Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – June 24, 2025 – Global Animal Drugs Market size is expected to be worth around US$ 111.6 Billion by 2034 from US$ 49.8 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034. In 2024, North America led the market, achieving over 41.3% share with a revenue of US$ 20.6 Billion.
The global animal drugs market is experiencing consistent growth, driven by rising awareness of animal health, increasing pet ownership, and growing demand for safe and sustainable livestock production. The market includes pharmaceuticals developed for disease prevention, treatment, and overall wellness in both companion and food-producing animals.
The rising prevalence of zoonotic diseases and bacterial infections has increased the need for advanced veterinary therapeutics. Governments and international health agencies are strengthening their veterinary drug regulatory frameworks, promoting responsible usage and monitoring antimicrobial resistance.
The market is segmented by product type, including anti-infectives, anti-inflammatory drugs, parasiticides, vaccines, and others. Among these, parasiticides and anti-infectives remain dominant due to their critical role in disease management. Additionally, the route of administration such as oral, injectable, or topical plays a vital role in treatment adherence and drug efficacy.
North America leads the market due to high veterinary care expenditure, while Asia Pacific shows strong growth potential with increased investment in animal healthcare infrastructure and livestock management.
Veterinary pharmaceutical manufacturers are focusing on innovation, regulatory approvals, and strategic partnerships to expand their portfolios. The rise in livestock production, increasing pet care spending, and strong regulatory support are expected to continue driving growth in the global animal drugs market over the coming years.
Key Takeaways
- Market Size: In 2023, the global animal drugs market generated a total revenue of USD 49.8 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%, reaching approximately USD 111.6 billion by 2033.
- Product Type Analysis: The market is categorized into biologics, pharmaceuticals, and medicated feed additives. Among these, pharmaceuticals emerged as the dominant segment in 2023, accounting for 55.2% of the total market share.
- Route of Administration: Based on the route of administration, the market is segmented into oral, injectable, topical, and others. The injectable segment led the market, holding a significant share of 61.5% in 2023, owing to its rapid onset of action and higher efficacy.
- Animal Type Analysis: By animal type, the market is divided into production animals and companion animals. Production animals accounted for the largest share, representing 62.8% of the total revenue, driven by rising demand for livestock products and preventive veterinary care.
- Distribution Channel Analysis: The distribution channels include veterinary hospitals and clinics, e-commerce, offline retail stores, and others. Veterinary hospitals and clinics dominated the distribution segment with a market share of 58.7%, due to increased reliance on professional veterinary services for drug administration.
- Regional Insights: North America led the global animal drugs market in 2023, securing a commanding share of 41.3%, supported by advanced veterinary infrastructure, high pet ownership rates, and strong regulatory frameworks.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: In 2023, pharmaceuticals led the market with a 55.2% share, driven by rising demand for effective treatments for both companion and production animals. The growing incidence of animal diseases and greater awareness of animal health boosted the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and pain relievers. Continued advancements in veterinary pharmaceuticals and the expansion of animal farming are expected to support this segment’s growth, particularly in improving livestock productivity and welfare outcomes.
- Route of Administration Analysis: Injectable drugs accounted for 61.5% of the market in 2023, as they offer rapid therapeutic action and higher bioavailability. Their effectiveness in administering vaccines and treating chronic conditions makes them the preferred route among veterinarians. The increasing incidence of animal diseases and the demand for quick relief solutions in livestock and pets contribute to their widespread adoption. This route is especially favored in farming settings where treatment accuracy and efficiency are critical.
- Animal Type Analysis: Production animals dominated the market in 2023, holding a 62.8% share due to growing global demand for meat, milk, and eggs. Cattle, pigs, and poultry contribute significantly to the sector’s expansion as drug use becomes essential for disease prevention and performance enhancement. Rising population growth, urbanization, and increased consumption of animal-based protein are key factors fueling demand. Advancements in veterinary care are expected to further support segment growth across both developed and emerging markets.
- Distribution Channel Analysis: Veterinary hospitals and clinics led the distribution channel in 2023, generating 58.7% of market revenue. The increasing number of such facilities and rising awareness about animal healthcare are key drivers. These institutions are primary touchpoints for diagnostics, drug dispensing, and routine care for both livestock and pets. The segment’s growth is further supported by the professional guidance offered at clinics, which ensures appropriate drug administration and reinforces trust among pet owners and animal farmers.
Market Segments
By Product Type
- Biologics
- Vaccines
- Modified/ Attenuated Live
- Inactivated (Killed)
- Other Vaccines
- Other Biologics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Parasiticides
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-infectives
- Analgesics
- Others
- Medicated Feed Additives
By Route of Administration
- Oral
- Injectable
- Topical
- Other
By Animal Type
- Production Animals
- Poultry
- Sheep & Goats
- Pigs
- Cattle
- Others
- Companion Animals
- Dogs
- Horses
- Cats
- Others
By Distribution Channel
- Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics
- E-commerce
- Offline Retail Stores
- Others
Regional Analysis
North America led the animal drugs market in 2023, capturing a revenue share of 41.3%, driven by increased pet care spending, higher livestock production, and regulatory advancements. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), veterinary care expenditure in the U.S. reached over USD 38 billion in 2024, up from USD 34 billion in 2022.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a 5% rise in cattle and poultry production from 2022 to 2024, increasing demand for antibiotics and vaccines. Additionally, the U.S. FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine approved 15% more new animal drug applications in 2023. Zoetis posted an 8% revenue rise, supported by strong sales of parasiticides and biologics. Canada also saw increased antimicrobial sales for livestock, according to the Canadian Animal Health Institute.
Meanwhile, the Asia Pacific region is projected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Growth is fueled by expanding livestock populations, rising pet ownership, and public veterinary programs. In India, over 300 million livestock were vaccinated in 2023, while China and Japan reported increased approvals and rising demand for pet medicines.
Emerging Trends
- Regulatory Modernization and Process Reorganization: In October 2024, the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) began a major reorganization of its animal drug evaluation offices. This effort is intended to streamline review processes, reduce administrative burden, and accelerate the availability of safe and effective animal therapies.
- Heightened Focus on Antimicrobial Stewardship: A new five-year action plan (FY 2024–2028) has been released to guide antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary settings. The plan builds on the previous FY 2019–2023 strategy and advances three main goals: aligning drug use with stewardship principles, fostering stewardship practices in veterinary settings, and enhancing monitoring of resistance and drug use in animals.
- Declining Use of Medically Important Antimicrobials: Sales and distribution of medically important antimicrobial drugs for food-producing animals decreased by 2 percent from 6.25 million kg in 2022 to 6.13 million kg in 2023. This marks a 37 percent reduction since the peak sales year of 2015, reflecting industry-wide adoption of stewardship measures.
- Diversification of Veterinary Biologics: An increasing number of novel biologic products such as monoclonal antibodies and RNA-based therapies have been licensed by USDA APHIS. For example, a monoclonal antibody for canine atopic dermatitis was granted a CVB license (VLN 190), illustrating growth in targeted immunotherapies for companion animals.
Use Cases
- Controlling Bacterial Infections in Food Animals: In 2023, 6,127,991 kg of medically important antibiotics were sold for use in cattle, swine, poultry, and other food-producing animals. These drugs were employed to prevent and treat respiratory, gastrointestinal, and systemic bacterial infections, helping to maintain herd health and productivity on farms.
- Vaccination Against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAIV): During FY 2024, more than 90 million domestic birds across 49 States were affected by HPAIV. USDA-ARS research efforts have been directed toward developing rapid-onset vaccine platforms and improving diagnostic tests to prevent and contain future outbreaks in poultry production.
- Targeted Immunotherapy in Companion Animals: A licensed monoclonal antibody product (VLN 190) is being used to manage canine atopic dermatitis, a chronic skin condition affecting up to 10 percent of dogs. This biologic offers a targeted approach that can reduce reliance on broad-spectrum immunosuppressants, improving quality of life for affected pets.
Conclusion
The global animal drugs market is poised for substantial growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising demand for livestock products, and heightened awareness of animal health. Advancements in veterinary pharmaceuticals, biologics, and regulatory reforms are accelerating treatment availability and fostering innovation.
North America remains the market leader, while Asia Pacific shows the fastest growth trajectory due to expanding veterinary infrastructure and government-led health initiatives. Ongoing emphasis on antimicrobial stewardship, biologic diversification, and strategic partnerships underscores the market’s evolving landscape. As regulatory frameworks strengthen and therapeutic options expand, the global animal drugs market is expected to witness sustained and transformative growth through 2034.
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