Europe Animal Healthcare Market Outlook, 2030

The Europe animal healthcare market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by rising pet ownership, increased livestock farming, growing awareness of animal health, and stringent regulatory frameworks that emphasize safety and disease prevention. The increasing humanization of pets across Europe, where nearly half of households own at least one pet, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. This trend has led to greater demand for advanced veterinary care, pet insurance, diagnostics, preventive medicine, and even wellness products for animals.

The livestock side, the growing consumption of meat, dairy, and other animal-based products has pushed farmers to invest more in health management solutions to ensure high productivity, animal welfare, and food safety. The European animal healthcare industry is its strong focus on pharmaceuticals and biologics, including antiparasitic drugs, anti-infectives, vaccines, and hormonal therapies. Meatly, a UK-based startup specializes in lab-grown meat for pet food, eliminating the need for livestock slaughter. Their main product is cultivated chicken, grown from real animal cells in bioreactors. In 2024, Meatly achieved a major R&D milestone by receiving UK regulatory approval the first for cultivated meat in pet food.

This innovation addresses sustainability and animal welfare, offering an eco-friendly protein source that meets rising demand for ethical, high-quality pet nutrition. The region is expected to experience consistent growth over the forecast period because of the high production and companion animal population across this region. For instance, according to the FEDIAF 2022 report, 90 million households in the EU own a pet (46%), with around 110 million cats, 90 million dogs, and other pets.

Furthermore, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its regulatory network partners identify action plans to improve and increase the availability of animal medicines in Europe. There are some action plans being implemented in the interest of public health & animal welfare. The EMA has undertaken many initiatives over time to encourage timely access to animal vaccines in the European market.

According to the research report "Europe Animal Healthcare Market Outlook, 2030," the Europe Animal Healthcare market was valued at more than USD 16.11 Billion in 2024. Innovations in the field are reshaping the industry, with digital solutions like AI-based diagnostics, wearable devices, telemedicine platforms, and precision livestock farming tools gaining prominence. For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools and smart monitoring devices are helping veterinarians make faster, more accurate treatment decisions, while automated systems in livestock farming are improving early disease detection, feeding, and welfare monitoring.

For instance, in October 2024, The European Coordination for Animal Health Vaccination initiative was forged to enhance vaccination strategies across Europe to improve animal health and welfare. Furthermore, the expansion of telemedicine platforms in countries like the UK, Netherlands, and Sweden has made veterinary care more accessible, especially in rural or underserved areas. These platforms are gaining popularity among urban pet owners seeking convenience and immediate consultations.

The animal health market in Germany is anticipated to grow at a constant rate due to the rising number of R&D activities and the influx of new animal products, rising animal adoption & cattle population, increasing adoption of preventive care for animals, and growing awareness about the significance of the health of farm & companion animals in the country. For instance, according to the German Livestock, the country has the largest dairy cattle herd & the second-largest cattle population in the EU. Furthermore, according to the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR), 50% of German farms specialize in livestock, which is anticipated to drive the veterinary medicine market.

The rising awareness about zoonotic diseases and their public health implications, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to increased surveillance, vaccination programs, and investment in veterinary public health. Governments and organizations across Europe are supporting One Health initiatives that integrate human, animal, and environmental health strategies to combat disease outbreaks and ensure biosecurity.

Market Drivers

• Increasing Awareness of Animal Welfare and Health Standards: A major driver in the European animal healthcare market is the continent’s emphasis on animal welfare and stringent health standards. Consumers and governments across Europe demand high-quality care for both pets and farm animals. The European Union (EU) has implemented strict legislation regarding animal treatment, food safety, and disease control, which compels farmers and pet owners to invest in healthcare products and services. This includes regular vaccinations, deworming, and preventive diagnostics. Public campaigns and education about zoonotic diseases and responsible pet ownership have further heightened awareness, increasing demand for veterinary services and products.
• Growing Pet Ownership and Companion Animal Spending: Europe has seen a notable rise in pet ownership, especially among urban populations in countries like Germany, France, and the UK. This demographic shift, coupled with the emotional bond between people and their pets, has led to increased spending on companion animal health. Pet owners are now more inclined to purchase premium pet food, regular veterinary care, insurance plans, and even specialized treatments like physiotherapy and dental services. This trend fuels the demand for companion animal pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and wellness products, making this segment a key growth area within the overall market.

Market Challenges

• Complex and Varying Regulatory Requirements: One of the key challenges facing the European animal healthcare market is the complex regulatory environment. While the EU provides centralized regulation through bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA), each member state may also have additional local requirements for drug approval and marketing. This leads to fragmented compliance procedures, delaying product launches and increasing the cost of bringing new treatments to market. Moreover, changes in EU veterinary medicinal product regulations, such as restrictions on antimicrobial use, require continuous adaptation from manufacturers and distributors.
• High Cost of Veterinary Care and Limited Accessibility: Although veterinary services in Europe are highly developed, they are often expensive and not uniformly accessible. In many rural or less economically developed regions, access to advanced veterinary care or specialist services can be limited. The cost of treatment, particularly for chronic or serious conditions, can be a burden for pet owners without insurance. This limits the uptake of newer, more effective treatments and highlights a gap in affordability and coverage, especially for lower-income households or small-scale farmers.

Market Trends

• Rising Demand for Preventive and Personalized Veterinary Care: Preventive healthcare is becoming a cornerstone of veterinary practice in Europe. Pet owners and livestock farmers alike are increasingly interested in regular checkups, early disease detection, and customized treatment plans to maintain animal health and prevent outbreaks. This trend includes the use of wearables, mobile health tracking, and personalized nutrition plans. Advanced diagnostics and data analytics are enabling veterinarians to deliver tailored care, enhancing outcomes and reducing the need for costly emergency interventions. The trend aligns with broader European healthcare values that emphasize sustainability and preventive action.
• Shift Toward Antibiotic Alternatives and Green Veterinary Products: In response to mounting concerns over antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and environmental sustainability, there is a strong push in Europe toward alternative animal health solutions. These include the increased use of vaccines, probiotics, herbal remedies, and immune-boosting supplements in place of traditional antibiotics. Additionally, there’s growing demand for eco-friendly veterinary products, such as biodegradable packaging and sustainable feed additives. This trend is supported by EU regulations aimed at reducing antibiotic usage in animal agriculture and promoting greener practices across the veterinary supply chain.

The growth of livestock/production animals in the European animal healthcare industry is primarily driven by the increasing demand for animal protein and dairy products, coupled with stringent regulations promoting animal welfare and disease control.

The livestock or production animals segment is experiencing significant growth in the European animal healthcare industry due to a combination of rising consumer demand for high-quality animal-derived food products and the continent’s strong regulatory and veterinary infrastructure. With a growing population and heightened awareness about nutrition, there is an escalating demand for meat, milk, and eggs across Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands, which are leading agricultural producers. This demand necessitates improved livestock productivity and health, which in turn boosts the need for veterinary pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, vaccines, and feed additives.

Additionally, the European Union has some of the most rigorous animal welfare and food safety regulations in the world, which mandate regular animal health monitoring and disease prevention measures. These policies have led to higher investments in preventive care, biosecurity, and early disease detection in farm animals to ensure both animal welfare and the safety of food products entering the human food chain.

The prevalence of diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue, and swine fever has further propelled the importance of healthcare interventions in livestock, compelling farmers and governments to collaborate on comprehensive vaccination and treatment programs. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies is transforming herd management and animal healthcare delivery. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring of animal health parameters, early diagnosis of illnesses, and optimized treatment plans, thereby reducing losses and enhancing productivity.

Pharmaceuticals are leading the Europe animal healthcare industry due to the high prevalence of infectious and chronic diseases in animals, alongside stringent regulatory frameworks ensuring the consistent use of approved veterinary drugs for disease prevention and treatment.

Europe's animal population ranging from household pets to intensively farmed livestock faces persistent threats from diseases such as bovine mastitis, swine fever, respiratory tract infections, parasitic infestations, and various zoonotic infections, necessitating the widespread use of antibiotics, antiparasitics, anti-inflammatories, and other therapeutic drugs. The region’s advanced veterinary infrastructure, combined with a well-regulated pharmaceutical supply chain, ensures that veterinary medicines are both accessible and reliably used.

The European Union’s stringent animal health and food safety regulations mandate that all veterinary drugs meet rigorous quality, safety, and efficacy standards before market approval, which promotes high adoption rates among veterinarians and livestock producers. Moreover, the emphasis on preventive healthcare and improved animal welfare has driven increased use of pharmaceutical products for not just curative purposes but also prophylactic and growth-enhancement uses, especially in livestock production. In countries like Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain key meat and dairy exporters the usage of veterinary pharmaceuticals is critical to maintaining herd health and meeting export-quality standards.

Additionally, the growing number of companion animals in Europe, coupled with rising human-animal bonding, has increased veterinary visits and pharmaceutical consumption for conditions such as arthritis, cancer, dermatological issues, and cardiovascular problems in pets. Technological advancements in drug formulation, such as long-acting injectables and palatable oral medications, have further improved adherence and outcomes, boosting demand.

Parenteral delivery mode is the fastest-growing in the Europe animal healthcare industry due to its rapid onset of action, high bioavailability, and suitability for treating severe infections and chronic conditions, especially in large-scale livestock and companion animal care.

The parenteral delivery mode is experiencing the fastest growth in Europe’s animal healthcare industry primarily because of its clinical effectiveness, particularly in scenarios requiring immediate therapeutic response and precise dosing. Unlike oral or topical treatments, parenteral administration through injections such as intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) routes ensures rapid absorption and higher bioavailability of the active pharmaceutical ingredient, making it the preferred method for treating acute infections, systemic illnesses, and chronic inflammatory or metabolic disorders in both companion and production animals.

This is particularly crucial in the European livestock sector, where timely intervention is essential to control disease outbreaks and minimize economic losses. In the case of large-scale farming, injectable medications offer efficient disease management and are often easier to administer uniformly to herds under the supervision of trained veterinarians. Additionally, the rise in chronic and complex diseases in companion animals such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions has increased the demand for injectable treatments, including long-acting formulations that offer improved compliance and therapeutic consistency.

The growing awareness among veterinarians and animal owners about the benefits of targeted and fast-acting therapies has significantly driven the demand for parenteral delivery methods across the region. Regulatory pressures in Europe also support the adoption of parenteral formulations, as these ensure controlled usage under veterinary supervision, thereby aligning with antimicrobial stewardship goals and reducing the risk of drug resistance.

Veterinary hospitals and clinics are the largest end-user segment in the Europe animal healthcare industry due to widespread access to professional veterinary services, advanced diagnostic and treatment infrastructure, and rising pet ownership supported by strong animal welfare regulations.

Veterinary hospitals and clinics dominate the Europe animal healthcare industry as the largest end-user segment primarily because they serve as the central hub for comprehensive animal care, offering a full spectrum of services ranging from preventive health check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics, surgical interventions, and chronic disease management. Europe has a well-established veterinary infrastructure supported by both private and public health systems, making veterinary care widely accessible to both urban and rural populations.

The increasing number of companion animals, driven by changing lifestyles, growing emotional attachment to pets, and demographic shifts such as aging populations and single-person households, has significantly contributed to the surge in visits to veterinary clinics. Pet owners across Europe are now more inclined to invest in regular veterinary visits to ensure early diagnosis, disease prevention, and improved quality of life for their animals. Additionally, governments across the European Union enforce strict regulations related to animal health and welfare, which often require mandatory veterinary checkups, disease reporting, and treatment, particularly for livestock and companion animals.

These regulatory policies funnel a large share of healthcare services through certified veterinary hospitals and clinics, further reinforcing their central role. Clinics are also equipped with modern diagnostic technologies such as imaging systems, blood analyzers, and molecular diagnostic tools that allow for fast and accurate disease identification and monitoring capabilities that are increasingly in demand as both livestock producers and pet owners seek higher standards of animal care. Moreover, the rising prevalence of complex and chronic conditions in animals, including cancer, arthritis, heart disease, and obesity, has increased the reliance on specialized veterinary services typically available only in hospitals and clinics.

Veterinary reference laboratories are leading in the European animal healthcare industry due to their crucial role in advanced diagnostic services, disease surveillance, and compliance with strict EU animal health regulations.

In the European animal healthcare industry, veterinary reference laboratories have emerged as a dominant end-user segment primarily because of their indispensable function in ensuring high diagnostic accuracy, supporting disease control programs, and maintaining compliance with the European Union’s stringent animal health and food safety regulations. These laboratories serve as the backbone of veterinary diagnostics, offering advanced and specialized testing capabilities that go beyond the scope of standard veterinary clinics.

As Europe continues to focus on the "One Health" approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health veterinary reference labs play a central role in detecting zoonotic diseases early, conducting pathogen surveillance, and preventing cross-species transmission. With the increasing prevalence of animal diseases, including avian influenza, African swine fever, and antimicrobial-resistant infections, there is growing demand for sophisticated diagnostics, molecular biology tools, and real-time data analysis, all of which are provided by these reference labs.

The European market is also driven by regulatory frameworks such as the EU Animal Health Law and surveillance policies enforced by bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which require regular monitoring and reporting of disease outbreaks an area where veterinary reference laboratories excel. Furthermore, the rise in companion animal ownership, increased livestock production, and growing public awareness of animal welfare and biosecurity have led to higher veterinary spending, prompting clinics and farms to rely on these labs for accurate, timely diagnostics.

Germany is leading the European animal healthcare industry due to its strong pharmaceutical manufacturing base, advanced veterinary research, and high standards for animal welfare and food safety.

Germany’s leadership in the European animal healthcare industry is rooted in its powerful pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, which provides a solid foundation for the development and distribution of high-quality veterinary medicines and diagnostics. The country is home to numerous global and regional pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that invest heavily in veterinary research and innovation, allowing Germany to remain at the forefront of advanced treatments, vaccines, and diagnostic tools for both livestock and companion animals. Germany's research institutions and universities collaborate closely with industry players, creating a dynamic ecosystem for continuous scientific progress in animal health.

Additionally, Germany places strong emphasis on animal welfare, enforcing some of the strictest regulations in the European Union, which drives demand for preventive healthcare and responsible treatment protocols in farms and pet care. The government’s proactive role in animal health regulation ensures transparency, traceability, and safety in the food supply chain, especially within its large-scale livestock industries, including swine, dairy, and poultry. This regulatory rigor not only ensures domestic food security but also strengthens Germany's competitiveness in global meat and dairy exports.

On the companion animal side, pet ownership is on the rise, particularly among the aging population, with increased consumer spending on veterinary care, nutrition, and wellness services. Pet owners in Germany are well-informed and show a growing preference for premium and preventive veterinary services, driving demand for sophisticated healthcare solutions. Moreover, Germany’s central location in Europe and its advanced logistics infrastructure make it a strategic hub for distribution of animal healthcare products across the continent.

Considered in this report

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report

• Animal healthcare Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Animal type

• Companion Animals
• Livestock Animals / Production Animals

By Product type

• Pharmaceuticals
• Vaccines
• Feed Additives
• Diagnostics
• Other Products

By Delivery Mode

• Oral
• Parenteral
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics
• Retail Pharmacies
• Online Pharmacies

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to this industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.