Europe Veterinary Healthcare Market

Europe Veterinary Healthcare Market Size

The European veterinary healthcare market size was valued at USD 11.79 billion in 2024. The size of the market is expected to be worth USD 12.54 billion in 2025 and USD 20.60 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The veterinary healthcare market in Europe has experienced robust growth in the recent years owing to the increasing pet ownership, advancements in animal health technologies, and rising awareness of animal welfare. Veterinary healthcare includes diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines, surgical procedures, and nutritional supplements, aimed at ensuring the well-being of companion animals, livestock, and other animal species. According to a report by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), over 85 million households in Europe own pets, with dogs and cats being the most popular companions. This growing human-animal bond has significantly fueled demand for high-quality veterinary care and premium pet health products.

The European Union emphasizes stringent regulations for animal health, as highlighted by the European Medicines Agency, which ensures the safety and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines. Additionally, the rising prevalence of zoonotic diseases and the need for food safety have further propelled investments in livestock health management. Key factors driving this growth include the increasing adoption of pet insurance, technological innovations in diagnostic imaging and telemedicine, and the rising incidence of chronic diseases in animals. Furthermore, initiatives by organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) underscore Europe's commitment to addressing global veterinary challenges, positioning the region as a leader in advancing animal healthcare standards.

As consumer preferences shift toward preventive care and ethical treatment of animals, the veterinary healthcare market in Europe is poised for sustained expansion.

MARKET DRIVERS

Increasing Pet Ownership and Human-Animal Bond 

The rising trend of pet ownership across Europe is a significant driver of the European veterinary healthcare market. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), over 85 million households in Europe own pets, with companion animals like dogs and cats being integral to family dynamics. This growing human-animal bond has led to increased spending on premium healthcare services and products. The European Commission highlights that pet-related expenditures, including veterinary care, reached approximately €40 billion in 2022, reflecting the prioritization of animal well-being. Additionally, the increasing adoption of pet insurance, particularly in countries like the UK and Sweden, further supports this trend. A report by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority notes that pet insurance penetration rates exceed 40% in Sweden, encouraging preventive care and timely medical interventions. As pets are increasingly regarded as family members, demand for advanced diagnostics, surgeries, and nutritional supplements continues to rise, propelling market growth.

Advancements in Veterinary Diagnostics and Technology 

Technological advancements in veterinary diagnostics and treatment modalities are transforming the European veterinary healthcare landscape. The European Medicines Agency emphasizes that innovations such as digital imaging, telemedicine, and wearable health monitors are enhancing disease detection and management in animals. According to Eurostat, the adoption of telemedicine in veterinary practices surged by over 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring its growing importance. Furthermore, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education reports that investments in precision medicine and point-of-care diagnostic tools have improved outcomes for chronic conditions like arthritis and diabetes in pets. These advancements are supported by government initiatives promoting animal welfare and food safety. For instance, the European Union allocated over €1 billion in 2022 for research into zoonotic diseases and livestock health. Such innovations not only improve animal health but also address public health concerns, driving sustained growth in the veterinary healthcare market.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Costs of Advanced Veterinary Treatments 

The high costs associated with advanced veterinary treatments pose a significant restraint to the Europe veterinary healthcare market. According to the European Federation of Companion Animal Veterinary Associations, specialized procedures such as orthopedic surgeries or cancer treatments can cost pet owners between €2,000 and €5,000 per procedure, making them unaffordable for many. The European Commission highlights that despite the growing popularity of pet insurance, only 3% of pets in countries like France and Italy are covered, leaving a majority of pet owners to bear the full financial burden. Additionally, Eurostat reports that veterinary care costs have risen by approximately 15% over the past five years due to inflation and technological advancements. This financial barrier often leads to delayed or foregone treatments, impacting animal health outcomes. While subsidies and low-cost clinics exist, their availability is limited, particularly in rural areas, further exacerbating disparities in access to quality veterinary care.

Limited Awareness of Preventive Care in Rural Regions 

Limited awareness of preventive veterinary care, particularly in rural and underdeveloped regions, acts as another major restraint for the market. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) notes that nearly 40% of livestock farmers in Eastern Europe lack access to information on disease prevention and vaccination schedules, increasing the risk of zoonotic outbreaks. Similarly, the European Public Health Alliance highlights that companion animal owners in rural areas are less likely to seek regular check-ups or vaccinations due to insufficient education on the importance of preventive measures. A study by the European Food Safety Authority reveals that over 60% of zoonotic diseases reported annually are linked to inadequate preventive practices. Furthermore, the fragmented nature of veterinary services in remote areas limits outreach programs, hindering efforts to educate farmers and pet owners. This lack of awareness not only jeopardizes animal health but also poses risks to public health and food safety across Europe.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Growing Adoption of Telemedicine and Digital Solutions 

The growing adoption of telemedicine and digital solutions presents a significant opportunity for the Europe veterinary healthcare market. According to Eurostat, the use of telemedicine in veterinary practices surged by over 30% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with countries like Sweden and Germany leading the trend. The European Medicines Agency highlights that digital tool such as remote consultations, wearable health monitors, and mobile applications are transforming animal healthcare by improving accessibility and convenience for pet owners. Additionally, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education reports that investments in AI-driven diagnostic platforms have increased by 25% since 2021, enabling early detection of diseases. With over 85 million households owning pets, as reported by the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), the demand for innovative digital solutions is expected to grow. These advancements not only enhance patient outcomes but also reduce operational costs for veterinary clinics, creating a win-win scenario for stakeholders.

Expansion of Preventive Healthcare Services 

The expansion of preventive healthcare services offers another major opportunity for the Europe veterinary healthcare market. The European Commission emphasizes that preventive care, including vaccinations, routine check-ups, and nutritional counseling, is becoming a priority due to rising awareness of animal welfare. A report by the European Public Health Alliance notes that preventive measures could reduce zoonotic disease outbreaks by up to 40%, underscoring their importance for public health. Furthermore, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) highlights that livestock farmers who adopt preventive practices experience a 20% reduction in disease-related losses. The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority reports that pet insurance policies covering preventive care have grown by 15% annually in countries like the UK and Sweden. As governments and private entities invest in awareness campaigns and low-cost clinics, the shift toward preventive care is expected to drive sustained growth in the veterinary healthcare sector.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Fragmented Regulatory Framework Across Countries 

A significant challenge in the Europe veterinary healthcare market is the fragmented regulatory framework governing veterinary practices and products. The European Medicines Agency highlights that while the EU has established unified guidelines for animal health, discrepancies remain in national regulations, particularly in Eastern Europe. For instance, a report by the European Commission notes that veterinary pharmaceutical approval processes vary significantly, leading to delays in the availability of innovative treatments. Additionally, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) emphasizes that inconsistent enforcement of animal welfare standards across member states creates challenges in managing zoonotic diseases, which account for over 60% of infectious disease outbreaks annually. This lack of harmonization not only complicates cross-border trade of veterinary products but also undermines efforts to implement cohesive public health strategies. Such fragmentation hampers market growth and limits access to advanced healthcare solutions for animals in certain regions.

Rising Incidence of Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock 

The rising incidence of antibiotic resistance in livestock poses another critical challenge for the Europe veterinary healthcare market. The European Food Safety Authority reports that over 35% of food-producing animals in Europe show resistance to at least one class of antibiotics, threatening both animal and human health. A study by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlights that antibiotic-resistant infections contribute to approximately 33,000 human deaths annually in the EU, many linked to livestock consumption. Despite stringent regulations introduced by the European Medicines Agency to limit antibiotic use, non-compliance remains an issue, particularly in rural farming communities. The European Public Health Alliance notes that awareness campaigns have reached only 40% of farmers, leaving gaps in education and implementation. Addressing this challenge requires sustained investment in alternative treatments, such as vaccines and probiotics, alongside stricter enforcement of antibiotic usage policies to mitigate long-term risks.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Germany is one of the top-performing countries in the Europe veterinary healthcare market and captures 1/4^th of the European market share. The robust veterinary infrastructure, strong emphasis on animal welfare, and high pet ownership rates are propelling the German veterinary healthcare market growth. The German Pet Trade and Industry Association notes that expenditures on veterinary care exceeded €7 billion in 2022, driven by preventive healthcare and advanced treatments. Germany’s focus on research and development, supported by institutions like the Friedrich Loeffler Institute, fosters innovation in vaccines and diagnostics. With a projected CAGR of 6.5% through 2030, Germany continues to lead due to its proactive regulatory framework, widespread adoption of pet insurance, and advancements in livestock health management.

The United Kingdom is another major regional segment for veterinary healthcare in the European market. The high pet ownership rates and a well-established pet insurance industry in the UK are primarily driving the UK veterinary healthcare market growth. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency highlights that the UK is a global leader in veterinary clinical trials, particularly for therapeutics and diagnostics. Additionally, initiatives like the Animal Welfare Act ensure stringent standards for animal care. With a projected CAGR of 7% through 2030, the UK’s market growth is fueled by increasing investments in telemedicine, preventive care, and ethical treatment practices, positioning it as a hub for innovative veterinary solutions.

France is another key performer and is anticipated to account for a notable share of the French market over the forecast period. The strong agricultural sector, with livestock health being a priority due to its contribution to food safety and exports, is majorly boosting the expansion of the French veterinary healthcare market. The French Ministry of Agriculture highlights that over €5 billion was allocated to animal health programs in 2022, focusing on disease prevention and vaccination campaigns. Additionally, France’s growing pet ownership trends, supported by premium pet care products, bolster the companion animal segment. According to Eurostat, France’s veterinary healthcare market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030, driven by advancements in diagnostics, government support for sustainable farming, and rising awareness of animal welfare. These factors solidify France’s position as a critical player in the European veterinary landscape.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS

A few of the noteworthy companies operating in the European veterinary healthcare market profiled in this report are Merck & Co., Inc., Bayer AG, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Cargill, Inc., Ceva Santé Animale, Novasep, Eli Lilly and Company, Koninklijke DSM N.V, Novartis AG, Nutreco N.V., Sanofi S.A., SeQuent Scientific Ltd., Virbac S.A., Vétoquinol S.A., and Zoetis Inc.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the European veterinary healthcare market has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Animal Type

• Livestock Animals
• Companion Animals

By Product 

• Pharmaceuticals
• Feed Additives

By Country 

• UK
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy
• Russia
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Turkey
• Czech Republic
• Rest of Europe