North America Animal Model Market

North America Animal Model Market Size

The North America animal model market was worth USD 0.82 billion in 2024. The North America market is expected to reach USD 1.59 billion by 2033 from USD 0.89 billion in 2025, rising at a CAGR of 7.61% from 2025 to 2033.

The North America animal model market has emerged as a critical pillar of biomedical research with its indispensable role in drug discovery, disease modeling, and preclinical testing. The escalating demand for innovative therapies and precision medicine is likely to drive the market growth. The United States accounts for the largest share, driven by its robust pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, while Canada follows closely with its advanced research infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. Technological advancements have significantly shaped the market landscape. This shift aligns with the growing emphasis on personalized medicine, with companies increasingly investing in CRISPR-based technologies to develop tailored animal models.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Diseases

The escalating prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders has become a significant driver of the North America animal model market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), chronic diseases account for over 60% of all deaths in the U.S. by creating an urgent need for effective treatments. Animal models play a pivotal role in understanding disease mechanisms and evaluating therapeutic interventions, making them indispensable for preclinical research. As per a study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 70% of cancer research relies on murine models, particularly mice, due to their genetic similarity to humans. Additionally, the rise in infectious diseases, exacerbated by pandemics like COVID-19, has amplified demand for animal models to study viral pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. For instance, guinea pigs were widely used to evaluate respiratory infections during the pandemic.

Advancements in Genetic Engineering Technologies

Advancements in genetic engineering, particularly CRISPR-Cas9 technology, represent another key driver of the North America animal model market. These models enable researchers to simulate human genetic disorders by accelerating drug discovery and development. Pharmaceutical companies are capitalizing on this trend by collaborating with biotech firms to develop genetically modified mice and rats. For example, Charles River Laboratories has pioneered the use of CRISPR to create animal models for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Similarly, academic institutions are leveraging these technologies to conduct groundbreaking studies by ensuring reproducibility and reliability.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Pressures

Ethical concerns surrounding the use of animal models pose a significant restraint on the North America animal model market. According to the Humane Society International, over 100 million animals are used annually in research worldwide, which is sparking widespread opposition from animal welfare organizations. These concerns have led to stricter regulations in the U.S., where the Animal Welfare Act mandates rigorous ethical reviews for animal experimentation. Regulatory pressures have further compounded this challenge. According to a report by Deloitte, 35% of research projects face delays due to compliance issues, increasing operational costs for manufacturers. While some companies are transitioning to alternative methods like organoids and computer simulations, the high cost and limited applicability of these technologies restrict adoption.

High Costs and Limited Accessibility

High costs associated with developing and maintaining animal models present another significant restraint for the market. The average cost of genetically modified mice ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 15,000 per strain, which is making them inaccessible for smaller research institutions. Additionally, the specialized infrastructure required for housing and breeding these animals further escalates expenses.

Supply chain disruptions have also impacted accessibility, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research facilities faced shortages of animal models due to logistical challenges. These disruptions have forced companies to reevaluate their procurement strategies, often at the expense of profitability. Smaller players, in particular, struggle to absorb rising costs, which is leading to reduced production capacities and delayed research timelines.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Adoption of Alternative Models and Technologies

The adoption of alternative models and technologies presents a lucrative opportunity for the North America animal model market. Manufacturers are capitalizing on this trend by integrating organoids and microfluidic chips into their product portfolios. For instance, Emulate Inc. has developed "organ-on-a-chip" systems that mimic human physiology, enabling researchers to conduct high-throughput screening with greater accuracy. Similarly, academic institutions are leveraging these technologies to reduce reliance on animal models by ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines. The manufacturers can tap into this underserved segment and position themselves as leaders in the evolution of biomedical research by expanding their offerings to include alternative models.

Growth in Personalized Medicine and Precision Therapies

The rise of personalized medicine and precision therapies represents another promising avenue for growth. Animal models play a critical role in this paradigm shift by enabling researchers to evaluate targeted therapies for specific patient populations.

Companies like Jackson Laboratory have pioneered the development of humanized mice, which incorporate human immune cells and tissues to simulate patient-specific responses. These models are widely used in oncology research, where they facilitate the evaluation of immunotherapies and combination treatments. Strategic investments in CRISPR-based technologies have further enhanced capabilities by ensuring reproducibility and reliability. These advancements not only improve competitiveness but also open new revenue streams by positioning the animal model market at the forefront of precision medicine.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Intense Competition and Market Fragmentation

Intense competition and market fragmentation present significant challenges for the North America animal model market. With numerous players vying for market share, including established brands and smaller regional suppliers, pricing wars have become commonplace. According to IBISWorld, the top five companies account for only 40% of the market by leaving the remainder fragmented among smaller entities.

Additionally, the commoditization of basic animal models has further exacerbated the issue. Generic products, which dominate 55% of research applications, offer little differentiation by forcing manufacturers to compete solely on price. This unsustainable approach undermines brand equity and limits investment in R&D, hindering the development of next-generation solutions. Addressing this challenge requires a pivot toward value-added offerings and targeted marketing strategies.

Skilled Labor Shortages and Workforce Gaps

Skilled labor shortages pose another critical challenge by threatening the sustainability of the animal model market. According to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), over 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to a lack of qualified workers. Animal model production, being a specialized process, requires expertise in genetics, husbandry, and quality control is making it particularly vulnerable to workforce gaps.

The aging workforce further compounds this issue, with 25% of skilled workers expected to retire by 2025, as per a study by Deloitte. Younger generations are less inclined toward careers in animal research by preferring tech-driven industries. This disconnect has led to increased training costs and prolonged onboarding times that are impacting productivity. To address these gaps, manufacturers must invest in apprenticeship programs and collaborate with educational institutions to cultivate a pipeline of skilled talent by ensuring long-term viability in a competitive landscape.

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Animal Type Insights

The mice segment was the largest by capturing 60.3% of the North America animal model market share in 202,4 with their genetic similarity to humans, affordability, and ease of maintenance. Consumer trust in mice models is further bolstered by advancements in genetic engineering. Retailers like Charles River Laboratories ensure widespread accessibility, while e-commerce platforms cater to smaller institutions.

The guinea pigs segment is likely to gain huge traction with an estimated CAGR of 9.5% from 2025 to 2033. Their growth is fueled by their application in infectious disease research like respiratory infections. Guinea pigs’ physiological similarities to humans make them ideal for studying viral pathogenesis. Advancements in breeding technologies have enabled the production of disease-specific models, addressing diverse research needs.

By Application Insights

The cancer segment held 46.8% of the North America animal model market share in 2024, owing to the prominence is attributed to the rising prevalence of cancer and the need for effective treatments. Murine models are widely used to study tumor biology and evaluate therapies. Consumer behavior reinforces its dominance.
The infectious disease segment is likely to grow with a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period. Its growth is fueled by pandemics like COVID-19, which have amplified demand for animal models to study viral pathogenesis and vaccine efficacy. Innovations in genetic engineering have enhanced utility, attracting repeat customers. As per a report by Deloitte, 50% of virologists prioritize animal models for their reliability. These attributes position infectious disease as a transformative force in the market’s evolution.

By End-use Insights

The Contract Research Organizations (CROs) dominated the North America animal model market by accounting for 55.4% of the total share in 2024. The growth of the segment is attributed to their ability to provide cost-effective and scalable solutions for drug discovery and development. Consumer preferences reinforce their dominance.  
The academic research institutes segment is augmented to achieve a significant CAGR of 11.2% in the coming years. Their growth is fueled by government funding and advancements in genetic engineering. Strategic investments in CRISPR-based technologies have enhanced capabilities by ensuring reproducibility.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The United States was the top performer in the North America animal model market with 85.5% of the share in 2024. The U.S. is home to more than 1,000 research institutions, including prestigious universities like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT, as well as leading pharmaceutical giants such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck. These entities rely heavily on animal models for drug discovery, disease modeling, and preclinical testing, making the country a global hub for biomedical innovation.

Cities like Boston, San Francisco, and New York serve as major hubs for biomedical research, with Boston alone hosting over 1,000 biotech companies and research organizations. The rise of personalized medicine and precision therapies has further amplified demand for genetically modified animal models, particularly mice and rats. Over 70% of researchers in the U.S. prioritize CRISPR-based technologies to create tailored animal models for oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, and immunology studies.

Retail giants like Fisher Scientific and Thermo Fisher Scientific play a pivotal role in amplifying accessibility, ensuring that research institutions have access to high-quality animal models and associated tools. Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Amazon Business cater to smaller institutions and startups, enabling them to procure specialized models at competitive prices. Government initiatives, such as the NIH’s funding programs and the FDA’s regulatory frameworks, further bolster the market by encouraging ethical and innovative research practices.

Canada was positioned second in holding 10.2% of the North America animal model market share in 2024. The country’s advanced research infrastructure, coupled with its strong commitment to ethical research practices is prompting the growth of the market. Cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver serve as key research hubs, housing world-renowned institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia.

Ethical consciousness is a defining characteristic of Canadian consumers and manufacturers alike. Stringent government regulations in Canada have spurred demand for organoids, microfluidic chips, and computer simulations, which serve as ethical alternatives to traditional animal models.

Retail chains like VWR International and Acklands-Grainger play a pivotal role in distributing animal models to local markets by ensuring widespread accessibility for researchers. Moreover, Canada’s strategic investments in cutting-edge technologies, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and organ-on-a-chip systems, have positioned it as a leader in ethical and innovative research solutions. For example, Emulate Inc., a pioneer in organ-on-a-chip technology, has established partnerships with Canadian institutions to advance personalized medicine and drug discovery.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Charles River Laboratories, The Jackson Laboratory, Taconic Biosciences, Envigo, genOway S.A., Crown Bioscience Inc., Horizon Discovery Group plc, Transgenic Inc., Psychogenics Inc., and Biomedical Research Models Inc. are some of the key market players in the North America animal model market.

The North America animal model market is characterized by intense competition, driven by the presence of established brands and emerging players vying for market share. Fragmentation allows smaller entities to thrive, while larger companies leverage economies of scale to maintain dominance. Sustainability and technological advancements have emerged as key differentiators, shaping the competitive landscape and influencing consumer preferences.

The market’s fragmentation is evident in the distribution of market share, with the top five players accounting for only 65% of total revenue, as per IBISWorld. This leaves the remainder divided among smaller entities, creating a highly dynamic environment. Price wars are common, with manufacturers relying on aggressive discounting strategies to attract budget-conscious consumers. However, this approach often undermines profitability, prompting companies to explore alternative avenues for differentiation.

Sustainability has become a battleground for competition, with brands racing to introduce eco-friendly products that align with consumer values. Companies like Charles River and Taconic have gained a competitive edge by prioritizing recyclable materials and energy-efficient processes. Similarly, technological advancements have opened new frontiers, with smart technologies redefining operational efficiency and product quality. These innovations not only enhance brand equity but also position companies as pioneers in the evolution of the animal model market.

Top Players in the North America Animal Model Market

The North America animal model market is dominated by three key players: Charles River Laboratories, Envigo, and Taconic Biosciences. Collectively, these companies drive innovation, set industry standards, and capture a substantial share of the global market.

Charles River Laboratories

Charles River Laboratories is leveraging its expertise in genetically modified mice and rats. The company’s success is rooted in its ability to cater to diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and academia. Charles River’s focus on sustainability is evident in its development of ethical alternatives and recyclable materials by aligning with growing environmental consciousness. Strategic partnerships with global pharmaceutical companies have further amplified its reach, solidifying its position as a market leader.

For instance, Charles River’s collaboration with Pfizer and Moderna during the COVID-19 pandemic facilitated the rapid development of vaccines by providing high-quality animal models for preclinical testing. The company’s state-of-the-art facilities and advanced breeding technologies enable the production of precision-engineered models that meet stringent quality standards. Additionally, Charles River’s investment in CRISPR-based technologies has enhanced its capabilities, ensuring reproducibility and reliability in complex studies.

Envigo

Envigo distinguishes itself through its specialization in high-quality animal models for critical applications in oncology, neuroscience, and infectious diseases. Its state-of-the-art facilities and advanced breeding technologies enable the production of precision-engineered models that meet stringent quality standards. Envigo’s collaboration with academic institutions promotes its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation.

For example, Envigo partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to develop genetically modified rats for neurodegenerative disease research. This collaboration has led to breakthroughs in understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, positioning Envigo as a leader in neuroscience research. By leveraging its expertise in genetics, the company continues to deliver cutting-edge solutions that drive market growth. Additionally, Envigo’s focus on sustainability is evident in its adoption of ethical practices and alternative models, aligning with global trends toward humane research methods.

Taconic Biosciences

Taconic Biosciences’s emphasis on humanized mice and specialty models has resonated with researchers seeking reliable and reproducible solutions for complex diseases. Taconic’s seamless integration of CRISPR-based technologies has enabled the production of disease-specific models, addressing diverse research needs.

Strategic investments in alternative models and smart technologies have enabled Taconic to enhance operational efficiency and product quality. For instance, Taconic’s partnership with CrownBio has led to the development of organoid models tailored for immuno-oncology research. These innovations not only improve competitiveness but also open new revenue streams, positioning the animal model market at the forefront of precision medicine. Taconic’s commitment to ethical practices and sustainability further bolsters its reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality animal models.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

Key players in the North America animal model market employ a variety of strategies to maintain their competitive edge and capitalize on emerging opportunities. These strategies encompass product innovation, sustainability initiatives, strategic partnerships, and aggressive marketing campaigns.

Product Innovation

Innovation remains a cornerstone of success in the animal model market, with companies investing heavily in R&D to develop next-generation products. For instance, Charles River Laboratories has introduced humanized mice designed for immuno-oncology research, enabling researchers to simulate patient-specific responses. Similarly, Taconic Biosciences has pioneered CRISPR-based animal models tailored for infectious disease research, setting new benchmarks for accuracy and reproducibility. These innovations not only differentiate brands but also enhance user experience, fostering customer loyalty.

Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability has emerged as a critical focus area, with manufacturers prioritizing eco-conscious practices to address regulatory pressures and consumer expectations. Envigo’s adoption of ethical alternatives, such as organoids and computer simulations, exemplifies this trend by enabling the company to reduce its reliance on traditional animal models. Likewise, Charles River’s commitment to developing recyclable materials has enhanced its brand reputation and positioned it as a leader in the green revolution sweeping the biomedical research industry.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and technology firms have proven instrumental in expanding market reach and enhancing product functionality. For example, Taconic’s partnership with CrownBio has facilitated the development of organoid models for drug screening, ensuring greater accuracy and reliability. Similarly, Charles River’s alliances with global pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and Moderna ensure widespread distribution is driving accessibility and visibility. These partnerships enable companies to leverage complementary strengths and unlock untapped potential.

Aggressive Marketing Campaigns

Marketing plays a pivotal role in shaping consumer perceptions and driving sales. Brands like Charles River and Envigo invest heavily in digital advertising, trade shows, and industry conferences to engage key stakeholders. For instance, Taconic’s use of virtual reality (VR) demonstrations to showcase its animal models has generated significant buzz, translating into higher conversion rates. Additionally, limited-edition collections and customized solutions have proven effective in stimulating demand and fostering brand loyalty. These strategies accelerate the importance of targeted marketing in a competitive landscape.

RECENT MARKET DEVELOPMENTS

• April 2023: Charles River Launches Humanized Mice
  In April 2023, Charles River launched a line of humanized mice specifically designed for immuno-oncology research. These models aim to simulate patient-specific responses, enhancing the accuracy and reproducibility of preclinical studies. This initiative escalates the company’s commitment to advancing personalized medicine and precision therapies.
• June 2023: Envigo Partners with UCSF
  In June 2023, Envigo partnered with the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to develop genetically modified rats for neurodegenerative disease research. This collaboration has led to breakthroughs in understanding Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases by positioning Envigo as a leader in neuroscience research.
• August 2023: Taconic Unveils CRISPR-Based Models
  In August 2023, Taconic unveiled CRISPR-based animal models tailored for infectious disease research. These innovations enhance reproducibility and reliability in virology studies by addressing diverse research needs.
• October 2023: Jackson Laboratory Expands Organoid Portfolio
  In October 2023, Jackson Laboratory expanded its portfolio with organoid models, targeting ethical and cost-effective alternatives for drug screening. This move enables the company’s adaptability to shifting market trends and its commitment to sustainability.
• December 2023: CrownBio Acquires AI Startup
  In December 2023, CrownBio acquired a startup specializing in AI-driven predictive models for animal research. This acquisition enhances the company’s capabilities in precision medicine by enabling researchers to conduct high-throughput screening with greater accuracy.

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the North America animal model market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Application

• Cancer
• Immunological Disease
• Infectious Disease
• Others

By Animal Type

• Mice
• Rat
• Guinea Pigs
• Rabbits
• Hamsters
• Others

By End-use

• Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies
• Academic Research Institute
• Contract Research Organization

By Country

• The United States
• Canada
• Rest of North America