Table of Contents
Overview
New York, NY – July 29, 2025 – The Veterinary Pain Management Market Size is expected to be worth around US$ 4.7 billion by 2034 from US$ 2.4 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2025 to 2034.
In 2024, the global veterinary pain management market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, greater awareness of animal welfare, and rising demand for effective pain control in both companion and livestock animals. Veterinary pain management plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for animals suffering from post-surgical pain, osteoarthritis, cancer, and chronic conditions.
The market is segmented by product type into drugs and devices. Among these, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain the most widely used due to their proven efficacy and ease of administration. The devices segment, including laser therapy and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), is witnessing growing adoption in specialized veterinary clinics and hospitals.
In terms of application, the market covers post-operative pain, cancer, arthritis, and others, with osteoarthritis accounting for a major share due to its high prevalence in aging pets. The end-user segment includes veterinary hospitals, clinics, and research institutions, with hospitals dominating due to advanced infrastructure and access to multimodal pain therapies.
North America leads the global market, supported by a well-developed veterinary healthcare system, high expenditure on pet care, and favorable regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a high-growth region due to increasing awareness, growing veterinary infrastructure, and a rise in pet ownership. The veterinary pain management market is projected to continue expanding as innovations in animal analgesics and pain diagnostics advance.
Key Takeaways
- In 2024, the global veterinary pain management market generated a revenue of US$ 2.4 billion and is projected to reach US$ 4.7 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period.
- By Product Type, the market is categorized into NSAIDs, opioids, anesthetics, and others. Among these, NSAIDs emerged as the leading segment, accounting for a market share of 48.7% in 2023, owing to their widespread use in managing inflammation and pain in animals.
- By Animal Type, the market is segmented into companion animals and production animals. Production animals dominated the market, capturing a revenue share of 57.9%, due to the large-scale use of pain control measures in livestock for welfare and productivity enhancement.
- By Application, the market includes osteoarthritis, postoperative pain, and others. Osteoarthritis represented the largest application segment, contributing 51.3% of total revenue, driven by its high incidence in aging animal populations.
- By Route of Administration, the market is divided into parenteral, oral, and topical segments. The oral route led the market, holding a share of 47.8%, supported by ease of administration and high patient compliance.
- By End-User, hospitals & clinics accounted for the largest share, with 54.6% of the total market, reflecting the concentration of veterinary procedures in clinical settings.
- Regionally, North America dominated the global market, with a market share of 39.9% in 2023, supported by advanced veterinary care infrastructure and high animal healthcare expenditure.
Segmentation Analysis
- Product Type Analysis: The NSAIDs segment led the market with a 48.7% share, attributed to their effectiveness and safer long-term use compared to opioids. Rising cases of chronic conditions like arthritis in pets and livestock are boosting demand. The segment benefits from increasing adoption of multimodal pain therapies, improved NSAID formulations enhancing compliance, and growing pet ownership. Expansion in veterinary infrastructure and greater awareness of animal pain management further support segment growth.
- Animal Type Analysis: Production animals accounted for 57.9% of the market, driven by the global need for animal protein and productivity. This segment benefits from regulatory support promoting animal welfare, rising injury and disease cases in livestock, and economic incentives for farmers to ensure animal health. Greater access to veterinary services and innovations in drug delivery also contribute. As livestock care becomes more structured, demand for pain management among cattle, pigs, and poultry continues to grow.
- Application Analysis: Osteoarthritis led the application segment with a 51.3% revenue share, driven by the aging pet population and longer animal lifespans. Veterinary practices are increasingly focusing on managing osteoarthritis to improve animal mobility and quality of life. Early detection through advanced diagnostics and the availability of newer NSAIDs and adjunct treatments are driving demand. Additionally, pet owners’ willingness to invest in chronic care and rising research into animal joint diseases reinforce the segment’s growth.
- Route of Administration Analysis: The oral route held 47.8% of the market due to ease of use and greater compliance. Its suitability for both acute and chronic pain management makes it popular among pet owners and farm managers. Palatable, sustained-release formulations and improved bioavailability are enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The segment is also supported by increased veterinary recommendations for at-home treatments and the expansion of e-commerce and retail platforms that improve access to oral veterinary medications.
- End-user Analysis: Hospitals and clinics dominated with a 54.6% market share, owing to their advanced infrastructure and availability of comprehensive pain treatment options. Increased specialization in veterinary care and use of multimodal protocols support growth. Rising pet owner preference for expert pain management and a growing number of trained veterinary professionals contribute significantly. Strategic collaborations with pharmaceutical firms and continual investments in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities further strengthen the role of hospitals and clinics in the market.
Market Segments
By Product Type
- NSAIDs
- Opioids
- Anesthetics
- Others
By Animal Type
- Companion Animals
- Production Animals
By Application
- Osteoarthritis
- Postoperative Pain
- Others
By Route of Administration
- Parenteral
- Oral
- Topical
By End-user
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Retail Outlets
- Others
Regional Analysis
North America Leads the Veterinary Pain Management Market
North America accounted for the largest revenue share of 39.9% in the veterinary pain management market, driven by rising pet ownership and heightened awareness of animal welfare. Initiatives by organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which promotes the identification and treatment of animal pain, have contributed significantly to market development.
Advanced veterinary medical infrastructure and the availability of diverse treatment options including pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and adjunct therapies further support regional growth. The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) plays a critical role by approving pain management drugs specifically designed for animals. Additionally, a growing number of pet owners are prioritizing the quality of life of their animals and are increasingly willing to invest in effective pain relief treatments, reinforcing the region’s market dominance.
Asia Pacific Emerges as the Fastest-Growing Region
Asia Pacific is projected to register the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the forecast period. This growth is primarily fueled by a rising pet population in emerging economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asian countries, where urbanization and rising disposable incomes are enhancing pet ownership trends.
The region is witnessing a rapid expansion of veterinary services, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, where awareness of animal health is increasing. Veterinary infrastructure is improving, and more clinics are offering specialized pain management solutions. Countries like Japan and Australia are also experiencing increased demand for veterinary care, further contributing to market growth.
Although detailed statistical data from government sources remain limited, the overall trend indicates that Asia Pacific will continue to serve as a key growth engine for the global veterinary pain management market, supported by increasing access to modern treatments and a shifting cultural emphasis on pet well-being.
Emerging Trends
Increased Use of Non-Opioid Protocols
Veterinary authorities, such as the FDA, recommend that non-opioid treatments are often sufficient to manage animal pain, especially in companion animals like dogs and cats.
Growth in NSAID Use with Client Education
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) remain central to pain control. Veterinarians are strongly advised by government bodies to inform pet owners about both benefits and risks including possible kidney or gastrointestinal side-effects.
Novel Biologic Analgesics (Monoclonal Antibodies)
A new class of therapy canine monoclonal antibody targeting nerve growth factor (NGF) has been approved. The drug Bedinvetmab (branded Librela ) was approved in the U.S. in May 2023 and in the EU in November 2020. It is the first canine monoclonal antibody for osteoarthritis pain in dogs.
Clinical trials demonstrated significant reduction in pain severity, interference, and improved quality of life with monthly subcutaneous injections.
Technology-enabled Pain Assessment
Recent studies funded or conducted in collaboration with academic and national institutions are exploring computer vision and AI to detect pain behaviors in animals (e.g. posture, facial cues) via video. These methods show early promise in recognizing pain non-intrusively.
Physical and Non-Drug Therapies
Modalities such as hydrotherapy, electrical stimulation (TENS, NMES), and coordination exercises are increasingly integrated into treatment plans to reduce drug reliance and support recovery.
In equine practice, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is being used to reduce pain from tendon, ligament, and joint conditions though existing studies remain limited in scale.
Use Cases
Postoperative Pain Relief in Dogs and Cats
Following surgical procedures, veterinarians routinely administer FDA approved nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to control pain and inflammation. As of early 2025, five NSAIDs have been approved for dogs and two for cats to manage postoperative discomfort safely and effectively. These medications are used immediately after surgery and continued for a prescribed period, reducing pain related behaviors and improving recovery times.
Osteoarthritis Management in Companion Dogs
Chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA) in older dogs can be mitigated through both traditional NSAIDs and newer biologic therapies. On May 5, 2023, the FDA approved Librela (a monoclonal antibody) for monthly subcutaneous injection to control OA related pain in dogs. This therapy is dosed by weight and has been adopted in thousands of veterinary practices to enhance mobility and quality of life in aging canine populations.
Analgesia for Calves Undergoing Routine Procedures
In the United States, more than 15million calves experience painful procedures such as castration and disbudding each year. To address animal welfare concerns, producers and veterinarians have increased their use of analgesics over the last decade. However, FDA approval remains limited, creating barriers to widespread use. Validated pain assessment methods and targeted therapy regimens are under evaluation to improve adoption and efficacy in livestock settings.
Pain Control for Cattle with Foot Rot
Foot rot is a common cause of lameness and pain in cattle housed both on pasture and in feedlots. In response, the FDA approved Banamine Transdermal (flunixin) approximately three years ago to control pain associated with foot rot in cattle of all ages and breeds. This transdermal NSAID formulation allows for convenient, once daily administration and has been integrated into herd health programs to reduce suffering and improve animal welfare.
Client Assisted Pain Assessment and Intervention
Effective pain management relies on accurate pain assessment by both veterinary teams and pet owners. A recent survey found that 89% of dog owners considered the Canine Acute Pain Scale useful for identifying their pet’s pain level. However, only 16% of dogs and 6.7% of cats received analgesics following sterilization procedures, suggesting under treatment in companion animals. These figures highlight the need for enhanced client education and standardized assessment tools to ensure adequate pain relief.
Conclusion
The global veterinary pain management market is poised for sustained growth, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising awareness of animal welfare, and advancements in both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. With a projected CAGR of 6.9% through 2034, the market benefits from innovations such as monoclonal antibody treatments, improved NSAID formulations, and AI-based pain assessment tools.
North America continues to lead in infrastructure and regulatory support, while Asia Pacific emerges as a high-growth region. As veterinary practices adopt multimodal pain protocols and client education improves, the demand for effective and accessible pain management solutions is expected to accelerate worldwide.
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