Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Testing (Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Parasitology, Histopathology, Cytopathology, Hematology, Immunology & Serology, Imaging, Molecular Diagnostics, Others), By Type (Point-of-Care (POC), Laboratory-based), By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Others), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 2.94 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.31%
Fastest Growing Segment	Dogs
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 4.49 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market will grow from USD 2.94 Billion in 2025 to USD 4.49 Billion by 2031 at a 7.31% CAGR. Companion animal diagnostic services encompass clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, and imaging technologies utilized by veterinarians to identify health conditions and guide treatment plans for pets such as dogs, cats, and equines. The market is primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in aging animal populations and the widespread phenomenon of pet humanization, which compels owners to invest in high-quality healthcare similar to human standards. Furthermore, the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases necessitates rigorous testing and surveillance to protect both animal and human health, thereby cementing the essential nature of these diagnostic tools in modern veterinary practice.

Despite these positive factors, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the acute global shortage of qualified veterinary professionals and pathologists, which restricts service capacity and increases operational costs. This labor constraint limits the speed and availability of diagnostic interpretation in high-demand regions, potentially bottling revenue generation for service providers. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2024, the sector demonstrated robust demand as spending on veterinary care and product sales reached $39.8 billion in the United States.

Key Market Drivers

The escalating trend of pet humanization significantly propels the demand for diagnostic services as owners increasingly view companion animals as integral family members. This cultural shift translates into a higher willingness to incur veterinary expenses for early disease detection, wellness screenings, and advanced pathology. Consequently, the expanding base of pet owners directly correlates with higher utilization rates of clinical services, as guardians seek to maintain the health and longevity of their animals through regular medical intervention. Supporting this prevalence, according to FEDIAF EuropeanPetFood, June 2024, in the 'Facts & Figures 2024' report, approximately 91 million households in the European Union own at least one pet, necessitating a robust infrastructure for veterinary care. This dense ownership footprint ensures a consistent influx of cases requiring laboratory analysis and imaging, thereby stabilizing revenue streams for diagnostic providers.

Simultaneously, the expansion of pet insurance penetration removes financial barriers that historically limited access to comprehensive diagnostic procedures. As coverage options become more diverse, pet owners are more likely to authorize expensive tests such as MRI scans, molecular assays, and geriatric profiles without the deterrent of immediate out-of-pocket costs. This financial enablement encourages veterinarians to practice evidence-based medicine rather than symptomatic treatment, leading to a higher frequency of test orders per patient visit. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, May 2024, in the 'State of the Industry Report 2024', the sector reached a historic high with a total premium volume of $4.27 billion in North America, reflecting a significant increase from the previous year. The impact of such financial support is evident in corporate performance; according to Idexx Laboratories, in 2024, global Companion Animal Group diagnostics recurring revenues grew by 7 percent reported in the third quarter.

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Key Market Challenges

The acute global shortage of qualified veterinary professionals and pathologists directly impedes the growth of the companion animal diagnostic services market by creating significant operational bottlenecks. When clinics and laboratories lack sufficient staff to perform procedures or interpret complex diagnostic images and molecular tests, turnaround times for critical results increase substantially. This delay forces veterinarians to postpone treatment decisions, reducing the overall volume of cases that can be managed effectively. Consequently, diagnostic service providers struggle to capitalize on the rising volume of test requests, effectively placing a cap on potential revenue expansion despite strong demand from pet owners.

This labor constraint also imposes severe financial pressures that erode profit margins and restrict investment in service expansion. Veterinary practices face increased overhead as they compete for limited talent, often resulting in higher wages or reliance on expensive temporary staffing. According to the British Veterinary Association, in 2024, survey data revealed that clinical practices carried an average of 2.1 unfilled full-time equivalent veterinary roles, representing approximately 23% of the total workforce capacity in those settings. Such high vacancy rates directly limit the physical capacity of facilities to process diagnostic samples, thereby stalling the market's upward trajectory.

Key Market Trends

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for predictive diagnostics is reshaping veterinary workflows by automating complex image analysis, thereby mitigating operational strains from workforce shortages. Clinical adoption is accelerating as practices leverage machine learning to enhance diagnostic accuracy in radiology, allowing for immediate "second opinions" without external consultation delays. This technological shift is evident in adoption metrics; according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, February 2025, in the 'Familiarity with artificial intelligence drives optimism and adoption among veterinary professionals: 2024 survey' report, 39.2% of respondents reported utilizing AI tools for professional tasks. By embedding these tools, clinics optimize case management and facilitate faster treatment interventions.

Simultaneously, the emergence of non-invasive liquid biopsy for oncology is transforming cancer detection by enabling screening through simple blood draws rather than invasive tissue sampling. This innovation addresses the need for accessible, early-stage monitoring, particularly for aging pets where traditional biopsy risks are prohibitive. The commercial scalability of this technology has gained significant traction; according to VolitionRx Limited, March 2025, in the 'Full Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results' report, the company sold approximately 120,000 Nu.Q Vet Cancer Tests in 2024, reflecting a substantial increase driven by expanded global availability. This trend signifies a pivot toward proactive wellness monitoring, allowing for therapeutic intervention before clinical symptoms escalate.

Segmental Insights

The Dogs segment represents the fastest growing category within the global companion animal diagnostic services market, primarily driven by increasing pet ownership and heightened focus on animal wellness. This expansion is fueled by the rising prevalence of chronic conditions such as canine obesity, diabetes, and cancer, which necessitate frequent screening and precise clinical testing. Additionally, the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates a sustained rise in veterinary expenditure, reflecting a significant shift toward preventive healthcare. Consequently, veterinarians are utilizing more clinical pathology and imaging tests to ensure early disease detection, thereby supporting the rapid development of this market segment.

Regional Insights

North America maintains the leading position in the global companion animal diagnostic services market due to established veterinary infrastructure and high expenditure on animal healthcare. This dominance is driven by rising pet adoption rates and a growing emphasis on preventative screenings among owners. Furthermore, the presence of major industry players and supportive frameworks from organizations like the U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine facilitates the approval and adoption of diagnostic solutions. This integration of accessible veterinary services and regulatory clarity ensures a stable environment for market expansion across the region.

Recent Developments

• In December 2024, Zoetis Inc. announced the global launch of the Vetscan OptiCell, a cartridge-based, AI-powered hematology analyzer intended for point-of-care veterinary settings. This compact diagnostic instrument utilizes advanced imaging technology to provide complete blood count analysis, delivering reference-lab quality accuracy within the clinic. The system features a screenless design and relies on artificial intelligence to classify blood cells, helping to streamline workflow and reduce manual maintenance for veterinary staff. The company highlighted that this innovation addresses the growing demand for efficient, high-quality diagnostic tools that enhance the speed and precision of animal healthcare services.
• In July 2024, Mars, Incorporated completed the strategic acquisition of ownership stakes in two French veterinary diagnostic businesses, Cerba Vet and ANTAGENE, from Cerba HealthCare. This transaction integrated a network of specialty veterinary laboratories and a leader in animal genetic testing into the company’s Science & Diagnostics division. The President of the division noted that these additions would complement the existing portfolio, which includes a global network of reference laboratories and point-of-care solutions. The collaboration aims to enhance access to advanced diagnostic offerings for veterinary professionals and improve health outcomes for pets across Europe and globally.
• In June 2024, IDEXX Laboratories launched the Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, a new single-slide diagnostic solution for the rapid detection of pancreatitis in dogs and cats. This innovative test was designed to run on the company’s widely used in-house chemistry analyzers, providing veterinary teams with accurate results in minutes during patient visits. The release allows for immediate assessment of pancreatic health, facilitating timely treatment decisions for a condition that is often difficult to diagnose. The product rollout began in the United States and Canada, with plans for a broader global expansion to support veterinary practices worldwide.
• In April 2024, Antech Diagnostics announced the North American release of two innovative diagnostic tools designed to improve clinical decision-making: AIS RapidRead and the Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test. AIS RapidRead utilizes artificial intelligence to provide veterinarians with immediate, reliable interpretations of radiographs, significantly reducing wait times for imaging results. Simultaneously, the company introduced the Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test, a rapid and affordable screening tool capable of detecting common cancers such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma in high-risk breeds. These launches underscore the company's commitment to leveraging technology for earlier disease detection and better patient care.

Key Market Players

• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
• Zoetis Inc.
• Virbac
• Heska Corporation
• Neogen Corporation
• Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
• INDICAL Bioscience GmbH
• Agrolabo SpA
• ID.vet
• bioMérieux S.A.

By Testing	By Type	By Animal Type	By Region
Clinical Chemistry Microbiology Parasitology Histopathology Cytopathology Hematology Immunology & Serology Imaging Molecular Diagnostics Others	Point-of-Care (POC) Laboratory-based	Dogs Cats Horses Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market , By Testing:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Microbiology
• Parasitology
• Histopathology
• Cytopathology
• Hematology
• Immunology & Serology
• Imaging
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Others

• Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market , By Type:

• Point-of-Care (POC)
• Laboratory-based

• Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market , By Animal Type:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Horses
• Others

• Companion Animal Diagnostic Services Market , By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE