Companion Animal Pain Management Market

Companion Animal Pain Management Market Size

The global companion animal pain management market size was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2024. The market is expected to grow from 2 billion in 2025 to USD 3.4 billion in 2034 at a CAGR of 6.2%. The market growth is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in pets that has spurred the demand for effective pain management solutions. In Also, the growing advancements in pain management drugs and therapies and proliferating expansion of veterinary clinics and specialized pain management centers fosters the market growth.

The rising animal healthcare expenditure coupled with increasing spending on companion animal drugs addressing the chronic disease burden is expected to fuel the market growth. For instance, according to a survey conducted by Morgan Stanley, annual household spending on pets is projected to reach USD 1,445 per animal by 2026 and USD 1,733 by 2030. Similarly, as per the 2024 Global Pet Parent Study, it was estimated that the pet population around the world is around one billion. This growing pet population and stronger human-animal bond have made pet owners more willing to spend on their pets.

Companion animal pain management refers to the specialized treatment developed to relieve pain in companion animals like dogs and cats, horses and others. This includes the market for pharmaceutical drugs, including NSAIDs, opioids, and anesthetics, alongside medical devices to alleviate acute and chronic pain stemming from osteoarthritis, cancer, or even post-surgical interventions.

Companion Animal Pain Management Market Trends

• Increasing awareness among pet owners about insurance plans covering pet treatments, coupled with the growing emphasis on personalised pain management drives the market growth.
  
• Rising preventive care and treatment facilities for companion animals, increased acceptance of unconventional and non-pharmaceutical treatment modalities, increasing adoption of veterinary services and rising animal healthcare spending will all contribute to a growth of animal drugs market including pain management therapeutics.
  
• Companies are trying to develop new NSAIDs with less adverse effects and reactions. For instance, in January 2022, the U.S. FDA approved Zorbium (buprenorphine transdermal solution), the first transdermal buprenorphine animal medication for post-surgical pain management in cats. Similarly, Zoetis developed Librela, a monoclonal antibody therapy for osteoarthritis. These targeted treatments are further responsible for market expansion. Thus, the growing advancement and elevated drug development activities catering to the companion animals disease management has further propelled the market growth.
  
• Additionally, pet owners are opting for higher end treatment options for their pets since more insurance plans are covering chronic pain therapies. For instance, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association reports that, in 2022, around 5.4 million pet insurance policies were active in the U.S., a number which grew by more than 21% from the previous year.
  
• This increase in pet insurance policies has resulted from an increase in willingness to spend on pets for surgery and treatment, which drives demand for post-operative pain management therapeutics and overall market growth.
  

Trump Administration Tariffs

• The veterinary pharmaceuticals were mostly exempt to protect the animal health, while crucial components such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients, and specially designed packaging materials most often obtained from India, Europe, and China were subject to tariffs.
  
• This increased prospective production costs for manufacturers and created potential lags in prompt product availability impacted the industry. Also, these tariffs are expected to affect the cost of the essential medications imported from China, Mexico, and Canada as essential pain medications and antibiotics that are sourced from these countries.
  
• Moreover, the tariffs could exacerbate current drug shortages by interrupting global supply chains, further restricting the availability of critical pain management services for companion animals.
  
• Veterinary clinics and pet owners reliant on low cost generic medicines will endure the financial burden.
  

Companion Animal Pain Management Market Analysis

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In 2021, the global market was valued at USD 1.6 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 1.7 billion, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 1.8 billion.

Based on animal type, the market is classified into dogs, cats, horses, and other animal types. The dogs segment generated the highest revenue of USD 1.1 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.9 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 6.1%.

• The large dog population associated with the high prevalence of orthopedic disorders and other chronic conditions soaring pain symptoms expects to surge the demand for pain management solutions in the market.
  
• For instance, according to Statista, the pet dog population in India was over 33.6 million in 2023. However, the projection showed that the number is expected to reach 51.5 million by 2028. This increasing population indicates the growing need for companion animal healthcare solutions including the effective drugs and services expecting to propel the market demand in coming years.
  
• In addition, the growing number of surgical interventions drives the demand for post-operative pain management solutions fostering market growth.
  
• The growing prevalence of orthopedic disorders such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis and joint pain are highly common in older dogs and larger breed, requiring constant pain management solutions. For instance, according to research studies, 20% of dogs revealed arthritis symptoms at younger age, while 80% of dogs tend to suffer arthritis by the growing age. This aims to stimulate the need for pain management solutions driving market growth.

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Based on product type, the global companion animal pain management market is classified into drugs and devices. The drugs segment dominated the market in 2024 with a market share of 81.7% and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% during the analysis period.

• The drugs segment is further categorized NSAIDS, opioids, anesthetics, and other drug types. Pain management drugs provides rapid and effective pain relief, making them the preferred choice in veterinary practice.
  
• Rising incidences of post-surgical and chronic pain in animals has led the veterinarians primarily rely on the drugs as the first line of treatment for chronic and acute pain.
  
• In addition, advancements in drug formulations and delivery methods are another significant factor for the growth of the market.
  
• Pain management is becoming more convenient for both veterinarians and pet owners owing to the development of transdermal patches, extended-release pain medications and flavored oral formulations further fostering market growth.
  

Based on application, the global companion animal pain management market is classified into osteoarthritis & joint pain, cancer, postoperative pain and other applications. The osteoarthritis & joint pain segment accounted for USD 807.2 million in market revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% between the 2025 to 2034 period.

• Rising cases of osteoarthritis in ageing pets is a significant factor for market growth. Improved veterinary care has increased the life span of companion animals, especially dogs and cats, leading to increased incidence of age-related joint disorders.
  
• Also, the diagnosis of osteoarthritis and joint pain has been increased in companion animals due to improved veterinary awareness.
  
• Joint problems and ligament injuries are diagnosed earlier due to the use of advanced diagnostic tools such as gait analysis, radiography and AI based mobility tracking. This has led to higher treatment rates and drives market growth.

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In 2024, U.S. companion animal pain management market accounted for USD 795.7 million which is expected to increase from USD 754.2 million in 2023 and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% between the 2025 to 2034 period.

• The high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in pets, increasing pet ownership rate, and advanced animal healthcare infrastructure strengthens U.S. prominence in the market. For instance, according to the data from American Veterinary Medical Association 45.5 million U.S. household own dogs and 32 million household own cats.
  
• The growing trend of companionship has steered pet owners to prioritize pain management treatment for their pets. Also, the presence of strong veterinary infrastructure and access to advanced treatments is another significant factor.
  
• The wide adoption of monoclonal antibodies, veterinary regenerative medicine and laser therapy by veterinarians drives market expansion. In addition, the growing expansion of advanced pain management solutions facilitated accessibility to pet owners owing to the pet insurance policies covering rehabilitation therapies, chronic pain treatments and surgical procedures.
  

Germany companion animal pain management market is projected to grow remarkably in the coming years.

• Germany’s growth is asserted due to demographic, economic, and healthcare factors in veterinary industry.
  
• For instance, a Research from the German Pet Trade & Industry Association and IVH indicates that 33.9 million pet animals existed in Germany and 44% of households had at least one pet in 2024. This focus on pet welfare and the growing pet population that expects to increase spending on veterinary services.
  
• The country’s veterinary sector has a well-established infrastructure along with supporting research initiatives that aid in expanding the market.
  
• The growth is further fueled by the growing strategic alliances, mergers, and partnerships, alongside the introduction of new products to address the growing demand for animal healthcare further driving this expansion.
  
• Moreover, the growing acceptance of non-pharmaceutical pain management therapies like laser and electromagnetic therapies is gaining popularity in Germany due to its advantages over conventional treatments. These therapies are effective in relieving pain thereby minimizing the need for extensive surgery and long-term medication.
  

Japan is poised to grow at a significant growth rate in the Asia Pacific companion animal pain management market.

• Japan has one of the highest life expectancies for pets leading to age related conditions such as osteoarthritis and chronic pain, requiring advanced and innovative pain management solutions.
  
• Japan’s population favor small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas and Dachshunds, which are genetically predisposed to joint disorders due to their small height. This fuels demand for pain management solutions.
  
• In addition, minimally invasive and non-drug therapies like laser and electromagnetic therapy are highly preferred by Japan pet owners, expanding the market for non-drug pain management solutions.
  

Brazil is projected to see significant growth in the Latin American companion pain management market during the analysis period.

• The growing pet ownership in Brazil contributed to surge the demand for pain medications. For instance, according to the Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry, in 2022 Brazil had 167.6 million pets. With an increase in pet adoption for companionship, there is a corresponding rise in the need for veterinary care and medicines.
  
• Growing awareness about the importance of pain management for their pets is driving demand for innovative solutions to manage conditions such as hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and other issues in companion animals.
  
• Furthermore, expanding advancements in veterinary care such as veterinary regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, accelerates the market growth in companion animal pain management.
  

The companion animal pain management market in Saudi Arabia is poised to showcase notable growth in the Middle East and Africa regional market.

• The significant rise in pet ownership driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles has led to growing demand for effective pain management solutions to ensure the welfare of these animals.
  
• Growing awareness about pet health among Saudi pet owners including managing chronic pain and age-related conditions, drives the demand for advanced pain management solutions for companion animals.
  
• The shift of Saudi pet owners towards non-invasive therapies has led to expansion of the market for non-pharmaceutical pain management solutions.
  

Companion Animal Pain Management Market Share

The top five players in the global market contributed to ~45% of share. The market is characterized by the presence of several key players, including Zoetis, Merck Animal Health, Vetaquinol, Dechra Pharmaceuticals, and Boehringer Ingelheim. These companies compete by offering innovative, pain management solutions for chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and musculoskeletal pain in companion animals.

The market is highly competitive, driven by factors such as the growing demand for effective pain relief treatments, technological advancements, and increasing awareness of the importance of managing pain in pets. The leading companies maintain their positions due to their extensive product portfolios, strong brand recognition, and expansive distribution networks.

Companion Animal Pain Management Market Companies

Prominent players operating in the companion animal pain management industry include:

• Aurora Pharmaceutical
• Bimeda
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• Ceva Sante Animale
• Chanelle Pharma
• Companion Animal Health
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals
• Elanco
• INDIBA
• Merck
• Norbrook
• PainTrace
• Vetaquinol
• Vetnation Pharma
• Virbac
• Zoetis
  

Zoetis strengthened its animal health business through strong distribution networks in more than 100 countries. The company excels in the veterinary industry through an extensive product range that includes industry leaders Rimadyl and Galliprant.

Merck develops prescription medications, vaccines, biologic treatments, and animal health products. The products manufactured by the business are offered in over 150 countries globally. Merck has substantial operations in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Boehringer Ingelheim holds a robust portfolio of veterinary analgesics and NSAIDs with products such as Metacam and PREVICOX. The company possesses a strong R&D capability focused on novel, effective, and comprehensive pain management therapeutics tailored to animal health.

Companion Animal Pain Management Industry News

• In April 2025, Felixvet broaden its carprofen portfolio by introducing Caprofen Soft Chewable Tablets, a generic NSAID used to manage pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis. The tablet is therapeutically equivalent with similar efficacy and safety as RIMADYL. This launch represented better flexibility in dosing and treatment options for animals.
  
• In September 2024, Boehringer Ingelheim acquired Saiba Animal Health, specialized in novel therapeutic medicines for chronic diseases including allergies, inflammation, and pain in pets. This acquisition aimed to facilitate Boehringer Ingelheim to fortify their animal health R&D pipeline, expanding its pet therapeutics business.
  
• In January 2022, Elanco received U.S. FDA approval for Zorbium, a long-acting transdermal buprenorphine for treating cats with pain. This launch helped the company to expand its pain management offerings and gain attention due to a novel drug delivery system thus boosting revenue growth.
  

The companion animal pain management market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecasts in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Animal Type

• Dogs
• Cats
• Horses
• Other animal types

Market, By Product Type

• Drugs
  • Type
    • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
    • Opioids
    • Anesthetics
    • Other drug types
  • Route of administration
    • Oral
    • Parenteral
    • Topical
  • Distribution channel
    • Veterinary hospitals pharmacies
    • Retail pharmacies
    • Online pharmacies 
• Devices
• Laser therapy
• Electromagnetic therapy

Market, By Application

• Osteoarthritis & joint pain
• Cancer
• Postoperative pain
• Other applications

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada 
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE