Middle East and Africa Animal Healthcare Market Outlook, 2030

The Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the increasing awareness of animal welfare, growing livestock and pet populations, and the region’s gradual shift toward modern veterinary practices. Demand in the market is shaped by a combination of rising consumer consciousness about food safety and the quality of animal-derived products such as meat, milk, and eggs, as well as the increasing trend of pet adoption in urban areas of countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and Egypt. The region has historically lagged behind more developed markets in terms of veterinary infrastructure and access to pharmaceuticals, but in recent years, significant advancements have been made.

Innovations in the MEA market include the adoption of digital tools for livestock management, AI-based animal disease tracking, mobile veterinary clinics, and improved cold chain logistics for vaccines and biologics in rural and remote areas. Additionally, telemedicine services and mobile apps for pet health are gaining traction among tech-savvy pet owners in urban areas. Public-private partnerships are facilitating the development of veterinary labs, livestock vaccination programs, and disease eradication initiatives, such as the campaign against foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis.

Regulatory frameworks are gradually evolving to support this transformation, with countries such as the UAE and South Africa introducing stricter controls on veterinary drug approvals, animal welfare standards, and disease surveillance systems. Organizations like the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also support local governments in improving veterinary public health and training for animal health professionals. Moreover, regional governments are increasingly prioritizing zoonotic disease prevention and food security, further pushing the adoption of modern animal healthcare solutions.

According to the research report "Middle East and Africa Animal Healthcare Market Outlook, 2030," the Middle East and Africa Animal Healthcare market is anticipated to grow at more than 8.77% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The MEA animal healthcare market holds immense potential due to its large and diverse animal population, the growing influence of international veterinary standards, and increasing investments from both local and multinational players. South Africa animal health market is anticipated to grow at a lucrative rate during the forecast period. This is believed to be a consequence of certain government programs focused on overall animal health care improvement in the country.

For instance, an EU-funded Integrated Control of Neglected Zoonosis Africa program is a strategy developed to address diseases such as rabies through consistent animal health checks. According to FAO data, Africa is home to over 300 million cattle and nearly 700 million poultry, underlining the immense demand for vaccines, feed additives, and disease management solutions. This demand is further reinforced by the growing concerns over zoonotic diseases and their impact on both animal and human health, prompting a rise in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and biosecurity initiatives.

Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa have seen significant growth in pet adoption due to changing lifestyles, rising disposable incomes, and growing awareness of animal companionship. This shift has led to a surge in demand for companion animal healthcare services, including diagnostics, grooming, specialized diets, and surgical treatments, thereby expanding the market beyond traditional livestock care. Technological advancement is also playing a transformative role.

Furthermore, governments across the MEA region are increasingly prioritizing animal healthcare in their policy frameworks. For example, South Africa has made notable progress in regulating veterinary medicines through the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), while Gulf countries are strengthening veterinary import standards and biosecurity laws to ensure food safety and prevent the spread of transboundary animal diseases.

Market Drivers

• Rising Demand for Livestock Products and Food Security Initiatives: A key driver in the MEA region is the growing demand for animal protein, including meat, dairy, and poultry products, spurred by population growth, urbanization, and rising incomes. Many countries in the region are heavily dependent on livestock for food, trade, and livelihood, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Governments are increasingly investing in livestock development programs and veterinary services to ensure food security and improve agricultural productivity. Initiatives such as disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and the introduction of high-yield breeds are contributing to increased demand for animal healthcare products and services across both public and private sectors.
• Government and International Support for Animal Health Development: Support from governments and international organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has played a pivotal role in improving animal health in the MEA region. These programs focus on eradicating transboundary animal diseases (TADs), improving veterinary education, and building infrastructure. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also investing in modern veterinary clinics and pet care centers to meet rising demand in urban areas. Such support boosts the availability of vaccines, diagnostics, and veterinary drugs, thereby driving the overall market.

Market Challenges

• Lack of Veterinary Infrastructure and Skilled Personnel: One of the most significant challenges in the MEA animal healthcare market is the shortage of trained veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and diagnostic laboratories especially in rural and remote areas. In many parts of Africa, veterinary services are underdeveloped or inaccessible, limiting disease detection, treatment, and prevention. Even in some Middle Eastern countries, veterinary care remains concentrated in urban centers, leaving livestock farmers in rural zones underserved. This lack of infrastructure not only reduces treatment efficiency but also allows animal diseases to spread unchecked, posing a risk to both animal and public health.
• Political Instability and Regulatory Barriers: Political unrest, economic instability, and inconsistent regulatory systems in several MEA countries present another key challenge to market development. In regions affected by conflict or weak governance, veterinary services are often disrupted, and supply chains for animal health products become unreliable. Moreover, regulatory environments vary widely across countries, with limited harmonization and often outdated frameworks governing the approval, distribution, and monitoring of veterinary drugs. These issues discourage investment and hinder the introduction of new, innovative products into the market.

Market Trends

• Growth in Companion Animal Care in Urban Centers: A growing trend in wealthier urban regions particularly in countries like the UAE, South Africa, and Saudi Arabia is the increasing popularity of companion animals and the rise in pet care expenditure. Pet owners are now seeking quality veterinary services, vaccinations, grooming, and even specialized care such as dental and orthopedic services. This shift is prompting the development of modern veterinary hospitals, mobile vet services, and pet wellness brands. The companion animal segment, though smaller than livestock, is showing strong growth potential and attracting private investment in urban areas.
• Focus on Preventive Measures and Zoonotic Disease Control: Another important trend is the region’s increasing focus on preventive animal healthcare, particularly in the wake of global awareness around zoonotic diseases like avian influenza, rabies, and Rift Valley fever. Governments and NGOs are prioritizing disease surveillance, mass vaccination drives, and public health education to control outbreaks and safeguard both animal and human populations. In addition, efforts are being made to promote the use of preventive products like tick and flea control solutions, biosecurity measures, and improved sanitation in animal rearing practices. This preventive approach is slowly shifting the region’s veterinary model from reactive to proactive.

The growing humanization of pets and increasing urbanization in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region have significantly boosted the demand for companion animal healthcare services and products, making this segment the leading type in the industry.

The companion animals segment is leading in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry primarily due to the rising trend of pet humanization, increased disposable incomes, and the influence of Western lifestyles, especially in urban centers like Dubai, Riyadh, Johannesburg, and Nairobi. As more households in the MEA region adopt cats, dogs, and other companion animals not just as pets but as family members, there has been a significant surge in awareness and spending on their health and wellness. This shift is being driven by younger, affluent urban populations who view pets as emotional companions and are willing to invest in their healthcare, grooming, and nutrition.

Moreover, expanding expatriate communities, particularly in the Gulf countries, are importing their pet-friendly culture, further driving demand for veterinary services, diagnostics, vaccines, and specialty pet food. The proliferation of veterinary clinics and pet pharmacies in urban and semi-urban regions also supports the growth of the companion animal market, as accessibility to medical facilities improves. In parallel, governments in some MEA nations have begun supporting responsible pet ownership through initiatives that promote vaccinations, sterilization, and regular check-ups, reducing the disease burden and enhancing pet longevity.

The rise in pet-related social media content, influencers, and awareness campaigns has also increased consumer consciousness about pet wellness, preventive healthcare, and early diagnosis of diseases. This has encouraged the uptake of advanced medical solutions such as dental care, dermatology treatments, and chronic disease management. Moreover, the growth of pet insurance schemes in select MEA countries is making expensive procedures more accessible, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs for pet owners.

The moderate growth of feed additives in the MEA animal healthcare industry is driven by the gradual intensification of livestock farming and the rising need to enhance animal nutrition and productivity amid regional challenges like poor feed quality and disease prevalence.

Feed additives are witnessing moderate growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry primarily due to the steady expansion of commercial livestock and poultry farming across the region, fueled by increasing demand for animal-based protein and the push for food security. Many MEA countries are striving to boost their domestic meat, dairy, and poultry production to reduce import dependency, and this has led to a growing interest in optimizing animal health and productivity through improved nutrition. Feed additives such as vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and probiotics play a crucial role in promoting growth, enhancing feed efficiency, and supporting disease resistance in animals.

However, the growth of this product type remains moderate rather than rapid due to several structural and economic challenges in the region. Many smallholder farmers still dominate the livestock sector and often lack awareness or resources to adopt modern feeding practices consistently. Additionally, the relatively high cost of quality feed additives, coupled with limited local manufacturing, forces reliance on imports, which makes pricing volatile and unaffordable for many producers during economic downturns or currency fluctuations.

Nevertheless, government and private sector efforts to improve animal productivity, especially in countries like South Africa, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Kenya, are leading to increased education and promotion of feed optimization practices. Regional initiatives aimed at reducing antibiotic use in animal husbandry are also encouraging the use of feed additives as natural growth promoters and immune boosters, especially in commercial operations.

Oral delivery mode is leading in the MEA animal healthcare industry due to its ease of administration, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for mass treatment, especially in large-scale livestock operations and low-resource settings.

The oral delivery mode has emerged as the leading type in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry largely because it aligns well with the practical and economic realities of the region's diverse animal farming systems. Administering medications orally whether through feed, water, boluses, or drenches offers significant advantages in terms of simplicity, speed, and reduced need for specialized veterinary intervention. In many MEA countries, livestock rearing is dominated by smallholder farmers and pastoral communities who often operate in remote or under-resourced areas with limited access to professional veterinary services.

In such settings, oral medications allow farmers to administer treatment themselves without requiring technical expertise, making it a more accessible and scalable option. Furthermore, oral delivery is highly suitable for mass administration, which is essential for managing widespread diseases or supplementing nutritional deficiencies in large herds and flocks, particularly in poultry and ruminant farming. This is crucial in regions facing challenges like parasitic infections, poor-quality forage, and seasonal nutritional gaps.

From a cost perspective, oral formulations are generally more affordable than injectable alternatives, making them attractive in price-sensitive markets where veterinary healthcare budgets are limited. Additionally, the growing commercial livestock and poultry farming sectors in countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia are increasingly adopting medicated feed and water-soluble supplements to improve productivity and animal health outcomes, further fueling demand for oral delivery products.

Veterinary hospitals and clinics are leading in the MEA animal healthcare industry due to the rising demand for professional veterinary services, improved infrastructure in urban areas, and growing awareness of animal health and welfare among pet owners and livestock producers.

Veterinary hospitals and clinics have become the leading end-user segment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry, driven by a confluence of socio-economic, demographic, and infrastructural developments across the region. In recent years, the MEA region has seen rapid urbanization and a growing middle-class population, particularly in cities like Dubai, Riyadh, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, where awareness and concern for animal health have significantly increased. This shift has led to a surge in demand for professional veterinary services, both for companion animals and livestock.

As more individuals adopt pets and consider them part of the family, there is an increasing need for accessible, high-quality veterinary care including routine check-ups, diagnostics, vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency services which are primarily offered through veterinary hospitals and clinics. In parallel, livestock producers are also recognizing the economic value of animal health, leading them to seek veterinary intervention to prevent disease outbreaks and improve productivity. The region has seen substantial investments in veterinary infrastructure, with private clinics, corporate chains, and public veterinary facilities expanding their presence and capabilities.

Moreover, several governments in the region have supported veterinary public health initiatives, disease surveillance, and vaccination campaigns, further reinforcing the role of these institutions. Veterinary clinics serve as centralized points for distributing pharmaceuticals, performing diagnostic tests, and providing technical expertise especially in areas where field services may be limited or inconsistent.

Veterinary reference laboratories are leading in the MEA animal healthcare industry due to the increasing need for accurate disease diagnosis, surveillance, and monitoring of zoonotic and transboundary animal diseases, supported by government and international initiatives.

Veterinary reference laboratories have emerged as a leading segment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry, primarily because of the region's pressing need for advanced diagnostic capabilities to detect, monitor, and control animal diseases especially those with significant economic and public health implications. The MEA region faces persistent challenges such as foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, brucellosis, Rift Valley fever, and other endemic or emerging zoonotic diseases that threaten both animal populations and human health.

In this context, veterinary reference laboratories play a critical role in supporting national and regional efforts to ensure early and precise disease detection, facilitate outbreak response, and maintain biosecurity. Many governments across MEA countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Kenya, and Saudi Arabia have prioritized strengthening veterinary laboratory networks as part of their agricultural development and public health strategies. These laboratories are equipped with advanced technologies to perform serological, molecular, and microbiological analyses, enabling the identification of pathogens, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and vaccine effectiveness.

Their services are essential not only for diagnostics but also for surveillance, epidemiological research, and regulatory compliance related to trade in livestock and animal products. International organizations like the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), FAO, and WHO are actively collaborating with MEA nations to build laboratory capacity, train personnel, and standardize testing procedures to meet global benchmarks.

South Africa is leading the Middle East and Africa (MEA) animal healthcare industry due to its advanced veterinary infrastructure, strong livestock economy, and role as a regional hub for research, regulation, and pharmaceutical distribution.

South Africa’s leadership in the MEA animal healthcare industry is largely driven by its well-established veterinary infrastructure, diversified livestock economy, and strategic position as a regional hub for research, regulation, and distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals. As one of the most economically and scientifically advanced countries in Africa, South Africa boasts a robust network of veterinary schools, diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory agencies, which provide the foundation for a highly functional animal health system.

The country’s agriculture sector, particularly livestock farming including cattle, sheep, poultry, and game animals plays a crucial role in both rural livelihoods and the national economy, creating substantial demand for animal health products and services. This demand is met through a mature pharmaceutical industry that manufactures and imports a wide range of veterinary medicines, vaccines, and feed additives, ensuring the health and productivity of animals under both commercial and subsistence farming systems. South Africa also serves as a base for regional operations of many global animal health companies, owing to its logistical advantages, regulatory clarity, and skilled workforce.

These companies use South Africa as a launchpad to distribute products and services across the African continent, reinforcing the country’s influence in shaping regional veterinary practices and standards. The South African government, through agencies like the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), enforces stringent animal health regulations and collaborates on disease surveillance and control efforts, especially for transboundary diseases like foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza.

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.