximately 84 million dogs and 58 million cats are owned as pets in the United States

Statistic 25

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 15% increase in pet ownership in the U.S. during 2020

Statistic 26

78% of pet owners consider their pet a family member

Statistic 27

The average age of a pet dog in the U.S. is 6-7 years, while for cats it is 9-10 years

Statistic 28

The top five species treated in veterinary practices are dogs, cats, horses, birds, and small mammals

Statistic 29

The number of veterinary technology programs in the U.S. increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020

Statistic 30

The number of veterinary assistants and technicians in the U.S. exceeds 153,000

Statistic 31

Almost 65% of veterinarians in the U.S. are female, contributing to gender shifts in the profession

Statistic 32

The total number of veterinary schools worldwide exceeds 300, with the majority located in North America and Europe

Statistic 33

In the U.S., about 50% of veterinary students graduate with student loan debt, averaging $183,000 per graduate

Statistic 34

The veterinary profession faces an estimated shortage of 15,000 veterinarians in the U.S. by 2030, mainly due to workforce aging and increasing demand

Statistic 35

The majority of veterinary students report high satisfaction levels with their career choice, citing passion for animals as a primary motivator

Statistic 36

The percentage of veterinary graduates working in research or academia is approximately 20%, contributing to advancements in animal health knowledge

Statistic 37

The number of veterinary research publications has increased by 25% over the last decade, reflecting advances in veterinary science

Statistic 38

The global veterinary services market was valued at $42.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028

Statistic 39

Approximately 70% of veterinarians in the United States work in private practice

Statistic 40

An estimated 4 million animals are treated annually in veterinary clinics for behavioral problems

Statistic 41

The veterinary profession has an employment growth rate of about 19% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations

Statistic 42

82% of veterinary clinics use electronic health records systems, enhancing record-keeping efficiency

Statistic 43

The use of telemedicine in veterinary practice increased by over 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic

Statistic 44

The number of veterinary specialists has grown by about 35% over the past decade, covering fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and oncology

Statistic 45

The average consultation fee for a veterinary appointment in the U.S. is approximately $50-$100, depending on the region and type of service

Statistic 46

Around 60% of U.S. pets receive annual preventive healthcare, including vaccinations and screenings

Statistic 47

Nearly 80% of pet owners report that their veterinarians discuss preventive health and wellness during visits

Statistic 48

The percentage of veterinary clinics offering acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine has increased by over 50% in the last decade, reflecting growth in alternative therapies

Statistic 49

The use of AI-driven diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8% through 2030, improving diagnostic accuracy

Statistic 50

In 2021, approximately 45% of veterinary practices in the U.S. incorporated integrated health approaches, like combining traditional and alternative medicine

Statistic 51

The average number of veterinary visits per year in the U.S. is about 2.5 per pet, emphasizing ongoing healthcare needs

Statistic 52

The percentage of veterinary clinics offering emergency and critical care services has increased by 30% over the last decade, reflecting a trend toward comprehensive pet care

Statistic 53

Approximately 35% of veterinarians in the U.S. are involved in community outreach or public health initiatives, indicating broader societal engagement

Statistic 54

Approximately 70% of veterinary practices in the U.S. utilize online booking and patient management systems, improving customer service

Statistic 55

The veterinary anesthesia and pain management segment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% annually, fueled by innovations in pain relief therapies

Statistic 56

The veterinary endoscopy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027, driven by minimally invasive procedures

Statistic 57

The number of zoonotic disease outbreaks reported annually has decreased by 10% over the past five years, thanks to improved veterinary public health measures

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Key Highlights

Approximately 84 million dogs and 58 million cats are owned as pets in the United States
The global veterinary services market was valued at $42.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028
Over 44,000 veterinary practitioners are registered in the United States
The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $150 for cats
The number of veterinary technology programs in the U.S. increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020
Approximately 70% of veterinarians in the United States work in private practice
Globally, the pet food market was valued at $94 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $133 billion by 2026
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 15% increase in pet ownership in the U.S. during 2020
78% of pet owners consider their pet a family member
An estimated 4 million animals are treated annually in veterinary clinics for behavioral problems
The average age of a pet dog in the U.S. is 6-7 years, while for cats it is 9-10 years
The number of veterinary assistants and technicians in the U.S. exceeds 153,000
Almost 65% of veterinarians in the U.S. are female, contributing to gender shifts in the profession

With over 84 million dogs and 58 million cats in the United States alone, the booming veterinary industry—worth over $48 billion annually—is transforming pet care through advancements in technology, growing consumer demand, and a workforce that’s expanding faster than many other professions.

Market Size and Economic Impact

Over 44,000 veterinary practitioners are registered in the United States
The average annual expenditure on veterinary care per pet in the U.S. is approximately $300 for dogs and $150 for cats
Globally, the pet food market was valued at $94 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $133 billion by 2026
Antibiotics account for approximately 40% of drugs prescribed in veterinary medicine, mainly for livestock
The pet insurance market in the U.S. was valued at about $2.4 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow
An estimated 320 million animals are housed in research facilities worldwide, contributing to veterinary research
The global veterinary vaccines market was valued at $3.4 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $5.1 billion by 2028
The annual economic impact of the veterinary industry in the U.S. exceeds $48 billion, including direct and indirect contributions
The global exotic pet market, including reptiles and small mammals, is projected to reach $14 billion by 2027, impacting veterinary services
The global pet pharmaceutical market was valued at approximately $6.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow substantially
The veterinary pharmaceutical sector accounts for around 25% of total pharmaceutical sales in animal health, showing its importance in overall healthcare
Globally, livestock veterinary services constitute a significant portion of veterinary income, particularly in developing countries, where animal husbandry is vital for economy
The global pet beds and accessories market was valued at $15 billion in 2020 and continues to grow, indicating expansion in pet comfort products
The veterinary biotechnology segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2021 to 2028, driven by developments in genetic testing and therapy
The rate of pet obesity in the U.S. is nearly 60% among dogs and cats, raising concerns over health and treatment costs
The global pet nutraceuticals market is forecasted to reach $2.5 billion by 2025, reflecting rising interest in pet health supplements
The total global expenditure on pets is estimated at over $200 billion annually, signifying the economic importance of the pet industry

Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With over 44,000 vets in the U.S. managing a $48 billion industry fueled by a global pet expenditure surpassing $200 billion, it's clear that our furry (and scaly) friends are not just pets but prime drivers of an intricate economic ecosystem—where pet obesity and antibiotic reliance underscore the need for better health management, and booming markets in food, pharma, and biotech hint that pet care is truly a tail-wagging global enterprise.

Pet Care Products and Market Trends

The consumption of pet supplements and wellness products has increased by 20% annually over the past five years, signaling a focus on preventive health
Approximately 55% of pet owners have used or are interested in using pet health tracking devices, reflecting increasing adoption of technology
An estimated 40% of pet owners are willing to pay extra for organic or premium pet food options, showing consumer demand for quality products
The adoption rate of electronic identification methods like microchips in pets exceeds 90% in some countries, aiding in pet recovery efforts
The global veterinary dermatology market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, driven by increased awareness of skin health in pets
The percentage of pet owners with pet-specific health insurance in the U.S. is roughly 3%, indicating room for growth in pet healthcare coverage

Pet Care Products and Market Trends Interpretation

As pet owners increasingly embrace preventive health, high-tech tracking, and premium products—while still only scratching the surface of insurance coverage—the pet care industry stands at the threshold of a wellness revolution that blends innovation with a growing demand for quality and security.

Pet Ownership and Demographics

Approximately 84 million dogs and 58 million cats are owned as pets in the United States
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a 15% increase in pet ownership in the U.S. during 2020
78% of pet owners consider their pet a family member
The average age of a pet dog in the U.S. is 6-7 years, while for cats it is 9-10 years
The top five species treated in veterinary practices are dogs, cats, horses, birds, and small mammals

Pet Ownership and Demographics Interpretation

With over 142 million beloved companions roaming American households—whose bond deepened during the pandemic—veterinary care now primarily revolves around dogs, cats, and other cherished species, reflecting both the nation's affection and the ongoing commitment to their well-being well into their golden years.

Veterinary Education and Workforce

The number of veterinary technology programs in the U.S. increased by 20% between 2010 and 2020
The number of veterinary assistants and technicians in the U.S. exceeds 153,000
Almost 65% of veterinarians in the U.S. are female, contributing to gender shifts in the profession
The total number of veterinary schools worldwide exceeds 300, with the majority located in North America and Europe
In the U.S., about 50% of veterinary students graduate with student loan debt, averaging $183,000 per graduate
The veterinary profession faces an estimated shortage of 15,000 veterinarians in the U.S. by 2030, mainly due to workforce aging and increasing demand
The majority of veterinary students report high satisfaction levels with their career choice, citing passion for animals as a primary motivator
The percentage of veterinary graduates working in research or academia is approximately 20%, contributing to advancements in animal health knowledge
The number of veterinary research publications has increased by 25% over the last decade, reflecting advances in veterinary science

Veterinary Education and Workforce Interpretation

Amid a surge in veterinary training programs and gender parity, the profession’s passionate yet financially burdened workforce faces a looming shortage by 2030, even as research and publication growth propel animal health science into exciting new frontiers.

Veterinary Services and Clinical Practice

The global veterinary services market was valued at $42.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2021 to 2028
Approximately 70% of veterinarians in the United States work in private practice
An estimated 4 million animals are treated annually in veterinary clinics for behavioral problems
The veterinary profession has an employment growth rate of about 19% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations
82% of veterinary clinics use electronic health records systems, enhancing record-keeping efficiency
The use of telemedicine in veterinary practice increased by over 80% during the COVID-19 pandemic
The number of veterinary specialists has grown by about 35% over the past decade, covering fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and oncology
The average consultation fee for a veterinary appointment in the U.S. is approximately $50-$100, depending on the region and type of service
Around 60% of U.S. pets receive annual preventive healthcare, including vaccinations and screenings
Nearly 80% of pet owners report that their veterinarians discuss preventive health and wellness during visits
The percentage of veterinary clinics offering acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine has increased by over 50% in the last decade, reflecting growth in alternative therapies
The use of AI-driven diagnostic tools in veterinary medicine is projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 8% through 2030, improving diagnostic accuracy
In 2021, approximately 45% of veterinary practices in the U.S. incorporated integrated health approaches, like combining traditional and alternative medicine
The average number of veterinary visits per year in the U.S. is about 2.5 per pet, emphasizing ongoing healthcare needs
The percentage of veterinary clinics offering emergency and critical care services has increased by 30% over the last decade, reflecting a trend toward comprehensive pet care
Approximately 35% of veterinarians in the U.S. are involved in community outreach or public health initiatives, indicating broader societal engagement
Approximately 70% of veterinary practices in the U.S. utilize online booking and patient management systems, improving customer service
The veterinary anesthesia and pain management segment is expected to grow at a rate of 6.5% annually, fueled by innovations in pain relief therapies
The veterinary endoscopy market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9% through 2027, driven by minimally invasive procedures
The number of zoonotic disease outbreaks reported annually has decreased by 10% over the past five years, thanks to improved veterinary public health measures

Veterinary Services and Clinical Practice Interpretation

The booming $42.2 billion global veterinary market, fueled by rising pet healthcare awareness, innovative technologies like AI and telemedicine, and a growing emphasis on holistic care, is not just keeping tails wagging but also promising a future where veterinary professionals are busier—and more integrated—than ever.