Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market By Service Type (Clinical Trials, Preclinical Studies, Manufacturing Services, Regulatory Consulting, Drug Discovery & Development), By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats, Horses, Cattle, Pigs, Poultry, Sheep & Goats), By End-User (Pharmaceutical Companies, Biotechnology Companies, Academic & Research Institutes, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Veterinary Hospitals), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Veterinary CRO and CDMO Market was valued at USD 5.7 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 11.7 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 10.7% during 2024 - 2030.

The Veterinary CRO (Contract Research Organization) and CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) market has grown significantly due to increasing investments in animal healthcare, rising prevalence of zoonotic diseases, and the demand for innovative veterinary medicines. The market caters to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, offering specialized research, development, and manufacturing services to accelerate the development of veterinary drugs and therapies. With an emphasis on reducing operational costs and expediting product time-to-market, this market is vital for the advancement of veterinary medicine globally.

Clinical Trials Segment is Largest Owing to High Demand for Drug Safety Validation

Clinical trials are the largest segment in the veterinary CRO and CDMO market, driven by the need to ensure the safety and efficacy of veterinary drugs before commercialization. With the rigorous regulatory environment in animal healthcare, clinical trials play a crucial role in gaining approvals from authorities such as the FDA and EMA. This service is particularly critical for evaluating vaccines, antibiotics, and antiparasitic agents used in both companion and livestock animals.

The rising prevalence of chronic diseases in animals, such as arthritis and diabetes, further boosts the demand for clinical trials. Pharmaceutical companies rely heavily on CROs to conduct these trials efficiently, leveraging their expertise in handling diverse animal species and complying with stringent regulations. This segment is expected to continue dominating due to its indispensable role in the veterinary drug approval process.

Dogs Segment is Largest Owing to High Prevalence of Pet Ownership

The dogs segment holds the largest market share, primarily due to the widespread adoption of dogs as pets and their significant contribution to the global pet care industry. The rising incidence of canine-specific health issues, such as periodontal diseases, arthritis, and cancers, has led to a growing demand for veterinary research and drug development targeting this species.

CROs and CDMOs are heavily engaged in developing vaccines, pain management solutions, and dietary supplements tailored for dogs. Additionally, the emotional bond between pet owners and their dogs has resulted in increased spending on advanced healthcare solutions, further cementing this segment's dominance in the market.

Pharmaceutical Companies Segment is Largest Owing to High R&D Investments

Pharmaceutical companies form the largest end-user segment, reflecting their significant reliance on CROs and CDMOs to streamline the development and manufacturing of veterinary drugs. These organizations are instrumental in outsourcing complex processes such as preclinical studies, clinical trials, and regulatory consulting, allowing pharmaceutical companies to focus on core R&D activities.

The growing complexity of veterinary drug pipelines and the demand for cost-efficient development processes have further solidified the importance of CROs and CDMOs for pharmaceutical firms. As the industry moves toward precision medicine and biologics, partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and service providers are expected to deepen.

North America is Largest Region Owing to Established Animal Healthcare Ecosystem

North America dominates the veterinary CRO and CDMO market, accounting for the largest share due to its well-established animal healthcare ecosystem. The presence of major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, coupled with robust research infrastructure, drives the demand for veterinary contract services in the region. Additionally, high pet ownership rates and increasing investments in livestock healthcare further contribute to North America’s leadership in the market.

Government initiatives to combat zoonotic diseases and rising R&D spending in the U.S. and Canada are key factors supporting this growth. The region's regulatory environment also encourages the adoption of advanced veterinary medicines, boosting the market for CRO and CDMO services.

Competitive Landscape

The veterinary CRO and CDMO market is highly competitive, with key players such as Charles River Laboratories, Zoetis, and Boehringer Ingelheim leading the way. These companies focus on strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and innovations to strengthen their market position. Emerging players are also gaining traction by offering niche services and leveraging technological advancements.

The competitive landscape is marked by continuous investment in expanding service portfolios and geographic reach. As demand for veterinary healthcare solutions grows, companies are prioritizing collaborations to stay ahead in this dynamic market.

List of Leading Companies:

• Charles River Laboratories
• Zoetis Inc.
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
• Elanco Animal Health
• Virbac
• Evotec SE
• Vetoquinol
• PPD (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
• Labcorp Drug Development
• Covance (Now Labcorp)
• Argenta
• WuXi AppTec
• Benchmark Animal Health
• Ceva Santé Animale
• Klifovet AG

Recent Developments:

• In October 2022, Klifovet, a part of Argenta Group, which is dedicated to veterinary health, expanded its reach in Western and Southern Europe by acquiring Ondax Scientific.
• Zoetis, a leading player in the veterinary industry, recently advanced its efforts in expanding its portfolio for companion animal health by strengthening its partnership with Nexvet, a company focused on developing biologic treatments for animals​
• Charles River Laboratories, a major player in the veterinary CRO space, has recently opened a new veterinary research center.
• Inotiv, known for its work in toxicology and drug development services, acquired a veterinary clinical research services division to expand its offerings in veterinary CRO and CDMO services.
• IDEXX Laboratories continues to innovate and expand in the veterinary diagnostics space. Their recent developments include advancing their veterinary laboratory services to offer more comprehensive solutions to animal healthcare providers​

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