U.S. Military Animals Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal Type (Dogs, Cats), By Service Type (Sentry, Casualty), By Sector (Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The U.S. military animals market size was estimated at USD 37.96 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.61% from 2023 to 2030. Key factors driving the market growth include the rising internal & external security challenges, as well as the rising demand for military working dogs and expenditure on these animals. Dogs are utilized by the American military across all sectors. Furthermore, dogs have been used in battle since ancient times for their skills inclusive of battle training to serving as sentinels, scouts, compassion dogs, couriers, and trackers, and some of these roles still exist in the current military.

Unlike in the past, when a dog was only used as a weapon, troops now consider military working dogs as fellow combatants who deserve the same amount of care and medical attention as their human counterparts. Moreover, military working dogs are frequently employed to patrol and look for illicit items such as explosives, drugs, or other items. They can detect hidden objects more successfully than their human counterparts due to their keen sense of smell.

Moreover, according to The American Kennel Club, Inc., the Department of Defence Military Working Dog Veterinary Service is a subordinate entity of the Army Public Health Centre in charge of the health of the around 900 dogs or puppies at Lackland Air Force Base. There are 14 veterinarians on that team, 23 technicians, and 6 non-medical support staff. In addition, Lackland Air Force Base has created a research and development program to examine enhanced protective clothing and breathing masks for military working dogs.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 placed tremendous pressure on the world's healthcare systems, governments, and societies. The pandemic crisis exposed various flaws in the current emergency response mechanisms by catching several nations off guard on the international stage. Most training and international travel came to an end, recruiting moved online, and some deployments were curtailed or put on hold due to the pandemic. However, more importantly, the pandemic caused certain permanent modifications to military protocols and operations, and some of the measures.

In addition, according to the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, on April 19, 2023, the U.S. Army Material Development Agency conducted a test of a veterinary anesthesia device for the U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity. At Lackland Air Force Base in Texas' Holland Military Working Dog Hospital, the test was carried out. The test was attended by members of the Texas-based Fort Cavazos 43rd Medical Detachment Veterinary Service Support. The operational assessment's goal was to evaluate the utility and efficacy of the veterinary anesthesia apparatus system for military working dogs by staging genuine anesthesia-related activities in a training and operational setting.

Animal Type Insights

The dog segment dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to witness a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. Dogs have served in the military for hundreds of years. They have recently been trained in communications, such as carrying messages in battle or pulling telephone wires from one site to another. Military dogs are also used to find and follow fugitives and enemy soldiers. Scout dogs are taught to quietly discover explosive devices and hidden enemies like snipers using their excellent senses of smell and hearing. Dogs are excellent at searching military bases or camps for trespassers.

In terms of dog breeds, German Shepherds dominated the dog segment. Some dog breeds are not appropriate for these kinds of roles. For instance, a Chihuahua is simply too small to perform some jobs. Due to their loyalty, obedience, loving nature, and potent bite, the German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois, and Retriever breeds are currently the ones most frequently utilized in the military. Additionally, they must be physically fit with no physical constraints.

Service Type Insights

Based on service type, the scout/patrol search segment dominated the market in 2022. Similar to sentry dogs, dogs are trained for patrol searches. A dog’s silent nature is essential for this task. Hence, these dogs have been taught to stealthily find snipers and ambushes. Not many dogs are suitable for this extremely important job; these dogs must be intelligent and have a calm demeanor. They are normally placed on the front lines, off-leash, and away from their handlers. They signal their handlers by tightening their stance or by flicking an ear.  

The sentry segment is expected to witness a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. These dogs have been taught to growl or bark to alert troops to any impending danger. This is useful at night when visibility is constrained. Additionally, they keep watch over supply depots, airports, and any other crucial locations or storage facilities. They are also reportedly used by the coast guard to identify enemy submarines.

Sector Insights

By sector, the army dominated the market in 2022 and is expected to witness a lucrative CAGR during the forecast period. The army is responsible for defending the United States' land mass, as well as its territories, commonwealths, and possessions. It accomplishes this by supplying the necessary forces and tools for long-lasting stability and military operations on land. The Army also assists other branches with logistics and assistance.

The Army is the biggest and most established branch of the military. The U.S. armed forces are regarded as having the strongest military in the entire world. The United States armed forces have significant defense and power projection capabilities due to their enormous budget, which has led to the development of powerful technology that enables a widespread deployment of the force throughout the world, including at about 800 military bases outside of the United States.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Due to the existence of organizations offering training and support to military working dogs, the market is competitive. Working dogs with the proper training may find drugs, bombs, people buried beneath debris, smuggled food, pipeline leaks, and game animals. A worldwide increase in demand is being caused by their adaptability, particularly for security reasons. Organizations are thus growing due to competition with foreign governments as well as one another. For instance, the woman-owned small business (WOSB) ExcelsiorK9 provides working dogs and obedience training. Some prominent players in the U.S. military animals market include:

• Pond & Company

• Shultz K9 Enforcement Inc

• K9 Partners for Patriots

• ExcelsiorK9

• TWG Group

• Us K9 Unlimited

• Worldwide Canine

•  Cobra Canine

• K2 Solutions, Inc

U.S. Military Animals Market Report Scope

U.S. Military Animals Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. military animals market report based on animal type, service type, and sector:

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

  • Dogs

    • German Shepherds

    • Belgian Malinois

    • Retrievers

    • Others

  • Cats

  • Others

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Scout/Patrol Search

  • Sentry 

  • Casualty

  • Explosive Detection

  • Narcotic Detection

  • Others

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

  • Army

  • Air Force

  • Marine

  • Navy