Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Services Type (Clinical Chemistry, Immunodiagnostics (ELISA, Lateral Flow Assays, Other Immunodiagnostics Services), Molecular Diagnostics (PCR Tests, Microarrays, Other Molecular Diagnostics Services), Hematology, Urinalysis, Other Services), By Application (Clinical Pathology, Bacteriology, Parasitology, Virology, Productivity Testing, Pregnancy Testing, Toxicology Testing), By Animal Type (Companion Animals (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Other Companion Animals), Livestock Animals (Cattle, Swine, Poultry, Other Livestock Animals)), By Region and Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 5.96 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.47%
Fastest Growing Segment	Bacteriology
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 8.21 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market will grow from USD 5.96 Billion in 2025 to USD 8.21 Billion by 2031 at a 5.47% CAGR. Veterinary reference laboratories are specialized facilities that perform comprehensive diagnostic testing services, including clinical pathology, microbiology, and toxicology, for veterinary clinics and hospitals. These laboratories support animal healthcare by offering advanced testing capabilities that are often not available within standard veterinary practices. The market is primarily propelled by the increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases and the rising adoption of companion animals, which fosters greater demand for accurate diagnostic solutions. According to the American Pet Products Association, in 2024, total United States pet industry expenditures reached $152 billion, with veterinary care and product sales accounting for $39.8 billion. This substantial financial investment in animal welfare underscores the critical role of diagnostic services in the broader healthcare ecosystem.

Despite the positive trajectory, the market faces a significant challenge regarding the acute shortage of skilled veterinary professionals and pathologists. This workforce scarcity restricts the operational capacity of laboratories and delays diagnostic turnaround times, potentially hindering the effective management of animal health. Furthermore, the high cost associated with advanced diagnostic tests may limit accessibility for some pet owners and livestock producers, thereby constraining the overall market expansion in regions with limited financial resources.

Key Market Drivers

The growing adoption of pet insurance and rising veterinary expenditure significantly fuel market expansion by improving affordability for high-complexity diagnostic procedures. As pet owners increasingly view companion animals as family members, their willingness to invest in comprehensive healthcare, including specialized reference laboratory services for chronic and zoonotic disease management, has intensified. However, the high costs of these detailed tests often deter utilization; insurance coverage mitigates this financial barrier, directly increasing the volume of samples processed by laboratories. According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association, April 2025, in the 'State of the Industry Report 2025', the total number of insured pets in North America reached 7.03 million at the end of 2024, reflecting a 12.2% increase from the previous year. This financial safety net enables veterinarians to recommend necessary diagnostic panels without the constraint of owner budget limitations.

Advancements in molecular diagnostics and the strategic integration of diagnostic information ecosystems further propel the industry by enhancing testing accuracy and efficiency. The shift towards digital pathology allows for faster turnaround times and precise detection of infectious agents, meeting the surge in demand for specialized testing. Market leaders are capitalizing on this trend by developing advanced instrument platforms and expanding their reference laboratory networks to support data-driven veterinary care. According to IDEXX Laboratories, February 2025, in the 'Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results', the company reported full-year revenue of $3.898 billion, driven by sustained demand for companion animal diagnostics and execution of commercial strategies. Complementing this technological growth is the sheer volume of the addressable market; according to FEDIAF, in 2025, approximately 139 million European households owned at least one pet, underscoring the vast potential for diagnostic service penetration.

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Key Market Challenges

The acute shortage of skilled veterinary professionals and pathologists serves as a primary bottleneck for the Global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market. Reference laboratories depend heavily on specialized expertise to interpret complex diagnostics, such as histopathology and molecular testing, which standard clinics cannot perform in-house. When these facilities lack sufficient board-certified pathologists, operational efficiency declines significantly, leading to extended turnaround times for test results. This delay directly undermines the market's value proposition, as veterinary practitioners rely on rapid diagnostic insights to initiate timely and effective treatment plans for animal patients.

This workforce scarcity places a tangible ceiling on market scalability and revenue potential. According to the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, in 2024, 49 percent of surveyed veterinary professionals cited recruitment difficulties and staff shortages as a key operational challenge. Such widespread deficits mean that even as the demand for advanced diagnostics rises, laboratories often cannot expand their testing volume or geographic reach to meet it. Consequently, the inability to hire and retain essential personnel prevents the market from fully capitalizing on the growing financial investment in animal healthcare.

Key Market Trends

The integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Pathology is reshaping diagnostic workflows by automating the interpretation of complex samples, thereby addressing the critical bottleneck of pathologist availability. Laboratories are increasingly deploying algorithmic tools that pre-analyze cytological and histological slides, identifying abnormalities with high precision before human review to expedite case throughput. This technological shift moves beyond simple digitization; it employs deep learning to enhance diagnostic confidence and operational scalability in high-volume settings. According to GlobalPETS, April 2024, in the 'Almost 40% of vets are using AI tools to gain a competitive edge' article, a survey involving the American Animal Hospital Association revealed that 39.2% of veterinary professionals have already integrated AI tools into their practice, with 34.1% specifically utilizing these solutions for diagnosis and disease detection.

Strategic Market Consolidation via Mergers and Acquisitions is aggressively altering the competitive landscape as major industry players acquire regional laboratories to secure proprietary testing portfolios and expand geographic footprints. This trend facilitates the rapid absorption of specialized niche providers, particularly those offering advanced genetic and molecular testing, effectively centralizing diagnostic expertise under a few dominant entities. Such consolidation allows multinational corporations to streamline supply chains and unify testing standards across borders, reducing fragmentation in diagnostic delivery. According to Mars, Incorporated, July 2024, in the 'Mars Completes Acquisition of Cerba Vet and ANTAGENE' press release, the company finalized its purchase of the French diagnostic laboratory network Cerba Vet and the genetics laboratory ANTAGENE, explicitly aiming to broaden its diagnostic reach and capabilities within the European market.

Segmental Insights

The Bacteriology segment represents the fastest-growing category within the Global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market, primarily driven by the rising incidence of zoonotic bacterial infections and increasing concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance. This expansion is supported by stringent surveillance mandates established by organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health, which necessitate precise diagnostic confirmation for disease control and food safety. As livestock production intensifies globally, the requirement for accurate bacterial identification to prevent outbreaks and ensure herd health has escalated. Consequently, reference laboratories are experiencing a sustained increase in demand for specialized bacteriological testing services to comply with international health standards.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global veterinary reference laboratory market, driven by established animal healthcare infrastructure and the consolidated presence of major diagnostic service providers. The region experiences high demand for testing due to rising pet ownership and increased focus on disease prevention. Additionally, regulatory frameworks supported by agencies like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) actively encourage regular surveillance and diagnostics to manage animal health standards. This systemic emphasis on controlling zoonotic diseases and ensuring food safety sustains the reliance on reference laboratories for accurate clinical results.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Zoetis announced the acquisition of the Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG), a prominent provider of diagnostic services across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This acquisition represented a significant milestone as it established the company’s first owned reference laboratories in these key European markets. The collaboration aims to leverage the acquired group's established expertise in histopathology and clinical diagnostics alongside the company's global scale and technological resources. This strategic expansion enables the organization to deliver a comprehensive and integrated suite of diagnostic solutions, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of laboratory services available to veterinary practitioners in the region.
• In March 2025, IDEXX Laboratories introduced the IDEXX Cancer Dx, a novel diagnostic panel capable of detecting canine cancers with high accuracy. Launched in the North American market, this new product addressed a critical gap in the veterinary reference laboratory market by providing a non-invasive solution for the early screening of malignancies, such as lymphoma. The test utilizes proprietary genomic technologies to identify specific biomarkers, offering veterinarians actionable insights to support timely clinical decisions. This breakthrough product launch underscores the company's focus on advancing veterinary oncology, enabling earlier interventions and personalized treatment strategies that improve the prognosis and quality of life for companion animals.
• In July 2024, Mars Science & Diagnostics finalized the acquisition of the ownership stake in Cerba Vet and Antagene from Cerba HealthCare, marking a major expansion in the European veterinary reference laboratory sector. This strategic initiative incorporated a network of specialized laboratories in France, renowned for their expertise in clinical pathology and genetic testing, into the company’s global portfolio. The collaboration was designed to broaden the availability of advanced diagnostic solutions for veterinarians and pet owners throughout the region. By combining these complementary assets, the organization sought to accelerate research and development, ultimately driving better health outcomes for pets through a strengthened and integrated diagnostic infrastructure.
• In January 2024, GD Animal Health completed the strategic acquisition of PathoSense diagnostics, a development that significantly advanced its capabilities within the veterinary reference laboratory market. This collaboration focused on integrating cutting-edge nanopore sequencing technology, which enables the rapid and comprehensive identification of various viral and bacterial pathogens in animal samples. By adopting this breakthrough research and methodology, the company aimed to enhance its diagnostic precision and speed for veterinary professionals. The move reinforced the organization's commitment to innovation, allowing for more effective disease monitoring and providing superior support for animal health management through its expanded reference laboratory services.

Key Market Players

• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc.
• VCA, Inc.
• GD Animal Health
• Zoetis Inc.
• NEOGEN Corporation
• LABOKLIN GmbH
• SYNLAB International GmbH
• Heska Corporation
• Virbac inc.
• Vaxxinova Gmbh
• Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc

By Services Type	By Application	By Animal Type	By Region
Clinical Chemistry Immunodiagnostics (ELISA, Lateral Flow Assays, Other Immunodiagnostics Services) Molecular Diagnostics (PCR Tests, Microarrays, Other Molecular Diagnostics Services) Hematology Urinalysis Other Services	Clinical Pathology Bacteriology Parasitology Virology Productivity Testing Pregnancy Testing Toxicology Testing	Companion Animals (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Other Companion Animals) Livestock Animals (Cattle, Swine, Poultry, Other Livestock Animals)	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

• Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market, By Services Type:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Immunodiagnostics (ELISA, Lateral Flow Assays, Other Immunodiagnostics Services)
• Molecular Diagnostics (PCR Tests, Microarrays, Other Molecular Diagnostics Services)
• Hematology
• Urinalysis
• Other Services

• Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market, By Application:

• Clinical Pathology
• Bacteriology
• Parasitology
• Virology
• Productivity Testing
• Pregnancy Testing
• Toxicology Testing

• Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market, By Animal Type:

• Companion Animals (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Other Companion Animals)
• Livestock Animals (Cattle, Swine, Poultry, Other Livestock Animals)

• Veterinary Reference Laboratory 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