Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Animal (Companion Animals, Livestock Animals), By Service (Discovery, Development, Manufacturing, Packaging & Labeling, Market Approval & Post Marketing), By Application (Pharmaceuticals, Biologics, Medical Devices, Others), By Region and Competition, 2020-2030F

Market Overview

The Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market was valued at USD 5.78 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 9.65 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.90%. The Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market is gaining significant momentum as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly outsource research, development, and manufacturing services to reduce operational burdens and accelerate product development timelines. The rising demand for veterinary drugs, vaccines, and biologics especially for companion animals and livestock has increased the need for specialized contract organizations that offer cost-effective, scalable, and regulatory-compliant solutions. CROs are playing a vital role in conducting preclinical and clinical trials, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory support, while CDMOs are supporting end-to-end development, formulation, and commercial-scale production. The growing prevalence of zoonotic diseases and emerging infectious conditions has also pushed animal health companies to invest more in rapid R&D and testing, further stimulating the demand for outsourcing partners with domain-specific expertise in veterinary science.

A prominent trend shaping the market is the expansion of strategic partnerships and acquisitions among CROs, CDMOs, and veterinary pharmaceutical firms to enhance capabilities and global reach. Companies are focusing on streamlining operations, expanding service portfolios, and building technology-driven platforms that integrate digital tools, data analytics, and real-time reporting in veterinary clinical research. Wearable animal health monitoring devices and biomarker-based studies are contributing to the evolution of advanced veterinary clinical trial models. There is also a rising emphasis on precision medicine for animals, which is pushing contract research firms to adopt customized trial designs tailored to specific species, breeds, and therapeutic areas.

Despite these favorable dynamics, the market faces multiple challenges that could constrain its growth in the coming years. The shortage of skilled veterinary researchers, scientists, and technical staff limits the ability of CROs and CDMOs to scale operations quickly. The cost of setting up and maintaining compliant facilities equipped for multi-species research or sterile biologics manufacturing remains high. Regulatory complexities in veterinary product approvals differ by country and species, making global trial coordination and dossier submission a resource-intensive task. Inconsistent trial standards and ethical concerns related to animal testing further complicate the development process. Smaller firms often struggle to compete with established players due to limited resources, infrastructure, and access to global markets.

Key Market Drivers

Increase in Companion Animal Ownership and Healthcare Spending

The rise in companion animal ownership and increased healthcare spending is a key driver of the global Veterinary CRO and CDMO market. Reframing pets as family members has significantly shifted consumer behavior: according to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2024 Pet Ownership Survey, 45.5% of U.S. households own dogs and 32.1% own cats, totaling nearly 90 million dogs and 74 million cats. These households spend an average of USD 580 per dog and USD 433 per cat on veterinary care annually. This surge in pet population and healthcare expenditure is prompting pharmaceutical and biotech firms to expand their pipelines for veterinary therapeutics, fueling demand for outsourced R&D and manufacturing.

Pet insurance's growing penetration, particularly in North America, is another catalyst. More pet owners now seek advanced diagnostics and long-term treatments, supported by insurance plans that make these options affordable. As demand for specialized therapies such as oncology, dermatology, and chronic disease management grows, companies are turning to Veterinary CROs for tailored preclinical and clinical trials. CDMOs are likewise seeing increased orders for small-batch formulations, sterile injectables, and bespoke packaging designed to meet the unique needs of companion animals.

This heightened focus on pet health and wellness is reshaping the veterinary drug development landscape. CROs are enhancing their capabilities in pharmacokinetics, toxicology, and behavioral studies to support product efficacy claims, while CDMOs invest in cold-chain logistics, quality control, and regulatory submission processes. These developments reduce barriers to bringing new animal health products to market and support faster turnaround times. Driven by growing pet adoption and owner willingness to invest, the Veterinary CRO and CDMO market is poised for sustained expansion, delivering specialized research and manufacturing services aligned with evolving consumer expectations and therapeutic advancements.

Rising Outsourcing by Animal Health Companies

Rising outsourcing by animal health companies is a key driver fueling the growth of the Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market. U.S. government data shows the veterinary contract services sector in the United States generated USD 1.74 billion in revenue in 2022, with projections indicating growth to USD 3.16 billion by 2030, representing a 7.8 % compound annual growth rate. This growth reflects an industry-wide shift toward strategic outsourcing as companies seek flexible, scalable solutions and access to specialized capabilities without investing in expensive in-house infrastructure.

The complexity of modern veterinary therapeutics such as biologics, monoclonal antibodies, and advanced formulations further intensifies demand for CDMOs equipped with expertise in sterile manufacturing, cold-chain logistics, and compliance with stringent regulatory requirements. Concurrently, CROs are being tapped to manage diverse preclinical and clinical studies across multiple species, pharmacokinetic profiling, and regulatory dossier preparation. Outsourcing enables animal health firms to streamline development workflows, reduce risk, and accelerate regulatory timelines while maintaining high standards of scientific rigor.

In 2022, Zoetis, one of the largest veterinary pharmaceutical companies relied on 132 third-party manufacturing sites, compared to only 29 in-house facilities, underscoring the industry’s deep reliance on external partners. This model of flexible, expert-driven resource allocation is particularly valuable given the surge in companion animal ownership and growing veterinary healthcare spending. As companies continue to diversify their product pipelines, the preference for outsourcing to specialized CROs and CDMOs capable of handling project fluctuations and delivering innovation will remain a dominant dynamic driving market expansion through the forecast period.

Expansion of Zoonotic Disease Surveillance and One Health Initiatives

The expansion of zoonotic disease surveillance and growing adoption of One Health initiatives are catalyzing significant growth in the Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market. According to the CDC, approximately 60% of all known infectious diseases and up to 75% of emerging pathogens originate from animals. This alarming reality has prompted governments and global health agencies to prioritize integrated, cross-sectoral disease prevention strategies. In April 2025, the U.S. CDC, USDA, and Department of the Interior introduced the first National One Health Framework targeting zoonotic threats from 2025–2029.

In line with these policies, the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) allocated over USD 56 million in 2023 to fund 36 research initiatives aligned with One Health surveillance and coordination. These investments underscore the increasing demand for veterinary CROs capable of executing multi-species epidemiological studies, model development, and pathogen challenge assessments. Such organizations are now essential partners in public–private collaborations focused on monitoring disease spillover between livestock, wildlife, and companion animals, and in developing vaccines or diagnostics under high biosafety conditions.

Veterinary CDMOs are also gaining traction due to their ability to support scalable vaccine production and tailored biologics manufacturing needed for zoonotic threats like avian influenza or novel coronaviruses. The One Health principle is driving the integration of veterinary R&D within combined frameworks for human and animal health, expanding the scope of contract services to include field surveillance, outbreak response, and emergency-use vaccine platforms. As pandemic preparedness takes center stage worldwide, the alignment of animal and human health agendas is accelerating demand for outsourced research, development, and manufacturing solutions. Veterinary CROs and CDMOs with capabilities in zoonotic disease modeling, vaccine trial execution, high-containment biologics production, and regulatory navigation are emerging as critical contributors to global health security. This momentum is expected to continue, extending robust support for market growth through 2030.

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Key Market Challenges

Limited Availability of Skilled Veterinary Research Professionals

One of the major challenges confronting the Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market is the limited availability of skilled veterinary research professionals. Conducting preclinical and clinical studies in veterinary medicine requires specialized knowledge that spans multiple species, pharmacological profiles, behavioral patterns, and regulatory requirements. Unlike human clinical research, veterinary research involves working with a wide range of animals including companion animals, livestock, equines, and exotic species, each of which presents unique biological and physiological considerations. This diversity necessitates highly trained personnel who not only understand veterinary science but also possess expertise in clinical trial design, bioethics, regulatory compliance, and laboratory animal care. However, there is a shortage of such multidisciplinary professionals across both developed and developing markets, which severely limits the ability of CROs and CDMOs to scale operations, meet project timelines, and maintain quality standards.

Training programs focused on veterinary clinical research remain limited, and most veterinarians are trained primarily for clinical practice rather than research. This talent gap delays study initiations, increases the cost of recruitment, and forces organizations to rely on a narrow pool of experts, which can strain resources during large or concurrent studies. In emerging markets, the problem is more acute due to weaker academic infrastructure, limited exposure to global trial standards, and inadequate investments in veterinary research education. For CDMOs, the challenge is compounded by the need for technically proficient staff capable of operating sophisticated manufacturing equipment under strict quality and biosafety guidelines. Without a strong pipeline of skilled talent, contract organizations face higher operational risks, increased training overheads, and potential delays in product development timelines. Addressing this issue will require coordinated efforts by academia, industry, and regulators to invest in specialized training, certification programs, and incentives to attract veterinary professionals into research and development roles. Without significant improvement in workforce availability, the market’s growth potential could remain constrained.

Ethical Concerns and Restrictions on Animal Testing

Ethical concerns and increasing restrictions on animal testing are becoming significant challenges for the Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market. With rising public awareness about animal welfare, regulatory bodies, animal rights organizations, and consumers are placing mounting pressure on the industry to adopt more humane research practices. Traditional preclinical and clinical trials in veterinary research often involve invasive procedures, control groups, or experimental treatments, all of which raise ethical questions about animal suffering and humane endpoints. This has led to stricter ethical guidelines across multiple jurisdictions, requiring contract research organizations to comply with stringent welfare standards and justification protocols for animal use. These evolving standards increase the complexity and cost of conducting animal trials and may lead to delays in study approvals or project cancellations.

CROs are being required to demonstrate the application of the 3Rs—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement in their research models. This includes the use of alternative testing methods, minimizing the number of animals used in studies, and refining procedures to reduce pain or distress. While these initiatives are essential for ethical compliance, they require significant investment in new technologies, protocol redesigns, and continuous training of research staff. In some cases, finding validated non-animal alternatives for certain disease models or pharmacological endpoints remains challenging, limiting study feasibility. These restrictions are particularly complex when conducting multinational studies, where ethical standards vary by region and animal species. Heightened scrutiny from ethics review boards, public opinion, and regulatory agencies often results in prolonged review cycles, additional documentation, and higher operational overhead. As a result, ethical constraints on animal testing not only affect timelines and budgets but also demand structural and strategic adjustments across CRO and CDMO operations in veterinary research, presenting an ongoing hurdle for market growth.

Key Market Trends

Increased Demand for Biologics and Advanced Veterinary Therapeutics

The Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market is experiencing strong momentum due to the rising demand for biologics and advanced veterinary therapeutics, driven by the growing complexity of animal diseases and the need for targeted, high-efficacy treatments. Animal health companies are increasingly shifting from traditional small-molecule drugs to innovative biologics such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and DNA-based vaccines to address conditions like cancer, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and infectious diseases in companion and livestock animals. This shift is expanding the scope of services required from CROs and CDMOs, particularly in areas like immunogenicity studies, bioanalytical testing, and high-containment biologics manufacturing. Biologics development requires specialized infrastructure, sterile environments, and advanced analytical platforms, leading to a surge in demand for contract organizations with these niche capabilities.

Contract manufacturing organizations are also witnessing increased demand for flexible, small-batch production facilities capable of handling multiple biologic modalities, which align with the needs of diverse veterinary product pipelines. Biopharmaceutical companies are partnering with CDMOs to access expertise in formulation, fill-finish services, lyophilization, and cold chain logistics essential for biologics. On the research side, CROs are providing comprehensive support for proof-of-concept studies, safety evaluations, species-specific trials, and regulatory submissions tailored to veterinary biologics. The growing adoption of precision veterinary medicine and increasing approvals of monoclonal antibody therapies in animals are further accelerating this trend. As biologics become a central focus of innovation in veterinary care, CROs and CDMOs that invest in advanced biologic development capabilities are positioned to capture significant market share. The expansion of this trend reflects a broader transformation in animal health, where high-value, specialty therapeutics are driving a new era of outsourcing partnerships focused on quality, speed, and regulatory compliance in complex product development.

Digital Transformation in Veterinary Clinical Trials

Digital transformation is rapidly reshaping the Global Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market, particularly in the realm of veterinary clinical trials. The integration of digital technologies such as electronic data capture (EDC), cloud-based trial management platforms, and remote monitoring tools is enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and scalability of trial operations across multiple species. Veterinary CROs are adopting digital platforms that allow for real-time data input, automated analytics, and centralized monitoring, which reduces trial errors, improves protocol compliance, and accelerates decision-making. These systems are especially valuable in multicenter and multinational trials, where data consistency and coordination between veterinarians, study coordinators, and sponsors are critical.

Wearable technologies and IoT-enabled health monitoring devices designed for companion animals and livestock are also becoming central to modern veterinary research. These tools enable continuous monitoring of parameters such as heart rate, temperature, mobility, and behavioral changes, generating large volumes of real-time data that can be directly integrated into trial databases. This level of monitoring not only improves the accuracy of efficacy and safety evaluations but also enhances animal welfare by reducing the need for frequent in-person assessments. Telemedicine and virtual consultations are also being integrated into follow-up procedures, allowing CROs to expand trial reach without compromising clinical oversight.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are beginning to play a role in protocol optimization, patient stratification, and predictive modeling. These technologies help CROs design smarter trials that minimize dropout rates and maximize relevant endpoints. Blockchain is gaining interest for improving data integrity and traceability in complex studies involving multiple stakeholders. As veterinary research becomes more data-driven, CROs and CDMOs investing in digital infrastructure and expertise are likely to gain competitive advantages by offering faster, more accurate, and cost-effective solutions. The shift to digital trial management is expected to be a defining trend in the evolution of veterinary contract services through the coming decade.

Segmental Insights

Animal Insights

Based on the Animal Type, Livestock Animals emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market in 2024. This is driven by the growing demand for animal protein, heightened focus on food safety, and the increasing incidence of zoonotic diseases. Livestock, including cattle, swine, poultry, and sheep, play a critical role in the global food supply chain, prompting governments and animal health companies to invest heavily in disease prevention, vaccine development, and therapeutic innovations. This has led to a rise in contract research and development activities focused on livestock health, particularly for addressing diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, swine fever, and avian influenza. Veterinary CROs are increasingly conducting pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and residue studies for livestock-related drugs and vaccines, which are essential for regulatory approval.

Service Insights

Based on the Service, Development emerged as the dominant segment in the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market in 2024. This is reflecting the growing demand for end-to-end support in bringing veterinary therapeutics from concept to commercialization. With rising complexity in animal drug and biologic formulations, pharmaceutical and biotech companies are increasingly relying on contract partners for formulation development, analytical method development, process optimization, and stability testing. The development phase plays a crucial role in ensuring product safety, efficacy, and manufacturability across diverse animal species, including companion animals and livestock. As veterinary drug pipelines expand to include vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, and long-acting injectables, the need for specialized formulation and delivery solutions has intensified.

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Regional Insights

North America emerged as the dominant region in the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market in 2024. This is primarily driven by the presence of major animal health companies, advanced R&D infrastructure, and a strong regulatory framework. The United States and Canada host a significant number of veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers, biotechnology firms, and academic research institutions that actively engage in contract-based development and manufacturing partnerships. High levels of pet ownership, growing expenditure on companion animal healthcare, and the rising demand for livestock productivity solutions have accelerated the outsourcing of veterinary drug development and manufacturing across the region. Regulatory clarity from agencies like the U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has supported faster approvals and encouraged investment in innovative veterinary therapeutics.

Asia-Pacific emerged as the fastest growing region in the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market during the forecast period. This is due to the region’s expanding animal health sector and rising demand for cost-effective outsourced research and manufacturing solutions. Rapid urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing pet ownership in countries such as China, India, and Southeast Asian nations have accelerated the demand for veterinary therapeutics, prompting animal health companies to expand their regional footprints. Domestic and multinational firms are increasingly outsourcing clinical trials, toxicology studies, and regulatory support services to Asia-Pacific-based CROs to capitalize on lower operational costs and faster recruitment timelines. The availability of large and diverse animal populations suitable for multi-species trials further supports regional growth in veterinary contract research activities. The presence of veterinary academic institutions and a growing talent pool of veterinary scientists has also strengthened the capabilities of regional CROs, allowing them to handle a broader range of studies with higher efficiency.

Recent Developments

• In April 2025, GemPharmatech, a key provider of preclinical contract research services, announced the launch of a new facility in San Diego, California, marking a significant step in its U.S. expansion strategy. This move strengthens the company’s operational presence in North America and enhances its ability to meet the growing demand for specialized preclinical research in the region.
• In February 2025, Fortrea partnered with the Society for Clinical Research Sites (SCRS) to co-lead the SCRS Collaborate Forward working group, which includes 16 global impact partner organizations. The initiative focuses on developing innovative practices to reduce administrative burdens in clinical trials, aiming to streamline site operations, improve efficiency, and foster a more sustainable clinical research environment.
• In January 2025, Argenta, a global contract research and manufacturing organization dedicated to animal health, announced the strategic realignment of its CRO operations into two regional units: Americas CRO and Europe CRO. This restructuring is intended to optimize regional expertise, streamline project execution, and enhance Argenta’s delivery of tailored services to veterinary pharmaceutical clients across both continents.
• In December 2024, Clinglobal expanded its service portfolio by launching Clinaxel, a new brand dedicated to delivering high-quality field clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and research services for animal health and nutrition. Operating across North America, Europe, and Africa, Clinaxel enhances Clinglobal’s ability to support clients in global product development and registration.
• In October 2024, Clinglobal further strengthened its European footprint through the acquisition of OCRvet, a European CRO specializing in animal health field trials. The acquisition brings added capabilities in medical device testing and translational medicine, reinforcing Clinglobal’s position as a comprehensive solution provider in the veterinary research and development space.

Key Market Players

• Fortrea Holdings Inc.
• Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.
• Clinvet (Pty) Ltd.
• KLIFOVET GmbH
• Veterinary Research Management, Inc.
• VETSPIN SRL
• Inotiv, Inc.
• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
• Vetio Animal Health
• TriRx Pharmaceutical Services, LLC

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market, By Animal:

o   Companion Animals

o   Livestock Animals

• Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market, By Service:

o   Discovery

o   Development

o   Manufacturing

o   Packaging & Labeling

o   Market Approval & Post Marketing

• Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market, By Application:

o   Pharmaceuticals

o   Biologics

o   Medical Devices

o   Others

• Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market, By Region:

o   North America

§  United States

§  Canada

§  Mexico

o   Europe

§  France

§  United Kingdom

§  Italy

§  Germany

§  Spain

o   Asia-Pacific

§  China

§  India

§  Japan

§  Australia

§  South Korea

o   South America

§  Brazil

§  Argentina

§  Colombia

o   Middle East & Africa

§  South Africa

§  Saudi Arabia

§  UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Veterinary CRO And CDMO Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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