Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market (2026 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Animal (Companion, Production), By Application (Clinical Pathology, Parasitology), By Technology (Clinical Chemistry, Hematology), By End Use, By Region, And Segment Forecasts

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Summary

The global veterinary reference laboratory market size was estimated at USD 5.35 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 12.08 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.87% from 2026 to 2033. The market is experiencing growth driven by factors such as growing awareness of early disease detection in companion animals, expansion of diagnostic capacity through laboratory acquisitions and network build-outs, increasing public investment in zoonotic disease surveillance and food safety, and rising demand for specialized and high-complexity testing.

A major factor driving the market is that more people now understand the importance of early disease detection and monitoring in animals. Pet owners, livestock producers, and veterinarians are focusing more on catching health problems before they get worse. Because of this, there is greater demand for veterinary reference laboratories. These labs offer specialized tests that smaller clinics often cannot perform, including complex molecular tests, histopathology, and wide-ranging infectious disease panels. As a result, more samples are being sent to reference labs for accurate and timely diagnoses.

Demand is growing in the companion animal segment because owners want thorough health checks for older pets and those showing mild symptoms. Finding conditions like cancer, endocrine problems, and infections early helps improve treatment results. Reference labs meet this need by offering advanced tests and expert analysis, which leads to more referrals and greater use of centralized diagnostic services. In the livestock sector, producers are also sending more samples as they work to control outbreaks that threaten herd health and productivity. Reference labs help by providing confirmatory tests and surveillance tools to guide herd management.

Public health agencies are also supporting this trend by expanding programs to monitor zoonotic threats and food safety risks. These programs depend on standardized methods and reports from accredited reference labs. Private investment is helping labs grow, as diagnostic companies build new facilities and form partnerships. These steps help reduce turnaround times and expand service areas. As more clinicians and animal health managers see the value of early diagnosis, demand for reference lab services keeps rising. This ongoing trend is driving steady market growth and encouraging more investment in advanced diagnostic infrastructure.

Increasing Expansion of Veterinary Reference Laboratories in LMICs -

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The veterinary reference laboratory market shows moderate to high industry concentration, with a small group of global players accounting for a large share of testing volumes. These companies benefit from broad test portfolios, integrated digital reporting systems, and established clinician networks. Ongoing acquisitions and laboratory expansions are reinforcing scale advantages, which raises entry barriers for smaller, independent laboratories.

The veterinary reference laboratory market shows a high level of innovation centered on advanced diagnostic depth and throughput. Reference labs are expanding use of real-time PCR, digital pathology, and next-generation sequencing to support early disease detection and confirmatory testing. Automation in sample processing and cloud-based reporting systems is improving turnaround times and result consistency across large test volumes. AI-supported image analysis is increasingly used in histopathology and cytology to support veterinary pathologists and reduce interpretation variability.

The market is experiencing a moderate level of M&A activities as large animal health and diagnostics groups strengthen reference laboratory networks. Acquisitions focus on expanding geographic coverage, adding specialty pathology capabilities, and increasing testing capacity. Recent deals by global players highlight a clear shift toward scale-driven models where centralized laboratories support regional clinics and hospitals. This trend is increasing market concentration and reinforcing barriers for smaller standalone laboratories.

Regulation plays a critical role in shaping laboratory operations, test validation, and accreditation standards. Reference laboratories must comply with strict quality systems, method validation protocols, and disease reporting requirements. Regulatory oversight increases operational costs but supports test reliability and clinician confidence. Compliance demands are particularly high for molecular and infectious disease testing used in surveillance and outbreak response.

Product substitutes include in-clinic diagnostic testing and empirical treatment without laboratory confirmation. In-house analyzers offer faster results for routine parameters but lack the depth and accuracy required for complex cases. Reference laboratories remain essential for confirmatory diagnostics, advanced pathology, and specialized assays that exceed clinic-level capabilities.

Regional expansion is accelerating as reference laboratory providers establish facilities in emerging markets with rising veterinary expenditure. Growth in pet ownership, livestock health programs, and zoonotic disease surveillance is increasing demand for centralized diagnostic services outside mature regions. This expansion supports long-term volume growth and network resilience.

Animal Insights

On the basis of animals, companion animals segment accounted for the highest market share in 2025, due to rising pet ownership and higher spending on veterinary diagnostics. Companion animals undergo frequent testing for chronic disease, oncology, and age-related conditions. Reference laboratories support this demand through advanced pathology and molecular panels. Strong referral dependence from clinics sustains high sample volumes. Preventive screening programs are gaining acceptance among pet owners. Growing insurance coverage for pets is further supporting diagnostic uptake.

Production animals segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033 supported by expansion of commercial livestock farming. Producers are increasing testing frequency to improve herd productivity and reduce mortality risks. Reference laboratories support large-scale surveillance and confirmatory testing. Export-oriented livestock markets rely on certified diagnostic results. National disease control programs are increasing sample inflow. This trend is strengthening demand across poultry, swine, and cattle segments.

Technology Insights

On the basis of technology, clinical chemistry held the highest market share in 2025. These tests remain central to routine health assessment across animal categories. High testing frequency for metabolic and organ function parameters sustains consistent demand. Reference laboratories process large volumes with standardized workflows. Automated analysers improve accuracy and turnaround times. This reliability strengthens clinician preference for centralized testing.

Immuodiagnostic segment is expected to register the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033 supported by rising infectious and immune-mediated disease testing. Antigen and antibody assays support early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Reference laboratories provide assay validation and quality control at scale. Surveillance testing programs are increasing immunoassay volumes. Broader test menus are improving clinical adoption. This supports rapid segment expansion.

Application Insights

On the basis of application, the clinical pathology segment dominated the market with a share of 30.42% in 2025, due to its role in routine diagnosis and disease monitoring. Hematology and cytology guide most veterinary treatment decisions. Reference laboratories offer specialist interpretation for complex cases. High repeat testing sustains stable sample flow. Digital reporting tools support faster clinical decisions. Integration with hospital information systems is improving efficiency.

The pregnancy testing segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR of 11.2% over the forecast period. Growth is supported by expansion of breeding programs across livestock and companion animals. Accurate pregnancy confirmation supports productivity planning and genetic programs. Reference laboratories provide higher sensitivity testing methods. Timely reporting improves reproductive outcomes. Commercial farms are increasing routine adoption of laboratory-based tests.

End Use Insights

On the basis of end use, veterinary hospitals and clinics segment held the highest share of the market in 2025 as well fastest growing segment over the forecast period. High patient volumes increase demand for outsourced diagnostics. Limited in-house testing capacity supports reliance on reference laboratories. Clinics depend on centralized labs for molecular and specialty pathology testing. Reliable turnaround times support treatment planning. Expanding clinic networks are increasing referral density.

Academic & research institutions is the second fastest growing segment over the forecast period. Research activity in animal disease and epidemiology is increasing. Studies require validated and reproducible diagnostic outputs. Reference laboratories support complex assay requirements. Collaborative research programs are expanding sample volumes. Long-term contracts strengthen laboratory utilization in this segment.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the global Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market in 2025, holding the largest revenue share of 42.57%. This dominance is driven by high companion animal ownership and strong per-capita spending on veterinary diagnostics. Well-established referral networks between clinics and reference laboratories support steady test volumes. Advanced laboratory automation enables high-throughput molecular and pathology testing. Widespread pet insurance adoption further supports routine and preventive diagnostics.

U.S. Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

The Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market in the U.S. accounted for the highest market share in the North America market. This leadership is supported by a dense concentration of veterinary hospitals and specialty clinics. High reliance on reference laboratories for oncology, endocrinology, and infectious disease testing sustains demand. Continuous investment in automation and digital reporting improves turnaround times. Presence of major diagnostic providers strengthens market maturity.

The Canada Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Growth is driven by rising awareness of preventive animal healthcare. Increasing diagnostic referrals from companion animal clinics support volume growth. Livestock disease surveillance programs also contribute to testing demand. Centralized laboratories serve remote regions effectively. Public health monitoring further supports market expansion.

Europe Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

The Europe Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is driven by strong disease surveillance frameworks and regulatory oversight. Standardized testing requirements increase reliance on accredited reference laboratories. Companion animal diagnostics account for a major share of testing volumes. Cross-border monitoring of animal diseases supports confirmatory testing demand. Adoption of advanced molecular diagnostics supports steady growth.

The UK veterinary reference laboratory market is experiencing steady growth, driven by rising companion animal diagnostic demand. Clinics increasingly outsource complex pathology and molecular testing. Expansion of specialty diagnostics supports oncology and infectious disease detection. Collaboration with academic institutions strengthens testing pipelines. Market consolidation is improving service reach and efficiency.

The Sweden Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period due to strong animal health governance and food safety priorities. Livestock disease control programs support consistent diagnostic volumes. Reference laboratories play a central role in national surveillance. High compliance standards favor centralized testing. Companion animal care trends add to demand.

Asia Pacific Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the forecast period. Growth is driven by rapid urbanization and rising companion animal ownership across major economies. Increasing veterinary clinic penetration is raising referral volumes for centralized diagnostics. Livestock expansion and intensification are increasing demand for surveillance and confirmatory testing. Governments are strengthening zoonotic disease monitoring systems. Investments in regional laboratory infrastructure are improving access to advanced diagnostics.

The China veterinary reference laboratory market is witnessing strong growth, driven by expansion of the companion animal sector in urban centers. Rising demand for advanced diagnostics supports higher sample inflow to reference laboratories. Livestock disease surveillance remains a priority due to biosecurity concerns. Centralized laboratories support large-scale molecular and serology testing. Government-backed animal health programs are increasing diagnostic standardization. Growing private investment is expanding laboratory capacity.

The India market for veterinary reference laboratory is experiencing notable growth, driven by rising awareness of animal disease diagnosis. Expansion of veterinary hospitals and private clinics is increasing reliance on reference labs. Government initiatives for zoonotic disease control support surveillance testing. Livestock productivity programs are increasing demand for reproductive and infectious disease diagnostics. Reference laboratories provide advanced molecular and pathology services that are not available at clinic level. Urban pet care trends further support growth.

Latin America Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

Latin America drives the growth of the sector through expansion of export-oriented livestock industries. Disease surveillance and certification requirements are increasing diagnostic testing volumes. Reference laboratories support confirmatory testing and compliance standards. Companion animal diagnostics are rising in metropolitan areas. Regional governments are strengthening animal health monitoring. Private sector investment is improving laboratory coverage and service reach.

Brazil veterinary reference laboratory market is witnessing significant growth driven by its large livestock population and meat export industry. Regulatory testing requirements support sustained demand for accredited diagnostics. Reference laboratories play a central role in herd health and disease surveillance. Rising companion animal ownership is increasing diagnostic referrals. Public and private investments are expanding laboratory networks. Improved cold-chain logistics support centralized testing models.

Middle East & Africa Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Trends

Middle East & Africa veterinary reference laboratory market is experiencing notable growth, fueled by rising investment in animal health systems. Food security and disease surveillance priorities are increasing diagnostic demand. Reference laboratories support livestock health and emerging companion animal diagnostics. Infrastructure development is improving laboratory accessibility. Regional collaborations are strengthening testing capabilities. Growing awareness of zoonotic risks supports long-term market growth.

Saudi Arabia veterinary reference laboratory market is poised for growth, driven by government-led investments in veterinary infrastructure. Livestock disease monitoring programs support consistent testing demand. Reference laboratories support food security and biosecurity initiatives. Expansion of modern farming practices is increasing diagnostic needs. Growing companion animal ownership supports additional testing volumes. Centralized laboratories improve quality and turnaround times.

South Africa Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market is experiencing robust growth, largely fueled by livestock health management requirements. Disease control and surveillance programs increase reliance on reference testing. Export-linked animal health standards support diagnostic demand. Companion animal diagnostics are expanding in urban areas. Academic and research institutions contribute specialized testing volumes. Improved laboratory accreditation supports sustained market expansion.

Key Veterinary Reference Laboratory Company Insights

The veterinary reference laboratory market is moderately to highly concentrated, with a small group of global players accounting for a large share of diagnostic volumes. Companies such as IDEXX Laboratories, Zoetis, Mars through Antech, and Vimian benefit from extensive laboratory networks, broad test portfolios, and strong clinic referral relationships. Ongoing acquisitions, laboratory expansions, and partnerships are strengthening scale advantages. This consolidation is increasing entry barriers and reinforcing the dominance of established providers.  

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, Vimian Group AB signed an agreement to acquire Italian diagnostics provider I-Vet, a leading reference laboratory and in-clinic testing partner serving some 5,000 veterinary clinics in Italy, to strengthen its companion animal diagnostics portfolio. The deal, expected to close in early 2026 and is part of Vimian’s strategy to expand its diagnostics segment and support advanced testing services.

• In November 2025, Zoetis completed the acquisition of Veterinary Pathology Group to enhance its veterinary diagnostics footprint in the UK and Ireland, adding specialized pathology services to its network. This move supports deeper diagnostic capabilities and broader service integration across major European markets.

• In September 2025, The Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology inaugurated its first veterinary reference laboratory in Oyoor, Kerala, equipped with modern diagnostic tools to support livestock and poultry health in the region. The facility will offer affordable clinical testing and is planned as a hub for expanded research and disease outbreak prevention efforts.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market Report Scope

Global Veterinary Reference Laboratory 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 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the veterinary reference laboratory market report based on animal, technology, application, end use, and region:

• Animal Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Companion Animals

    • Dogs

    • Cats

    • Horses

    • Other Companion Animals

  • Production Animals

    • Cattles

    • Pigs

    • Poultry

    • Sheep and Goats

    • Other Production Animals

• Technology Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Clinical Chemistry

  • Hematology

  • Immunodiagnostic

    • ELISA Tests

    • Lateral Flow Rapid Tests

    • Others

  • Molecular Diagnostics

    • PCR Tests

    • Microarrays

    • Others

  • Others 

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Clinical Pathology

  • Virology

  • Bacteriology

  • Parasitology

  • Productivity Testing

  • Pregnancy Testing

  • Toxicology

  • Others

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • Veterinary Hospitals & Clinics

  • Academic & Research Institutions

  • Others

• Region Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • China

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Saudi Arabia

    • Kuwait

    • Qatar

    • Oman