Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Size

The global veterinary reference laboratory market was valued at USD 4.9 billion in 2024. The market is anticipated to grow from USD 5.3 billion in 2025 to USD 13.3 billion in 2034, growing at a CAGR of 10.6% from 2025 to 2034. The increasing cases of zoonotic and chronic diseases in companion and farm animals are accelerating the growth of the market.

The surge in animal ownership around the world has resulted in a growing demand for animal diagnosis and healthcare services. There is a growing demand for specialized testing offered by reference laboratories because pet owners are more aware of the importance of early diagnosis and detection of cancer, diabetes, and parasitic infections. Also, in the livestock segment, there is mounting pressure due to the need for food safety and animal health compliance, which is further driving advanced diagnostic testing.

Furthermore, government policies focusing on animal health and disease management are also driving public and private investments, thus propelling market growth. Partnerships between veterinary practices and reference laboratories, along with the network expansions by major corporations, are increasing the availability of diagnostic services in emerging markets. In addition, the rising adoption of pet insurance is easing the financial constraints of diagnostic testing for pet owners, which in turn is driving the use of reference services. All these elements together are reinforcing strong growth in the veterinary reference laboratory market.

A veterinary reference laboratory is responsible for identifying zoonotic diseases in farm and domestic animals. On a regular basis, the labs test animals for brucellosis, TB, anthrax, yellow fever, rabies, measles, and other diseases. Veterinary reference laboratories offer services such as clinical pathology, bacteriology, toxicology, virology, and pregnancy testing. They also provide technical and scientific support by using hematology, immunodiagnostics, and molecular diagnostics.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

• The increasing number of veterinary hospitals and clinics and rapidly developing veterinary infrastructure in both developed and emerging markets is a key factor driving the market.
  
• As pet ownership and livestock care become more prioritized globally, the demand for professional veterinary services has surged. This has led to the establishment of more veterinary hospitals and clinics, particularly in urban and semi-urban regions. These facilities often rely on external reference laboratories for complex and high-volume diagnostic testing, boosting the need for specialized laboratory services that can deliver accurate and timely results.
  
• For example, the number of veterinary clinics in the U.S. is estimated to be between 28,000 and 32,000. Similarly, veterinary clinical practices in Canada have increased from 3,825 in 2020 to 4,830 in 2023. Increased awareness regarding the health of pets and livestock animals, preventive veterinary medicine and diagnostics, along with the rising pet ownership, has contributed to this growth.
  
• Additionally, the rising global demand for animal protein, along with food safety and animal welfare issues, is increasing attention to preventive care in livestock management.
  
• In several regions, government agencies and farmers' cooperatives are also constructing infrastructure for livestock health and mobile veterinary services, which encourages adoption of advanced testing services in farm and rural settings. Thus, the integration of diagnostic testing services into routine livestock monitoring is set to positively drive the veterinary reference laboratory market growth.
  
• Furthermore, the market is being impacted significantly by advancements in veterinary diagnostic technologies, such as PCR, next-generation sequencing, and immunoassays. Reference laboratories are becoming more appealing because these innovations improve sensitivity and rapid detection of diseases.
  
• Additionally, the adoption of cloud-based laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and telemedicine solutions has streamlined data management and made remote consultations easier. These advancements not only improve diagnostic capabilities but also enhance collaboration between laboratories, veterinary clinics, and pet owners.
  
• Moreover, high adoption of pet insurance is expected to be an important factor in driving the market expansion.
  
• According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, there has been an increase of about 18% in the number of insured pets during 2017-2018, in the U.S. Further, the number of insured pets in 2021 was 26% higher than in 2020 and 63% higher than in 2018. Thus, surging demand for pet insurance coupled with the growing number of insured animals will drive the market expansion.
  

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Analysis

In 2021, the global veterinary reference laboratory industry was valued at USD 3.9 billion. The following year, it saw a slight increase to USD 4.2 billion, and by 2023, the market further climbed to USD 4.5 billion. Based on technology, the market is divided into clinical chemistry, immunodiagnostics, molecular diagnostics, hematology, urinalysis, and other technologies. The clinical chemistry segment accounted for the highest market share and was valued at USD 1.8 billion in 2024.

• Clinical chemistry tests analyze blood and other bodily fluids to assess organ function, metabolic status, and electrolyte balance. These tests are essential in detecting diseases such as liver and kidney disorders, endocrine imbalances, and metabolic conditions across companion and livestock animals. The increasing prevalence of chronic and lifestyle-related conditions in pets, such as diabetes and renal diseases, is significantly driving the demand for clinical chemistry diagnostics.
  
• Another factor that has greatly contributed to the high market share of this segment is the development and automation of clinical chemistry analyzers. Veterinary reference laboratories are equipped with modern high throughput systems that offer accurate and timely results, which are very important both in emergency and routine diagnostics.
  
• Moreover, increased adoption of pets and heightened awareness of preventive healthcare among pet owners has translated into greater demand for veterinary services including routine vet visits and comprehensive health examinations that incorporate clinical chemistry panels. This has led to greater volumes of testing performed and additionally reinforced the dominance in the clinical chemistry segment.
  
• In addition, clinical chemistry testing is important for managing herd health and productivity in livestock. Regular biochemical testing helps veterinarians and farm managers detect subclinical conditions, manage proper nutrition, and prevent population-level diseases. This is crucial in the dairy and poultry sectors, where animal health drives economic returns. Consequently, clinical chemistry continues to be a critical component of veterinary diagnostics and retains a strong share of the market in the market.
  

Based on the application, the global veterinary reference laboratory market is segmented into bacteriology, virology, clinical pathology, parasitology, pregnancy testing, productivity testing, and toxicology testing. The clinical pathology segment dominated the market with 34.6% market share in 2024.

• The clinical pathology segment maintains a considerable market share in the veterinary reference laboratory industry due to its importance in both routine and diagnostic evaluation processes.
  
• Clinical pathology includes disciplines such as hematology, clinical chemistry, cytology and urinalysis, which aid in the accurate diagnosis and management of a wide range of animal diseases. Veterinary practitioners depend upon these tests for timely diagnosis, treatment optimization, and effective long-term management of their patients.
  
• Clinical pathology tests are often the first line of assessment in veterinary medicine, making them essential for disease screening and health monitoring.
  
• Additionally, the rising incidence of chronic and infectious diseases in animals has increased the frequency of diagnostic evaluations, further supporting the dominance of this segment.
  

Based on animal type, the global veterinary reference laboratory market is categorized into companion animals and livestock animals. The companion animal segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.8 billion by 2034. The segment includes dogs, cats, horses, and other companion animals.

• The rising adoption rate of companion animals largely increases the demand for pet care services.
  
• As per a recent study published by GlobalPET, there are over one billion animals kept as pets worldwide. As per Statista, in 2023, the dog population in Europe was approximately 106.36 million, an increase from around 104.34 million in the previous year. Thus, the sheer number of companion animals, along with increased spending, is expected to propel segmental growth.
  
• Similarly, there has been a significant increase in the incidence of various diseases among companion animals. According to data published in the National Institute of Health (NIH), cancer is the leading cause of death in 47% of dogs, especially dogs over age ten, and 32% of cats. This rising burden of chronic diseases in pets translates to greater demand for veterinary diagnostic testing.
  

The North America market dominated the global veterinary reference laboratory market with a market share of 38.6% in 2024. The large share of this region can be attributed to the high adoption of companion animals, increased veterinary healthcare spending, and the presence of advanced diagnostic infrastructure. Additionally, strong industry presence and favorable government initiatives support market growth in the region.

The U.S. veterinary reference laboratory market was valued at USD 1.4 billion and USD 1.5 billion in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The market size reached USD 1.7 billion in 2024, growing from USD 1.6 billion in 2023.

• High rates of pet ownership in the country, coupled with availability of advanced pet care services, drive market growth.
  
•  For instance, as of 2023, over 66% of Americans, which translates to about 87 million homes, owned at least one pet. Also, the region has a strong livestock industry, which further increases the demand for veterinary diagnostic services.
  
• Additionally, rising spending on animal care and strong veterinary infrastructure increase the demand for advanced veterinary diagnostic methods.
  
• Also, the high adoption of pet insurance in the region contributes to the overall market growth.
  

Europe veterinary reference laboratory market accounted for USD 1.4 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to show lucrative growth over the forecast period.

• Rising animal adoption in the European region, coupled with increasing initiatives by various governments to improve animal healthcare, is anticipated to spur the market growth.
  
• Moreover, advancements in veterinary services with frequent introduction of superior veterinary diagnostic products and services for accurate diagnosis will boost the market in the European region.
  

Germany veterinary reference laboratory market is anticipated to witness considerable growth over the analysis period.

• The country's well-established veterinary practices and research institutions, along with their emphasis on high-quality veterinary care, contribute to the widespread adoption of veterinary reference laboratory services.
  
• The rising adoption of pet and livestock animals, coupled with surging spending on animal healthcare, is also set to increase the veterinary reference laboratory market in Germany.
  
• For example, as of 2023, 45% of German households have a pet and 14% of households have two pets or more. This totals approximately 34.3 million pets. Cats and dogs are the most popular house pets, with 25% of German households owning cats and 21% of households owning dogs. Moreover, in 2024, the cattle population in Germany was 10.63 million. Such a high volume of pets and livestock animals increases the demand for effective diagnostic services, thus boosting market growth.
  

The Asia Pacific market is anticipated to witness significant growth over the analysis timeframe.

• The veterinary reference laboratory market in the Asia Pacific region is growing rapidly due to the rise in pet ownership, growing animal health awareness, and the improvement of veterinary care infrastructure.
  
• Additionally, the rapid rise in the number of veterinary clinics and hospitals, coupled with government policies aimed at animal healthcare, contributes to the rapid growth of the market in the region.
  

India veterinary reference laboratory market is predicted to grow significantly over the forecast period.

• India has a large pet population with over 31 million pet dogs and 2.44 million pet cats. The increasing pet ownership and rising disposable income in the country, coupled with high spending on pet healthcare, will offer profitable market growth opportunities in the country.
  
• In addition, rapidly expanding veterinary infrastructure in the country such as veterinary hospitals and clinics, will further enhance the market growth.
  
• Furthermore, several government initiatives to support animal health and wellness also stimulate market growth. For instance, the National Animal Disease Control Programme is a flagship scheme launched in 2019 that aims to control the spread of various animal diseases by increasing testing and disease monitoring. Such initiatives will further drive market growth.
  

Brazil is experiencing significant growth in the Latin America veterinary reference laboratory market due to the increasing demand for advanced diagnostic tools in veterinary care.

• Brazil holds a leading position in the Latin American market, driven by its substantial livestock industry, increasing pet ownership, and advancements in veterinary diagnostics.
  
• Brazil has the third-largest pet population in the world with 160 million pets, of which 60 million are dogs, 30 million cats, and 32 million pet-owning households.
  
• The country is also home to a large livestock population, with Brazil being the third-largest cattle producer and second-largest beef exporter in the world.
  
• Such high animal volume, coupled with strong growth in veterinary spending, is anticipated to foster market growth.
  
• Additionally, the country's significant demand for animal-derived food products, government initiatives to enhance agricultural and animal health outcomes, and a rising incidence of zoonotic diseases further boost the market growth.
  

South Africa veterinary reference laboratory market is poised to witness substantial growth in Middle East and Africa market during the forecast period.

• South Africa holds a significant market share in the Middle East and Africa veterinary reference laboratory industry due to its well-established veterinary infrastructure, growing investments in animal healthcare, and a high concentration of private and public veterinary diagnostic facilities.
  
• The country is home to several leading veterinary research institutes and reference laboratories, such as the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, which support advanced diagnostic capabilities and surveillance programs for animal diseases.
  
• Additionally, the increasing demand for livestock products and the implementation of strict animal health regulations have driven the adoption of diagnostic testing services.
  

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Share

Competition in the veterinary reference laboratory industry is characterized by the presence of a few dominant players alongside several regional and specialized laboratories. The top 4 players such as Antech Diagnostics (Mars), IDEXX Laboratories, Virbac, and Zoetis account for approximately 45% - 48% of the global market owing to their extensive service portfolios, global reach, and continuous investments in advanced diagnostic technologies. These key players focus on various strategies such as acquisitions, business expansion, and new service launches to strengthen their market presence.

Additionally, the market is witnessing increasing consolidation as larger players acquire smaller regional labs to expand their geographic footprint and service capabilities. Innovation in molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, and AI-driven analytics is also intensifying competition, with newer entrants striving to differentiate through niche testing services and enhanced customer experience.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the veterinary reference laboratory industry include:

• Antech Diagnostics (Mars)
• Boehringer Ingelheim International
• Colorado State University
• GD Animal Health
• Heska Corporation
• IDEXX Laboratories
• Laboklin
• Neogen Corporation
• Nova Biomedical
• Thermo Fisher Scientific
• Virbac
• Vaxxinova
• Zoetis
  

Antech Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Mars, is a prominent player in the veterinary reference laboratory market, operating over 70 laboratories across North America and processing approximately 50,000 samples daily. The company emphasizes a laboratory-first approach, offering advanced diagnostic services such as PCR-based fecal testing and predictive tools like RenalTech. In November 2023, Antech expanded its services to the UK, launching a comprehensive portfolio that includes in-house diagnostics, imaging, and technology solutions.


IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. is a leading global provider of veterinary diagnostic services, operating over 80 reference laboratories across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions. The company offers a comprehensive suite of diagnostic tests, including routine and specialized tests for conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and infectious diseases. IDEXX integrates its laboratory services with in-clinic analyzers and VetConnect PLUS, a cloud-based platform that provides veterinarians with real-time access to diagnostic results and decision-support tools. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to quality, IDEXX maintains a strong position in the veterinary reference laboratory market.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Industry News

• In June 2024, IDEXX Laboratories announced the launch of the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, a new diagnostic tool designed to detect pancreatitis in dogs and cats rapidly and accurately. This test provides quantitative results in under 10 minutes at the point-of-care, enabling veterinarians to confidently diagnose or rule out pancreatitis during the patient visit and start timely treatment.
  
• In May 2024, Mars, Incorporated entered exclusive discussions to acquire Cerba HealthCare's entire ownership stake in Cerba Vet and ANTAGENE, two French veterinary diagnostics businesses. This move was aimed at strategically enhancing Mars Petcare's Science & Diagnostics division by broadening and improving access to veterinary diagnostic solutions in Europe.
  
• In November 2022, VolitionRx Limited launched its Nu.Q Vet Cancer Screening Test across the U.S. and European markets through Heska Corporation's veterinary diagnostic laboratories. This strategy is expected to enhance the company's outreach to untapped markets.
  
• In June 2022, IDEXX Laboratories Inc. launched new reference laboratory tests and services to assist veterinarians in getting insights during wellness screenings, build treatment plans for cats with chronic kidney disease, and receive fast, definitive results in the most critical cases.
  

The veterinary reference laboratory market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Technology

• Clinical chemistry
• Immunodiagnostics
  • ELISA
  • Lateral flow assays
  • Other immunodiagnostics assays
• Molecular diagnostics
  • PCR tests
  • Microarray
  • Other molecular diagnostic services
• Hematology
• Urinalysis
• Other technologies

Market, By Application

• Clinical pathology
• Bacteriology
• Virology
• Parasitology
• Productivity testing
• Pregnancy testing
• Toxicology testing

Market, By Animal Type

• Companion animals 
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Horses
  • Other companion animals
• Livestock animals    
  • Cattle
  • Swine
  • Poultry
  • Sheep and goats
  • Other livestock animals

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
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE