Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Report 2026

The veterinary reference laboratory market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $4.82 billion in 2025 to $5.39 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising incidence of infectious diseases in animals, growth of companion animal population, increasing number of veterinary hospitals and clinics, demand for accurate disease diagnosis, expansion of livestock farming practices.

The veterinary reference laboratory market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $8.42 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to advancements in molecular diagnostics, adoption of AI-driven diagnostic tools, increasing demand for preventive veterinary care, growth in genomic testing for animals, rising awareness of zoonotic disease monitoring. Major trends in the forecast period include expansion of veterinary diagnostic services, adoption of rapid point-of-care testing, integration of telemedicine in veterinary diagnostics, growth in livestock disease monitoring programs, development of multi-parameter testing panels.

The rising prevalence of zoonotic diseases is expected to drive the growth of the veterinary reference laboratories market going forward. Zoonotic diseases are infections that can be transmitted from animals to humans, often through direct contact, bites, or contaminated food and water. The incidence of zoonotic diseases is increasing as greater human interaction with animals and wildlife creates more opportunities for pathogens to spread from animals to people. Veterinary reference laboratories play a critical role in preventing zoonotic illnesses by supporting animal health and welfare, ensuring safe food production, and protecting public health. For example, in February 2023, according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), a US-based independent, nonpartisan think tank and publisher, up to 75% of newly identified or emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) and 60% of recognized infectious diseases have zoonotic origins. Globally, zoonoses are responsible for approximately 2.7 million human deaths and 2.5 billion disease episodes in people each year. Therefore, the increasing prevalence of zoonotic diseases is driving the expansion of the veterinary reference laboratories market.

Major companies in the veterinary reference laboratories market are concentrating on creating advanced analytical solutions like Vello to improve veterinary diagnostics and optimize laboratory workflows. Vello is an innovative diagnostic platform aimed at delivering rapid and precise test results for veterinary health evaluations and disease management. For example, in February 2024, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., a US-based company involved in providing products and services for companion animal veterinary care, water testing, livestock and poultry, and dairy, launched Vello, an innovative pet owner engagement software solution that streamlines connections between practices and clients. Vello is the only pet owner engagement solution specifically designed for IDEXX practice management software, facilitating efficient communication for veterinary practices that utilize ezyVet®, Neo®, and Cornerstone®. It includes features such as automated reminders, health service alerts, and a user-friendly mobile web platform for easy access to pet records and appointment scheduling. This streamlined approach enhances practice productivity, strengthens client relationships, and improves overall pet care.

In September 2023, Mars Inc., a US-based producer of confectionery, pet food, and various food products, as well as a provider of animal care services, acquired SYNLAB International GmbH for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition is intended to strengthen Mars Inc.'s Science & Diagnostics division by broadening access to global pet healthcare solutions. The integration will enhance diagnostic and technology services for veterinary professionals and pets throughout Europe, aligning with Mars's mission to create a better world for pets. SYNLAB International GmbH is a Germany-based company that operates a network of veterinary reference laboratories, offering comprehensive diagnostic testing services for animal health.

Major companies operating in the veterinary reference laboratory market are IDEXX Laboratories Inc., VCA Animal Hospitals incorporated, Royal GD, Zoetis Inc., Neogen Corporation, Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, Heska Corporation, Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Iowa State University, Vetnostics, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Greencross Ltd., Gribbles Veterinary Pathology Pty. Ltd., Antech Diagnostics, MediVet Diagnostic Services, Phoenix Central Laboratory for Veterinarians Inc., SYNLAB International GmbH.

North America was the largest region in the veterinary reference laboratory market in 2025. The regions covered in the veterinary reference laboratory market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the veterinary reference laboratory market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Tariffs have impacted the veterinary reference laboratory market by increasing the cost of imported diagnostic instruments, reagents, and laboratory equipment, which has affected service pricing and operational budgets. Companion animal diagnostic services in North America and Europe, and livestock testing segments in Asia-Pacific, are most affected due to reliance on imported high-precision devices. On the positive side, tariffs have encouraged local manufacturing and investment in domestic diagnostic technology, promoting innovation and cost optimization in laboratory services.

The veterinary reference laboratory market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides veterinary reference laboratory market statistics, including veterinary reference laboratory industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a veterinary reference laboratory market share, detailed veterinary reference laboratory market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the veterinary reference laboratory industry. This veterinary reference laboratory market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The veterinary reference laboratory refers to facilities that carry out essential veterinary science functions, including disease diagnosis, determining treatment options, prevention, and monitoring. These laboratories provide accurate disease diagnoses, track outbreaks, and offer expert analysis and guidance to support veterinary practices.

The main services provided by veterinary reference laboratories include clinical chemistry, hematology, immunodiagnostics, urinalysis, molecular diagnostics, and others. Clinical chemistry involves the biochemical examination of bodily fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Specialized testing in clinical chemistry utilizes chemical reactions to identify or measure the amounts of chemical substances in bodily fluids. The various types of animals involved in these services are companion animals and livestock animals. The applications of veterinary reference laboratories span clinical pathologies, bacteriology, parasitology, virology, product testing, pregnancy testing, and toxicology testing.

The veterinary reference laboratory market includes revenues earned by entities by productivity testing, toxicology, pregnancy testing, parasitology and bacteriology that are used for a specimen to another laboratory for testing. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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