Animal Sedatives Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Drug Class (Phenothiazines, Butyrophenones, Benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic), By Application, By Route Of Administration, By Animal Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Animal Sedatives Market Size & Trends

The global animal sedatives market size was valued at USD 146.49 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.25% from 2024 to 2030. Some key factors responsible for the market growth include increasing adoption of pet insurance, humanization of pets, medicalization rate, number of procedures in animals, and aging pets. As more people consider their pets part of the family, they are more willing to invest in veterinary care, including surgeries when necessary. This shift in attitude has led to an increase in the number of surgeries performed on companion animals.

As the medicalization of veterinary care advances, there is a greater emphasis on sophisticated diagnostics and treatments for animals. More complex procedures, such as surgeries, imaging, and laboratory tests, often require sedation to ensure the safety and cooperation of the animals.Sedatives play a crucial role in emergency and critical care situations. When animals are injured or critically ill, sedation can be used for diagnostic procedures, treatments, and life-saving interventions. The growing emphasis on emergency and critical care also contributes to a higher demand for sedatives. Growing economies and an expanding middle class in key markets have increased the demand for quality care for pets.

The pharmaceutical industry is continually researching and developing new and improved sedatives for animals. This leads to innovation and the introduction of better, more effective sedatives to the market, which drive demand. Advances in drug formulations and delivery methods, such as less invasive and more precise administration techniques, also drive innovation and adoption in the market. The ongoing R&D efforts in veterinary pharmacology also result in the introduction of new and improved sedatives, which are safer, more effective, and have fewer side effects. These innovations contribute to the growth of the animal sedatives market.

Drug Class Insights

Based on the drug class, the animal sedatives market is segmented into phenothiazines, butyrophenones, benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists, and others. The phenothiazines segment held the largest market share of around 40% in 2023. Acepromazine, chlorpromazine, and promazine are some of the most commonly used phenothiazines in veterinary medicine. Veterinarians frequently use sedatives to facilitate medical examinations, diagnostic procedures, and surgeries for animals. As the field of veterinary medicine advances, there is an increasing need for a wide range of sedatives tailored to different animal species and medical purposes.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the market is segmented into surgery, diagnosis, and others. Surgery accounted for the largest share in 2023. Surgeries are performed on animals for various reasons, including spaying/neutering, orthopedic procedures, dental work, tumor removal, and more. The diversity of surgical procedures necessitates a variety of sedatives tailored to the specific needs of each procedure and animal species. Animals can experience significant stress and anxiety when undergoing surgery or interventional procedures. Sedatives can help alleviate this stress, making the experience less traumatic for the animal and improving the post-operative recovery.

Route Of Administration Insights

The injectable segment is expected to grow at a rapid rate during the forecast period. Injectable sedatives are commonly used in veterinary care centers for a rapid onset of action. There is a trend towards the development of more potent and fast-acting injectable sedatives.Injectable sedatives provide precise dosing and immediate sedation, making them ideal for surgeries, emergencies, or when rapid sedation is required.

Animal Type Insights

The small animal segment comprising dogs, cats, and others dominated the market in 2023.Advances in veterinary medicine have led to developing of specialized procedures and treatments for small animals, which may require sedation. This includes advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive surgeries, and more complex medical interventions.As pets age, they may require more medical care and interventions, including sedatives for pain management and medical procedures. The aging pet population contributes to the demand for sedatives.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market with a share of around 40% in 2023. This is owing to high pet expenditure and the availability of advanced veterinary care infrastructure. The growing demand for animal sedatives in small animals, in particular, reflects the evolving role of pets in households, the emphasis on animal welfare, and the desire to provide the best care and quality of life for companion animals. This trend has led to a wider variety of sedatives designed specifically for small animals and has contributed to the overall growth of the market.

Competitive Insights

Key players operating in the market are Zoetis Inc., Elanco, Ceva, Merck & Co. Inc., Virbac, Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC, Chanelle Pharma, and NexGen Pharmaceuticals, among others. These are involved in R&D, new product development, M&A activities, partnerships & collaborations, and other strategic alliances to boost their market presence and share. Some of the recent strategic initiatives undertaken by the key companies are as follows.

• In April 2022,Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC received U.S. FDA approval for medetomidine and vatinoxan hydrochloride injection called Zenalpha in dogs for use as a sedative and analgesic during diagnostic exams and medical procedures. Dechra holds the marketing authorization (MA) for the product in the U.S.

• In December 2021,Zenalpha, developed by Finland-based Vetcare Oy, received clearance from the European Medicine Agency (EMA).