Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market by Service (Microbiology, Immunodiagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, PCR, ELISA, Hematology, Urinalysis), Animal (Companion, Livestock), Application (Clinical Pathology, Toxicology), Region - Global Forecast to 2030

The veterinary reference laboratory market is forecasted to grow from USD 4.75 million in 2025 to USD 6.46 million by 2030, recording a CAGR of 6.3%. The increasing prevalence of zoonotic and chronic animal diseases, rising companion animal ownership, and the growing emphasis on preventive healthcare primarily drive market expansion. The rising demand for advanced diagnostic testing, including molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, and clinical chemistry, has accelerated the establishment of high-throughput reference laboratories in both developed and emerging regions. Moreover, technological advancements in automation, AI-based image analysis, and molecular testing are enabling faster turnaround times and improved diagnostic accuracy, fostering greater trust among veterinarians and pet owners.

At the same time, the increasing integration of diagnostic services with digital platforms and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is streamlining workflows, enhancing sample traceability, and enabling remote access to test results. The rising focus on early disease detection and companion animal wellness programs further supports test adoption, while expanding veterinary corporatization and partnerships between clinics and reference labs are driving consistent sample inflows. However, the market faces challenges such as high operational and testing costs, a shortage of skilled laboratory professionals, and stringent regulatory standards governing veterinary diagnostics. Additionally, maintaining quality assurance across diverse geographies and addressing biosecurity and sample transport challenges remain key priorities for laboratories aiming to sustain accuracy, reliability, and growth momentum.

The clinical pathology segment accounted for the largest share of the market, by application, in 2024.

Based on application, the veterinary reference laboratory market is segmented into clinical pathology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and other applications. In 2024, clinical pathology accounted for the largest share of the market. This dominance is attributed to the segment’s critical role in delivering detailed diagnostic insights through hematology, cytology, and clinical chemistry testing. These analyses enable veterinarians to accurately diagnose systemic disorders, track therapeutic progress, and effectively manage complex disease conditions. The rising companion animal population and increasing frequency of veterinary consultations have fueled the demand for routine pathology services. Moreover, technological advancements in automated analyzers and digital pathology systems have significantly improved diagnostic precision, efficiency, and turnaround time, further driving market growth in this segment.

The veterinary clinics & hospitals segment is expected to dominate the market, by end user, during the forecast period.

Based on end user, the veterinary reference laboratory market is segmented into veterinary clinics and hospitals, research institutes and universities, point-of-care/in-house labs, and other end users. In 2024, veterinary clinics and hospitals accounted for the largest share of the global market. This dominance is primarily driven by the rising volume of diagnostic testing conducted through referral partnerships with centralized laboratories, as clinics increasingly outsource advanced and specialized tests such as molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, and clinical chemistry to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

The growing companion animal population, higher pet healthcare expenditure, and expanding network of small and large veterinary practices have further contributed to the rising sample inflow from clinics and hospitals. These facilities rely on reference laboratories for confirmatory and complex testing that cannot be efficiently performed in-house, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes and operational workflows. Additionally, the integration of digital sample management systems and automated result reporting between clinics and reference labs is improving turnaround times and supporting evidence-based veterinary care.

In 2024, North America dominated the veterinary reference laboratory market.

The veterinary reference laboratory market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. In 2024, North America accounted for the largest share of the global market. This dominance can be attributed to several key factors, including the high prevalence of companion animal ownership, strong awareness of preventive veterinary care, and significant healthcare expenditure on pets across the region. The presence of leading industry players such as IDEXX Laboratories, Zoetis Services LLC, and Mars, Incorporated, coupled with a well-established network of veterinary hospitals and diagnostic centers, has further reinforced the region’s leadership. Within North America, the United States held the largest market share, supported by the country’s advanced veterinary infrastructure, growing demand for specialized and molecular diagnostic testing, and rapid adoption of automation and digital pathology solutions. Additionally, the U.S. market benefits from favorable pet insurance penetration, a robust ecosystem of veterinary service providers, and strong investment in R&D for companion and livestock diagnostic innovations.

Breakdown of supply-side primary interviews:

• By Company Type: Tier 1 (45%), Tier 2 (20%), and Tier 3 (35%)
• By Designation: C-level Executives (35%), Directors (25%), and Other Designations (40%)
• By Region: North America (40%), Europe (25%), Asia Pacific (20%), Latin America (10%), and Middle East & Africa (5%)

Breakdown of demand-side primary interviews:

• By Company Type: Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals (70%), POC/In-house labs (15%), Research Institutions and Universities (10%), and Other End Users (5%)
• By Designation: Veterinary Healthcare Professionals (35%), Department Heads (27%), Procurement Heads (22%), and Other Designations (16%)
• By Region: North America (40%), Europe (25%), Asia Pacific (20%), Latin America (10%), and Middle East & Africa (5%)

Research Coverage

This report studies the veterinary reference laboratory market based on service, application, animal type, end user, and region. It also studies factors affecting market growth (drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges). It analyzes the market's opportunities and challenges and provides details of the competitive landscape for market leaders. Furthermore, the report analyzes micromarkets with respect to their individual growth trends and forecasts the revenue of the market segments with respect to six main regions and respective countries.

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The report can help established companies and new or smaller firms understand market trends, which will help them capture a larger market share. Firms that purchase the report can utilize one or more of the five strategies mentioned below.

This report provides insights into the following points:

• Analysis of key drivers, opportunities, restraints, and challenges influencing the growth of the veterinary reference laboratory market.
• Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, R&D activities, and service launches in the veterinary reference laboratory market
• Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging markets. The report analyzes the markets for various types of veterinary reference laboratory services across regions.
• Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about products, untapped regions, recent developments, and investments in the veterinary reference laboratory market.
• Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, strategies, products, distribution networks, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players in the veterinary reference laboratory market.

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