Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal, By Product (NSAIDs, Anesthetics), By Route of Administration, By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Market Size & Trends

The global companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market size was valued at USD 192.44 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.45% from 2025 to 2030. The most crucial driver for this market is the proliferating R&D initiatives globally, which act as catalysts in improving existing pain management practices as well as inventing efficient novel techniques. Increasing pet ownership significantly contributes to this growth, as more households adopt pets, leading to a higher demand for veterinary services, including surgical procedures that necessitate effective management solutions.

The rising prevalence of surgical interventions and improvement in ailment management & treatment infrastructure in companion animals further amplifies this demand, as many pets undergo surgeries annually, creating a pressing need for postoperative care. The most dynamic driving factor for this market is the flourishing global R&D initiatives throughout the sector. Research scientists and veterinarians across the globe are continuously involved in conducting research of various types, such as drug/medicine efficacy studies, drug/medicine comparative studies, end-user surveys, etc. Such activities act as motivating factors for the industry participants to make continuous improvements in the existing management and treatment protocols.

For example, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Knowledge in October 2024 published an analysis of the effectiveness of bupivacaine as a local anesthetic in reducing post-operative ache in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. While bupivacaine showed some analgesic benefits compared to placebo, the evidence did not conclusively establish its superiority over other analgesics, with findings suggesting that other medications might provide better relief. The authors recommended that further research with bigger sample sizes and improved methodologies are crucial to clarify the role of such drugs in analgesic post-operative management for feline surgeries.

Furthermore, esteemed veterinary organizations, such as the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), are actively involved in taking note and propagating awareness about the leading research that has the potential to impact this postoperative pain management sector the most. In September 2024, BSAVA published an article on the occasion of Pain Awareness Month, highlighting the achievements as well as limitations inferred by three crucial studies in companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics. One notable study examined the analgesic efficacy of methadone, morphine, and tramadol in 30 cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy, finding no significant differences in relief among the groups, but highlighting a high need for postoperative analgesia.

Another essential trial compared grapiprant and meloxicam for managing postoperative joint ache in dogs, revealing that grapiprant provided better pain control and improved quality of life following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Additionally, another research indicated that cats are often undertreated for ache compared to dogs after surgical procedures, with only 6.7% of cats receiving analgesics post-ovariohysterectomy, underscoring a significant gap in pain management practices for felines.

Another market driver is the humanization trend, in which pets are increasingly viewed as family members. This has led to greater expenditures on their health and wellness. This is evident from the rise in pet insurance policies that cover postoperative care and the increased demand for high-quality, specialized veterinary services. The humanization trend not only influences spending habits but also drives innovations to improve the quality of life for pets, further propelling the market for effective postoperative pain management solutions.

Animal Insights

Dogs accounted for 46.8% of revenue share in 2024. This can be attributed to the high number of surgical procedures performed on dogs, particularly orthopedic surgeries and dental procedures, due to higher overall expenditure on their healthcare compared to other companion animals. Dogs are also more prone to injuries and conditions that require surgical intervention, leading to a greater need for effective management solutions. Products such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and local anesthetics are commonly used to manage postoperative pain in dogs.

The cats segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2025 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing number of pet owners and the rising awareness of the importance of pain management in feline care. Cats often undergo surgeries for conditions like urinary tract obstructions, dental issues, and soft tissue injuries. As pet owners become more attentive to their cats' health and well-being, the demand for specialized therapeutics is expected to rise. This can be further concretized by increasing scientific exploration to explore novel drug protocols for postoperative pain management in cats. For example, in February 2024, a study published in the MDPI journal investigated the effectiveness of preventative analgesia with amantadine for managing postoperative ache in cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy. Results indicated that amantadine significantly improved control compared to a placebo, suggesting its potential as a practical component in multimodal analgesic strategies for feline surgeries.

Product Insights

NSAIDs held the largest market share of 42.4% in 2024. This dominance is due to the widespread use of NSAIDs in managing pain and inflammation in pets, particularly after surgeries. NSAIDs are favored for their effectiveness in reducing pain, swelling, and fever, making them a go-to choice for veterinarians. Commonly used NSAIDs in veterinary medicine include carprofen, meloxicam, and deracoxib, which are prescribed to manage postoperative pain in both dogs and cats.

The anesthetics segment is expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This growth is driven by the increasing number of surgical procedures performed on companion animals and the need for effective management during and after surgery. Anesthetics ensure that animals remain pain-free and comfortable during surgical procedures. Innovations in anesthetic drugs and techniques, such as developing longer-acting local anesthetics and improved delivery methods, contribute to the segment's rapid growth.

Route of Administration Insights

The oral segment held 86.6% of the market share in 2024, attributed to the ease of administration and the preference for oral medications among pet owners. Oral drugs, namely NSAIDs and opioids, are routinely administered for postoperative care in pets. These medications are convenient to administer and are often preferred for their effectiveness in managing the ache over extended periods. The availability of chewable tablets and flavored liquids that can be combined with their food also makes oral administration more acceptable to pets by increasing their palatability, further contributing to the segment's popularity.

The injectable segment is projected to experience the fastest growth over the forecast period, driven by the need for rapid relief and the effectiveness of injectable medications in managing acute postoperative pain. Injectable alternatives provide rapid relief due to their swift onset of action and higher drug bioavailability, which is crucial in the immediate post-surgical period. The development of longer-acting injectable formulations and advancements in drug delivery systems are expected to support this growth.

End Use Insights

The veterinary hospitals and clinics segment dominated the market in 2024 due to the high volume of surgical procedures performed in these settings, necessitating effective pain management solutions. Veterinary hospitals and clinics are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and expertise to administer a range of therapies, including NSAIDs, anesthetics, and opioids. The professional environment ensures that animals receive appropriate care and monitoring during recovery, contributing to the segment's leading position.

The e-commerce segment is projected to grow fastest over the forecast period. The convenience of online shopping and the increasing number of pet owners seeking accessible and cost-effective solutions drive this growth. E-commerce platforms offer various products, including oral medications and supplements that owners can purchase directly at their convenience. The ease of buying these products online and the availability of customer reviews and detailed product information make e-commerce an attractive option for pet owners. Additionally, the rise of direct-to-consumer sales by veterinary pharmaceutical companies further supports the expansion of the e-commerce sector in this market.

Regional Insights

North America companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market held the largest share with a revenue share of 38.0% in 2024. This is attributed to the region's high pet adoption rate and advanced veterinary healthcare infrastructure. The presence of key market players and the availability of a wide range of pain management products further contribute to the region's dominance.

U.S. Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Trends

The U.S. companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market dominated in North America in 2024 due to the country's well-established veterinary healthcare system and significant investment in research and development of new therapeutics. Furthermore, in recent years, the regulatory bodies have persistently made novel guidelines to structure the veterinary pain management protocols in the country. For instance, in November 2024, the USFDA formulated essential guidelines for veterinarians regarding pain control and using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in companion animals. While important in managing pain and inflammation, they tend to have some serious side effects, which necessitates thorough discussions between veterinarians and pet owners about their benefits and risks before prescribing these medications. The FDA emphasized the importance of monitoring these pets for adverse reactions and recommended regular health assessments of dogs and cats prescribed NSAIDs.

Europe Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Trends

In 2024, Europe was identified as a lucrative region for the companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market. The region benefits from a high level of pet ownership and a strong focus on animal welfare. Countries such as Germany, France, and the UK have well-developed veterinary healthcare systems and supportive regulatory frameworks that facilitate the introduction of new therapeutics. The increasing awareness about animal health and well-being and rising disposable incomes drive market growth in this region.

One major factor propelling the market in Germany is the increasing incidence of animal cancer. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine in October 2022, the pathological datasets of 109,616 German dog tissue samples were processed and examined statistically. 38,650 samples (35.3%) had non-neoplastic illnesses, while 70,966 samples (64.7%) had neoplasms diagnosed. Consequently, as cancer becomes more common in pets, the need for pain relief and palliative care will also increase. Hence, veterinary clinics and hospitals in the country focus on managing ache associated with surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. This increased focus on pain management to enhance the quality of life for animals has led to greater demand for advanced pain-relief medications.

Obesity among dogs is a widespread concern in many countries, including Sweden. A July 2023 National Library of Medicine report states that approximately 30% of Swedish dog breeds are overweight. Dog obesity frequently results in a number of health problems, such as osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal pain, and joint difficulties, which results in increasing demand for veterinary pain medications. As a result of this trend, the market for pain management products, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and treatments for joint health in pets, has increased.

Asia Pacific Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Trends

The Asia Pacific companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.82% during the forecast period, driven by increasing pet ownership, rising disposable incomes, and improving veterinary healthcare infrastructure in countries like China, India, and Japan. Moreover, in major countries like India, the increasing prevalence of arthritis in dogs and other animals has led to a notable increase in the need for pain management drugs. Dogs with arthritis frequently have degenerative joint disease, which causes joint stiffness, ache, and inflammation, according to a July 2023 Times of India article. It usually affects elderly dogs, but for a variety of causes, such as genetics, trauma, or illnesses, it can also afflict younger dogs. It can sometimes lead to the need for operative measures.

As pet ownership rises, pet life expectancy increases, and the prevalence of chronic orthopedic illnesses rises, Japan's market is expected to grow considerably. In Japan, pets are likely to live longer. This increases the pet population's vulnerability to long-term orthopedic conditions related to trauma and aging that affect the knee, hip, elbow, and shoulder. Furthermore, the presence of specialized veterinary hospitals contributes significantly to the market growth. Veterinary hospitals are essential for treating animals for therapeutic purposes, especially orthopedic surgeries. For example, the OrthoPets animal clinic in Japan specializes in surgical interventions like joint malalignments, arthritis, complicated bone fractures, and orthopedic joint procedures, which require therapeutic care postoperative.

Latin America Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Trends

The Latin America market is driven by the increasing prevalence of pet injuries and, subsequently, increasing sales of products. In addition, rising pet care and the presence of domestic veterinary pharmaceutical companies are expanding the regional market space. Some of the region's leading manufacturers, like Ourofino Saude Animale and Alvira Saude Animale, present a comprehensive pain management product portfolio for the end users. Brazil and Argentina are key countries in the Latin American market; both have rapidly developing infrastructure & growing veterinary care services due to the increasing pet population. In addition, expanding private services in the country is anticipated to drive the demand for postoperative pain management solutions in the region.

Argentina's market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.81% over the forecast period, the fastest in the region. This can be attributed to growing pet ownership, rising concern for pet health, and increasing adoption of companion animals, creating future growth opportunities. In addition, ongoing developments for routine check-ups, surgeries, and emergency care are anticipated to drive the market over the forecast period. Similarly, the growing number of small to larger veterinary practices nationwide drives the need for specialized market products. Furthermore, the country's increasing number of market players fuels market growth.

MEA Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Trends

South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Kuwait are the key countries in the MEA market. Several regional companies are innovating medicines due to growing pet health concerns. The increase in the launch of innovative products for pain management in pets is significantly driving growth in the MEA market. New treatments, such as advanced non-opioid options like CBD-based therapies and improved drug delivery systems, are offering enhanced efficacy and longer-lasting relief. These innovations meet the increasing demand for practical solutions to manage chronic conditions like conditions in pets. They help expand the market and improve overall animal healthcare in the region.

Saudi Arabia's market is primarily driven by increasing pet ownership and growing investments in veterinary care. As a result, veterinary care is becoming more important in Saudi Arabia for treating various bone & joint-related disorders and pet surgeries. Additionally, the launch of veterinary facilities in Saudi Arabia significantly drives the market. For instance, in August 2024, Saudi Aramco launched Olfa Animal Care Company, a non-profit initiative to shelter stray animals, provide veterinary healthcare, and control animal breeding. The organization establishes care and rehabilitation centers to promote animal welfare and community responsibility. The first phase of the launch includes launching mobile veterinary clinics offering examinations, vaccinations, and sterilizations, with plans to open an animal shelter in Dammam by 2025. The increase in the need for pain management therapies during sterilizations is driving the regional market growth.

Key Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Company Insights

The market is relatively competitive and fragmented due to multiple small and large companies. Moreover, companies are increasingly adopting various strategies, such as mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansions, and product launches, to expand their market shares. Owing to constant research initiatives, this industry can be seen as moderate to high in innovation.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, Dechra announced an agreement to acquire Invetx, a worldwide expert in veterinary pharmaceuticals. This acquisition secures an exciting pipeline of pioneering products for dogs and cats and establishes a presence in the expansive and rapidly expanding mAbs market. Additionally, it will enhance Dechra's current pipeline with new technological capabilities and create substantial opportunities for future expansion.

• In January 2024, researchers from Kansas State University developed a patented oral pain relief formula for dogs to improve postoperative pain management. This formula combines methadone with other drugs to enhance efficacy and duration, demonstrating consistent clinical analgesia within an hour of administration. The researchers also aim to address concerns related to opioid misuse, with the potential for widespread use in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

• In January 2024, Ceva Santé Animale (Ceva) announced the acquisition of Scout Bio. This strategic move grants Ceva access to crucial developments, such as a portfolio of monoclonal antibodies and gene therapy innovations to tackle chronic pet diseases.

Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Report Scope

Global Companion Animal Postoperative Pain Management Therapeutics Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global companion animal postoperative pain management therapeutics market report based on animal, product, route of administration, end use, and region:

• Animal Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Horses

  • Other Companion Animals

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • NSAIDs

  • Anesthetics

  • Opioids

  • Others

• Route of Administration Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Oral

  • Injectable

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Retail

  • E-Commerce

  • Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • KSA

    • UAE

    • South Africa

    • Kuwait