Veterinary Education Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Course, By Specialty (Veterinary Surgery, Veterinary Medicine), By Institution, By Delivery Mode, By Duration, By End Customer, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Veterinary Education Market Size & Trends

The global veterinary education market size was estimated at USD 2.99 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2024 to 2030. The market is driven by a growing demand for specialized services and increasing government initiatives to support veterinary education. Furthermore, the rising demand for animal grooming services and technological advancements driving the need for a skilled workforce are estimated to drive the market growth in the forecast period.

The growing demand for specialized services is driving the market. According to 2024 data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are around 22 specialty organizations recognized by AVMA comprising 46 distinct specialties in the U.S., and over 16,500 veterinarians have been granted diplomas in these specialties after completion of postgraduate training, education, and examination requirements. Further, as pet owners become more knowledgeable and willing to invest in advanced care for their animals, there's an increasing need for veterinarians with expertise in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. This trend pushes educational institutions to expand their curricula and offer more specialized training programs, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the animal healthcare industry.

Increasing government initiatives to support veterinary education are crucial in shaping the market. Many countries recognize the importance of animal health concerning public health, food safety, and economic stability. Organizations such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) provide tools and support to strengthen workforce development, including curricula development and para-professional training. As a result, governments are allocating more funds to schools, offering scholarships, and implementing policies to encourage students to pursue careers in animal medicine. These initiatives are improving the quality of education and increasing accessibility to this field of study.

The rising demand for grooming services influences the market. As pet ownership continues to grow and owners place greater emphasis on their animals' appearance and hygiene, an increased need for professionals skilled in grooming techniques can be seen in the industry. Nearly 54% of households in the U.S. own a dog; pet owners spend over USD 6 billion for pet grooming annually, which has exceeded in recent years in North America. According to an article published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in 2020, 81% of U.S. dog owners had groomed their pets annually. In addition, at-home grooming was the most adopted type of grooming (41%), dog salons (30%), mobile grooming service (9%), retailer (8%), and self-service center (6%). This trend prompts institutions to incorporate more comprehensive grooming courses into their programs, ensuring interested individuals become well-rounded and capable of offering a wider range of services to meet client demands.

Technological advancements drive the need for a skilled workforce in this animal health field, significantly impacting the market. As new diagnostic tools, treatment methods, and healthcare management systems emerge, veterinarians must use these technologies proficiently. Schools are enhancing their study programs to include training in telemedicine, 3D printing for prosthetics, and advanced imaging techniques. This emphasis on technology in education ensures that future veterinarians are prepared to leverage these innovations in their practice, ultimately improving animal care outcomes.

There has been a significant rise in the shortage of veterinarians globally. The shortage of veterinarians creates a demand for more individuals to enter the profession, driving enrollment in schools and programs. Schools may expand their programs or establish new schools to meet the demand for trained veterinarians. This expansion increases competition among educational institutions and can lead to innovations in curriculum and teaching methods. The shortage of veterinarians in countries like the U.S. profoundly affects access to animal healthcare and the overall welfare of healthcare professionals.

Organizations like the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) collaborate with academic institutions, medical associations, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure that colleges and higher education institutions can adequately address these shortages and effectively meet the increasing demands on the animal healthcare sector. In addition, the shortage of veterinarians drives the market by increasing demand for education and training, influencing program expansion, impacting tuition costs, and shaping efforts to address workforce needs in various sectors of the profession.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market has a moderate concentration. It is expanding faster, in a medium growth stage, and exhibits a moderate to high level of innovation, as demonstrated. For instance, the Center for Innovation in Veterinary Education and Technology (CIVET) at Lincoln Memorial University-College of Veterinary Medicine, U.S., focuses on enhancing education through innovative teaching techniques, reducing animal usage in training, and offering advanced educator training. Their strategic goals include developing and disseminating novel educational methods, providing research opportunities, and enhancing educator tools and training.

There is a moderate to high level of M&A activity within this education sector in the market. Educational institutions and private companies frequently collaborate, merging resources to expand their educational offerings and reach a broader audience.

The market experiences a moderate impact of regulations. Regulations significantly impact this industry, ensuring that educational standards and professional practices are maintained. Regulatory bodies set guidelines for curriculum development, accreditation, and professional certification that institutions must adhere to, ensuring quality education and competent graduates.

The market experiences a moderate level of product substitutes. Product expansion includes developing specialized courses, online learning platforms, and international exchange programs. These expansions cater to the growing demand for diverse learning methods and specialized fields such as exotic animal medicine, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare.

This sector is expanding regionally, with institutions establishing campuses and partnerships in different geographical areas. This regional expansion addresses the global need for professionals, particularly in underserved regions, by providing access to quality education and training facilities. Education through E-learning is also gaining traction in the market.

Course Insights

Graduate courses accounted for the largest market share of 40.63% in revenue in 2023, owing to the importance of graduate courses as they are pivotal in driving the market by offering specialized, in-depth training essential for producing qualified veterinarians. Recent developments include incorporating advanced technologies like telemedicine and simulation-based learning to enhance practical skills. Many universities have expanded their graduate-level programs, offering more specialized tracks and concentrations to meet the growing demand for advanced expertise. There has been an increase in dual degree programs, such as DVM/MPH and DVM/PhD, to train veterinarians in public health, research, and academia. For instance, in July 2024, representatives from Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UNAIR) (Indonesia) visited Taiwan’s National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST) as they focused on establishing a double-degree program and exploring staff exchange opportunities.

Standalone courses are anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. This segment consists of courses in a variety of fields, such as pharmacology, animal nutrition, surgery, wildlife medicine, animal behavior, equine welfare and management, dairy production and management, and various other courses related to animal health and allied health verticals. Standalone courses attract professionals seeking specific skill upgrades without committing to long-term programs. They cover topics like wildlife conservation and exotic animal care, catering to niche markets and expanding the scope of animal health practice. Animal health associations and private providers have introduced more standalone continuing education courses and certifications in specialized areas like animal behavior, dentistry, and emergency care. This allows practicing vets to expand their skills. Some universities also offer individual online courses and micro-credentials in a variety of topics for professionals and pet owners. This provides flexible and accessible learning.

Specialty Insights

Veterinary medicine accounted for the largest market share of 32.25% in terms of revenue in 2023 and is expected to expand at a lucrative CAGR over the forecast period.The rising prevalence of disorders in companion animals is driving the segment’s growth. Osteoarthritis stands as one of the most prevalent diseases in animals nowadays. Zoetis U.S. highlighted in their data that dogs have a more than 40% prevalence of OA. Modern methods for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses in animals are now available due to the remarkable advancements in veterinary medicine. As the core of this field, these programs ensure comprehensive training in animal health. Innovations such as virtual reality (VR) for training and integrated research opportunities have modernized these programs, attracting more students. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on training students in telehealth, practice management, and client communication to prepare them for modern animal health practice.

Animal grooming is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Courses in animal grooming cater to a growing pet care industry. These programs focus on the aesthetics and well-being of pets, offering career opportunities in grooming salons and pet care services, thus broadening the market. Vocational schools and community colleges have added more certificate and diploma programs in pet grooming and styling to meet the rising demand for these services. Online courses in basic pet grooming have also become more prevalent, allowing flexible training for aspiring groomers.

Institution Insights

Public institutions dominated the market in 2023 and are also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. They play a crucial role by offering accessible and affordable education. They often lead research and development, influence curriculum standards, and promote global best practices through partnerships and collaborations. Government-funded schools and colleges continue to be major providers of animal health education, with many expanding enrollments and facilities to address workforce shortages.

Public-private partnerships such as joint research initiatives and scholarships have emerged to support education. Recently, in May 2024, the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at the University of Connecticut (UConn) signed MOUs with Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER), Dayal Bagh Educational Institute, and IIT Roorkee. These agreements aimed to enhance global research collaborations, enable faculty and student exchanges, and establish study-abroad programs. The collaboration included joint research on global issues, and the first group of students from India visited UConn in May for hands-on experience in various research fields. Such initiatives are set to drive the segment growth over the forecast period.

Delivery Mode Insights

E-learning dominated the market in 2023 and is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. E-learning has revolutionized the sector by providing flexible, accessible learning options. Recent developments include interactive platforms, virtual labs, and online certifications, making education more inclusive and adaptable to diverse learning needs. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online and virtual learning modalities, with more schools offering remote courses and simulations.

Specialized e-learning platforms provide on-demand CE courses and webinars for practicing professionals. For instance, in March 2023 , The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) launched an upgraded e-learning platform called Learn, designed to offer free, flexible courses to interested individuals. The platform provides over 30 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, including topics like Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine (EBVM), Quality Improvement (QI), and medication safety. Developed by animal health professionals, the platform enhances user experience and is regularly updated to ensure compliance with professional standards. The platform aims to support educators in delivering high-quality care through accessible learning resources.

Duration Insights

More than 2 years dominated the market with a revenue share of 47.20% in 2023. As these extended courses offer comprehensive training, including practical internships and research opportunities. These programs are essential for producing highly skilled professionals, particularly in specialized fields like surgery and pathology. In addition to traditional 4-year DVM programs, there is growth in accelerated 3-year degrees to fast-track students into the workforce. Shorter certificate and diploma programs of less than 1-year duration have also proliferated for roles like assistants and technicians.

Less than 1 year is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Short-term courses are designed for quick skill acquisition and specialization, catering to immediate market needs. They include certifications in areas such as animal first aid and pet nutrition, addressing urgent skill gaps in the industry.

End Customer Insights

New students accounted for the largest market revenue share of 65.74% in 2023 and is also anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. The segment is driven by the expansion of existing colleges and the establishment of new schools. The influx of new students and learners drives demand for innovative and engaging educational methods. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a record number of first-year students, exceeding 4,000, enrolled in U.S. colleges for the 2022-23 academic year. The overall enrollment in U.S. colleges of animal medicine reached 15,157 in the 2022-23 school year, a notable increase from the 11,255 students enrolled a decade ago. Several colleges have been expanding their capacity, with the University of Georgia, the University of Florida, and Louisiana State University experiencing significant growth, with added first-year seats increasing by 36, 31, and 30, respectively, between 2018-19 and 2022-23. Institutions increasingly focus on personalized learning experiences, mentorship programs, and career guidance to attract and retain students. Efforts are underway to attract more diverse candidates to this profession through outreach, scholarships, and inclusive admissions.

Veterinarians is expected to grow steadily at 4.7% over the forecast period. Practicing veterinarians consistently seek to update their knowledge and skills, creating a strong demand for continuing education programs. This drives the development of new courses, workshops, and online learning platforms. As veterinarians increasingly specialize in areas like oncology, dentistry, or exotic animal medicine, it pushes schools to expand their curricula and offer more specialized training programs. Furthermore, veterinarians who start their practices or innovative businesses create new models that influence the study programs in these schools, especially in areas like practice management and business skills. Further, according to 2024 Iowa Dairy Ambassador Maggie Cronk, veterinarians can significantly impact the success of dairy farms by providing valuable insights to help farmers optimize their operations and increase profitability. By working closely with veterinarians, dairy farmers can identify areas for improvement, implement data-driven decisions, and create more sustainable and efficient farming practices, ultimately leading to a more prosperous and resilient operation.

Regional Insights

North America veterinary education market accounted for the largest share of 34.49% in the global market in 2023 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. The increasing pet ownership and awareness of pet health in the U.S. drive the demand for specialized veterinary services. This, in turn, creates a need for advanced veterinary education to meet the rising expectations. Furthermore, the government and private organizations in countries like the U.S. offer various grants and funding opportunities to support veterinary education, enhancing the quality and reach of these programs. Moreover, North America's growing pet population is driving up demand for veterinary services.

U.S. Veterinary Education Market Trends

The veterinary education market in the U.S. is significantly driven by the presence of a large number of veterinary hospitals. For instance, according to Ibis World statistics, there were 48,487 veterinary services businesses in the U.S. as of 2023. A recent study by Mars Veterinary Health estimated that the U.S. will face a shortage of approximately 15,000 veterinarians by 2030, as demand for pet care services is expected to outstrip the supply of professionals, with only 41,000 veterinarians projected to be available to meet the needs of pets and their owners. In addition, the country is shifting towards cutting-edge technologies in veterinary medicine, such as telemedicine and advanced diagnostics, which require a skilled workforce, thereby driving the need for enhanced education programs.

Europe Veterinary Education Market Trends

The veterinary education market in Europe is expected to grow significantly due to growing awareness of animal health and favorable government regulations. Pet owners and livestock farmers are becoming increasingly aware of animal health and welfare. This includes recognizing the importance of pain management in enhancing the quality of life for animals.

The UK veterinary education market is driven by rising pet humanization and advancements in veterinary medicine. The UK government supports veterinary education through funding and regulatory frameworks that ensure high standards in training. Furthermore, government regulations support market growth. In March 2024 , new Veterinary Medicines Regulations were introduced in the UK Parliament to modernize the existing framework. These changes are part of the UK's broader efforts to enhance animal health and welfare, human health, and environmental sustainability. Such initiatives drive the market forward.

Asia Pacific Veterinary Education Market Trends

The veterinary education market in Asia Pacific is expected to exhibit the fastest growth of 7.2% CAGR over the forecast period. The region's growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including an increasing number of pets, the rising prevalence of animal diseases, rising concerns about animal health, and the region's growing livestock population. In April 2 024, a significant event in the Asia Pacific region was held to discuss the progress and future steps of the Veterinary Workforce Development Programme for Veterinarians & Veterinary Paraprofessionals (VPPs). The program aimed to strengthen the workforce through targeted training, capacity building, and strategic initiatives. It focused on addressing the current challenges in the field and planning for sustainable development.

China veterinary education market is expected to grow substantially over the forecast period due to the growing economy, a notable increase in pet ownership, and growing awareness of animal welfare. This shift has led to a rising demand for qualified veterinary professionals, prompting the expansion and improvement of veterinary education programs across the country. Chinese universities are increasingly partnering with international institutions to enhance their curricula and align with global standards.

Latin America Veterinary Education Market Trends

The veterinary education market in Latin America is driven by the expansion of veterinary services. The market is driven by rising awareness of animal healthcare, rising pet ownership, and the growing livestock industry. This growth is further supported by government initiatives and private-sector investments to improve education and training facilities. Advanced veterinary programs and specialized courses are becoming more prevalent, catering to the diverse needs of the region's animal health industry.

Brazil veterinary education market is influenced by several key factors, such as rising veterinary healthcare expenditures and increasing awareness of animal welfare. Collaborations between schools and international institutions are enhancing the quality of education, providing students with access to the latest research, technologies, and best practices. The market also benefits from a growing emphasis on public health and zoonotic disease prevention, underscoring the critical role of well-trained professionals.

Middle East & Africa Veterinary Education Market Trends

The veterinary education market in MEA has grown over the forecasted years, attributable to the increasing requirement for veterinary medicine and grooming services. The growing demand for specialized services and increasing government initiatives to support veterinary education further drive the market in the region.

Key Veterinary Education Company Insights

The market is moderately competitive due to the existence of key market participants. However, due to the existence of multiple small and large companies, the market is slightly fragmented. Thus, small players face intense competition to maintain their market position. Moreover, companies are increasingly adopting various strategies, such as mergers and acquisitions, geographic expansion, and the launch of study programs, to grow in the market.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, representatives from Universitas Airlangga’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH UNAIR) (Indonesia) visited Taiwan’s National Pingtung University of Science and Technology (NPUST). They focused on establishing a double-degree program and exploring staff exchange opportunities. Key discussions included joint research projects and guest lecturing. This collaboration aimed to enhance academic exchanges and align with the Sustainable Development Goal of quality education.

• In June 2024, Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS) and VetCT collaborated to integrate cutting-edge technology and teleconsulting into the HKVS curriculum. This partnership enhanced education by providing students access to VetCT's teleconsulting services and imaging specialists. The collaboration focused on improving diagnostic skills and offering real-world case studies to students, preparing them for future careers.

• In June 2024, a new One Health Teaching Laboratory was launched in Sri Lanka to enhance poultry education. The laboratory focuses on the interconnectedness of animal, human, and environmental health. It aims to provide comprehensive training and research opportunities for students and professionals in the poultry sector, promoting a holistic approach to health and disease management.

• In May 2024, the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR) at UConn signed MOUs with Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER), Dayalbagh Educational Institute, and IIT Roorkee. These agreements aimed to enhance global research collaborations, enable faculty and student exchanges, and establish study-abroad programs. The collaboration included joint research on global issues, and the first group of students from India visited UConn in May for hands-on experience in various research fields.

• In May 2024, Evette and Shepherd Veterinary Software established a collaborative partnership aimed at addressing the shortage. The partnership involved multiple stakeholders from the educational sectors and used its practice information management system (PIMS) in the U.S. The partnership focused on creating initiatives to increase the number of animal health professionals and improve their distribution, particularly in underserved areas. This included enhancing educational programs and providing better support for students and graduates.

• In May 2024, Lucknow University and the University of Copenhagen signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster academic collaboration. The partnership included faculty and student exchanges, joint research projects, and shared academic resources. This agreement aimed to enhance educational and research opportunities, benefiting both institutions by leveraging their strengths.

• In March 2024, the World Veterinary Association and Brooke collaborated to develop the world's first Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML) for food-producing animals, a groundbreaking initiative promoting animal health and welfare worldwide. By ensuring the global availability of critical animal medicines, the EVML provides a valuable resource for policymakers and veterinarians, enabling them to deliver high-quality animal care to the agricultural sector and ultimately improve the lives of millions of animals

Veterinary Education Market Report Scope

Global Veterinary Education Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and analyzes the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the veterinary education market report based on course, specialty, institution, delivery mode, duration, end customer, and region:

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

  • Graduate Courses

  • Post-graduate Courses

  • Standalone Courses

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

  • Veterinary Surgery

  • Veterinary Medicine

  • Veterinary Nursing

  • Animal Grooming

  • Other Specialties

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

  • Public

  • Private

• Delivery Mode Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Classroom-based Courses

  • E-Learning

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

  • Less the 1 year

  • 1 - 2 years

  • More than 2 years

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

  • New Students

  • Veterinarians

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

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait