Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Testing (Clinical Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics, Immunodiagnostics, Microbiology & Parasitology, and Others), By Animal Type (Companion Animals and Livestock Animals), By Indication (Infectious Diseases, Chronic & Metabolic Disorders, Oncology, and Others), By End-user (Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals, Research & Academic Institutions, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2026-2034

The global veterinary reference laboratory market size was valued at USD 4.67 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow from USD 4.92 billion in 2026 to USD 7.87 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Veterinary reference laboratories are specialized labs that test animal samples sent in by veterinary clinics and hospitals. These laboratories play a crucial role in confirming diagnosis when in-clinic testing is insufficient or requires in-depth analysis. The market growth is prominently attributed to growing ownership of companion animals and a rise in spending on pet healthcare. In addition, expansion of in-house veterinary testing with advanced capabilities is also projected to have a positive impact on the market.  Further, large diagnostic networks are expanding their capacity and services, which also improves access and turnaround times for clinics.

• For instance, in October 2025, Antech received approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for its trūRapid FOUR, a canine vector-borne disease screening test.

Furthermore, many key industry players, such as IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Antech Diagnostics, Inc., Zoetis Reference Laboratories, SYNLAB Group, and Eurofins Scientific SE operating in the market, are focusing on developing various innovative technologies to offer better efficiency.

VETERINARY REFERENCE LABORATORY MARKET TRENDS

Increasing Expansion of Reference Labs Network to Offer Convenient Animal Care is a Key Market Trend

One of the key trends observed in the market is the rising expansion of lab networks to improve service coverage and speed. Large diagnostic players are opening new labs, adding capacity, and strengthening logistics, allowing clinics to send samples more easily and receive results faster. In addition, reference labs are also emphasizing the improvement of clinic-facing services, such as smoother sample pickup, clearer digital reporting, and better customer support for diagnostics interpretation.

• For instance, in May 2025, Zoetis announced the opening of its new technologically advanced diagnostics reference laboratory in Louisville, U.S.

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MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Expenses for Better Pet Healthcare to Accelerate Market Growth

Increasing expenses of pet owners for better pet care are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period. Moreover, veterinary reference laboratories are equipped with advanced healthcare technologies, which is also projected to accelerate veterinary reference laboratory market growth. Many clinics do not run advanced tests in-house, so they send samples to reference laboratories. As the number of visits increases, the number of samples sent out also rises. This directly increases testing volumes for reference labs and supports steady market growth.

• For instance, in November 2023, the AVMA reported that U.S. veterinary practice revenue increased by an average of 5.7% between August 2021 and August 2023, while the number of client visits fell by 2.7% over the same period.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Cost Sensitivity Among Pet Owners to Hinder Market Growth

One of the critical restraints in the market is the cost of diagnostic testing for pet owners. Reference lab tests add to the overall treatment cost, along with consultation and medication costs. For routine or non-urgent cases, some owners choose to limit testing to control expenses. In such situations, veterinarians may rely on basic in-clinic tests or visual assessment instead of sending samples to external laboratories. This reduces the number of samples referred to reference labs, particularly for common conditions.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Expanding Network of Corporate Veterinary Clinics to Offer Favorable Market Growth Opportunities

Expanding network of corporate vet clinics is expected to offer substantial opportunity for market growth. Large clinic groups are emphasizing on opening new locations and standardizing veterinary diagnostics. In addition, these groups prefer consistent testing partners that can support multiple sites with reliable service and reporting. This generates a long-term, repeat business for reference labs through centralized contracts and steady sample volumes.

• For instance, in October 2022, Mars Veterinary Health, Banfield, and members of the AVMA entered into a strategic collaboration to improve communication between clients and vet teams.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Delays in Sample Transport and Reporting to Pose a Challenge to Market Growth

Veterinary reference laboratories rely on the timely transport of samples from clinics to the laboratory. Samples must be picked up, shipped, and processed within a short time to deliver useful results. Delays in courier pickup, long travel distances, or high sample volumes can slow down the reporting process. This presents a challenge, as veterinarians often require quick results to determine treatment, especially for infectious or urgent cases.

Segmentation Analysis

By Testing

Superior Testing Outcome and Comparatively Lower Turnaround Time to Propel Clinical Pathology Segmental Growth

Based on the testing, the market is divided into clinical pathology, molecular diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, microbiology & parasitology, and others.

The clinical pathology segment is anticipated to account for the largest veterinary reference laboratory market share. The maximum segmental share is primarily attributed to its adoption for clinical pathology testing due to superior outcomes and lower turnaround time. Moreover, industry developments, such as collaborations & acquisitions, are also estimated to drive segment growth.

• For instance, in November 2025, Zoetis Inc. announced the acquisition of Veterinary Pathology Group to consolidate its presence in the clinical pathology marketspace in the U.K. and Ireland.

The molecular diagnostics segment is anticipated to rise with a CAGR of 7.0% over the forecast period.  

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By Animal Type

Substantial Visits of Companion Animals to Boost Companion Animals Segment Growth

Based on animal type, the market is segmented into companion animals and livestock animals.

In 2025, the companion animals segment dominated the global market. The segment growth is attributed to a substantial number of dog and cat visits to veterinary clinics, emphasis of pet owners on preventive care, and the willingness of pet owners to spend more on pet care. In addition, awareness programs by corporate pet clinics and new product launches by market players are also projected to offer a favorable environment for segment growth.

• For instance, in June 2024, IDEXX announced the launch of its new Catalyst Pancreatic Lipase Test, which enables faster and accurate pancreatitis diagnosis in dogs and cats.

The livestock animals segment is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. 

By Indication

Widespread Occurrence of Infectious Diseases to Accelerate Infectious Diseases Segment Growth

Based on indication, the market is segmented into infectious diseases, chronic & metabolic disorders, oncology, and others.

In 2025, the infectious diseases segment dominated the global market. The segment growth is attributed to the considerable prevalence of infectious diseases amongst dogs and cats. Moreover, larger veterinary diagnostic groups are continually focusing on the introduction of innovative testing options to support earlier detection, further boosting segment growth.

• For instance, in August 2022, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) confirmed considerable prevalence of illness due to canine parvovirus.

The oncology segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period.

By End-User

Preference for Veterinary Clinics to Drive the Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals Segment Growth

On the basis of end-user, the market is segmented into veterinary clinics & hospitals, research & academic institutions, and others.

The veterinary clinics & hospitals dominated the global market. The growth of this segment is attributed to the primary point where animals are examined and samples are collected. Most practices cannot maintain a full menu of specialized tests in-house, so reference labs become the default option for advanced or confirmatory diagnostics. Furthermore, the segment is likely to capture 75.0% share in 2026.

In addition, research & academic institutions are projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% during the study period.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Middle East & Africa.

North America

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North America held the dominant share in 2024, valued at USD 1.95 billion, and also maintained the leading share in 2025, with USD 2.05 billion. The market in North America is expected to grow due to an increasing trend in pet ownership and a positive approach toward early pet screening.

U.S Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Based on North America’s significant input and the U.S. dominance within the region, the U.S. market is estimated to reach around USD 1.84 billion in 2026, accounting for approximately 37.3% of global veterinary reference laboratory sales.

Europe

Europe is likely to document a growth rate of 5.6% in the near future. It is the second highest among all regions, and is set to reach a valuation of USD 1.35 billion by 2026. The region is estimated to have widespread expansion of pet clinics along with new product launches.

U.K Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The U.K. veterinary reference laboratory market in 2026 is projected at around USD 0.23 billion, representing roughly 4.7% of global veterinary reference laboratory revenues.

Germany Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

Germany’s veterinary reference laboratory market is projected to reach approximately USD 0.32 billion in 2026, equivalent to around 6.6% of global veterinary reference laboratory sales.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is likely to reach USD 0.85 billion in 2026 and secure the position of the third largest region in the market. In this region, India and China are expected to record the valuations of USD 0.19 billion and USD 0.28 billion, respectively, in 2026.

Japan Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The Japan veterinary reference laboratory market in 2026 is estimated at around USD 0.15 billion, accounting for roughly 3.0% of global veterinary reference laboratory revenues.

China Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

China’s veterinary reference laboratory market is projected to be one of the largest worldwide, with 2026 revenues projected at around USD 0.28 billion, representing roughly 5.7% of global veterinary reference laboratory sales.

India Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The India veterinary reference laboratory market in 2026 is expected to reach around USD 0.19 billion, accounting for roughly 3.8% of global veterinary reference laboratory revenues.

Latin America and Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa and Latin America regions are likely to experience moderate growth in this market during the forecast timeframe. The Latin America market is predicted to record a valuation of USD 0.26 billion in 2026. In the Middle East & Africa, the GCC market is expected to record a valuation of USD 0.09 billion in 2026.

South Africa Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The South Africa veterinary reference laboratory market is estimated to reach around USD 0.04 billion in 2026, representing roughly 0.7% of global veterinary reference laboratory revenues.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Focus on Introduction of New Products by Key Players to Propel Market Progress

The global veterinary reference laboratory market holds a semi-consolidated market structure, including prominent players such as IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Antech Diagnostics, Inc., Zoetis Reference Laboratories, SYNLAB Group, and Eurofins Scientific SE. The major market share of these companies is driven by various strategic activities, such as collaboration among operating entities to advance research activities.

• For instance, in June 2021, IDEXX announced the acquisition of ezyVet, in order to consolidate its presence in veterinary practices and diagnostic software workflows.

Other top players in the global market include Eurofins Scientific SE, Neogen Corporation, Mars Incorporate, and GD Animal Health. These companies are projected to highlight new product launches and collaborations to increase their global market share over the forecast period.

LIST OF KEY VETERINARY REFERENCE LABORATORY COMPANIES PROFILED

• IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.)
• Zoetis Reference Laboratories (U.S.)
• SYNLAB Group (Germany)
• Eurofins Scientific SE (Luxembourg)
• Neogen Corporation (U.S.)
• Mars Incorporated (U.S.)
• Randox Laboratories Ltd. (U.K.)
• GD Animal Health (Netherlands)
• NationWide Laboratories (U.K.)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• July 2024: Mars, Incorporated, completed the acquisition of Cerba HealthCare. Through this acquisition, the company plans to expand its market presence.
• September 2023: Mars announced the acquisition of SYNLAB to consolidate its presence in Europe market.
• June 2023: IDEXX announced a novel diagnostic test for kidney injury, expanding its renal testing portfolio used by veterinary practices.
• October 2022: Eurofins Scientific expanded its veterinary testing services portfolio in Europe, strengthening laboratory support for animal health
• April 2022: LexaGene announced a multi-system purchase from a corporate veterinary reference laboratory, reflecting investment in higher-throughput diagnostic testing.

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