Companion Animal Diagnostics Market Report: Size, Share and Outlook by 2031

The market for companion animal diagnostics is projected to increase from US$ 3,139.74 million in 2022 to US$ 6,303.87 million by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% during the period from 2022 to 2030.

Companion animal diagnostics encompass a range of products designed to identify various diseases affecting pets.

These diagnostic tools focus on understanding the epidemiology and pathogenesis of diseases in domestic animals, thereby preventing further health complications for both pets and their owners. They are primarily utilized for animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. The expansion of the companion animal diagnostics market is driven by the increasing incidence of infectious diseases and a heightened awareness regarding point-of-care diagnostics for animal health. Point-of-care diagnostics (POCDs) are user-friendly, rapid, and portable devices that facilitate disease detection in field settings. Recently, real-time PCR (qPCR) technology has been adapted for use in POCD platforms. These automated systems integrate nucleic acid extraction, thermal cycling, and immediate result reporting. For example, the MiniLab from Enigma Diagnostics is a portable molecular diagnostic platform weighing between 10 and 35 kg, utilized in the field for validating viruses such as the African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, avian influenza virus, and foot-and-mouth disease virus for research purposes. Additionally, Primerdesign Ltd in the UK offers genesig detection kits that provide lyophilized qPCR assay kits for diagnosing a variety of pathogens across different species, including 62 bovine, 42 equine, 47 porcine, 60 avian, 40 canine, and 26 feline pathogens.

Increase in Pet Expenditures Fuels Companion Animal Diagnostics Market Growth

A significant number of pet owners are investing heavily in animal healthcare, particularly in veterinary services, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals. The field of pet wellness and preventive diagnostics is still developing. Pets can experience chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, and allergies, similar to humans. The rise in chronic diseases among pets has notably influenced spending on their health and well-being. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 25% of dogs are expected to develop neoplasia at some point in their lives, and nearly half of dogs over the age of 10 are likely to face cancer. The American Pet Products Association reported that Americans spent US$ 136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, marking a 10.68% increase from the US$ 123.6 billion spent in 2021. Consequently, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases is a significant driver of increased pet spending. For instance, HealthforAnimals estimated that global spending on companion animal diagnostics reached US$ 4.6 billion in 2022.
Figure: Pet Industry Expenditures in the US, 2012?2021
 
Source: American Pet Products Association's 2021?2022 National Pet Owners Survey

The companion animal diagnostics market is categorized based on technique, product, application, type of companion animal, end user, and geographical region. In terms of technique, the market is divided into immunodiagnostics, clinical biochemistry, hematology, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, and others. The immunodiagnostics segment includes lateral flow assays, ELISA tests, allergen-specific immunodiagnostic tests, and immunoassay analyzers. The clinical biochemistry segment is further divided into clinical chemistry analysis, glucose monitoring, and blood gas electrolyte analysis. By product, the market is split into instruments and consumables. The application segment includes bacteriology, clinical pathology, virology, parasitology, and others. The companion animal type segment encompasses dogs, cats, horses, and others.

End users of companion animal diagnostics include diagnostic laboratories, veterinary hospitals and clinics, and research institutions and universities.

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and South & Central America. North America holds the largest share of the companion animal diagnostics market, driven by increased government support for veterinary research and development, technological advancements leading to market consolidations, and a growing number of pet adoptions across the region. The US is expected to dominate the North American market, supported by a robust research and development sector in veterinary medicine and numerous animal health centers. Furthermore, the rising pet ownership rates and concerns regarding pet health are contributing to market growth. According to the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 69 million households owned at least one dog and 45.4 million households owned at least one cat in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The American Pet Products Association noted that pet spending in the US reached US$ 136.8 billion in 2022, a 10.68% increase from 2021 (US$ 123.6 billion).

In the US, specific veterinary diagnostics are regulated by the US Department of Agriculture-Center for Veterinary Biologics (USDA-CVB), which oversees the approval of diagnostic kits for identifying pathogens in animals. These include point-of-care diagnostics for testing feline leukemia virus (FeLV), canine parvovirus, canine heartworm, and other viruses. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories provide diagnostic services for animals, offering a wide array of diagnostic services and information related to both domestic and foreign animal diseases. The laboratory also supports disease control and eradication initiatives, producing reagents for diagnostic testing and providing training and certification for laboratories. Additionally, various private laboratories affiliated with the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, such as the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, offer extensive diagnostic services for production, companion, and exotic animal sectors.

The presence of leading companies in the US is further enhancing market growth. For instance, Zoetis Inc. is a prominent player in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of veterinary point-of-care diagnostic instruments and consumables, including immunodiagnostic products that detect viruses, bacteria, and antibodies through antigen-antibody interactions.

In Canada, the companion animal diagnostics market is anticipated to grow due to its well-established healthcare system. The Canadian government supports the veterinary sector by implementing regulations aimed at improving services. For example, the Canadian Centre for Veterinary Biologics (CCVB) has established a regulatory program for veterinary biologics under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations, which aims to safeguard the health of Canadian animals, including domestic livestock, poultry, companion animals, wildlife, and aquatic species, while also protecting public health and food safety by controlling indigenous animal diseases and preventing the spread of foreign diseases.

Moreover, various initiatives by the Canadian government are further driving market growth. Animal Health Canada is focused on enhancing the country's capacity for animal disease prevention and health management. Additionally, Antech Diagnostics, a division of Mars Petcare, has acquired Biovet, a Canadian biotechnology firm specializing in animal health and agro-industry diagnostics, which is expected to enhance Antech Diagnostic's research capabilities and accessibility for veterinarians across Canada. Furthermore, the rising incidence of zoonotic diseases, advancements in technology, and increasing pet ownership are contributing to the market's expansion in Canada.
Key primary and secondary sources utilized in the preparation of the report on the companion animal diagnostics market include the American Horse Council, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA).