Pets Surgical Services Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Pets Surgical Services market size was valued at USD 704 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 755 million in 2025 to USD 1,144 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period.

Pets surgical services refer to specialized veterinary procedures performed by board-certified surgeons to address complex medical conditions in companion animals. These services encompass orthopedic surgeries (fracture repairs, cruciate ligament treatments), neurologic interventions (spinal decompressions), oncologic procedures (tumor removals), cardiothoracic operations, and other advanced surgical solutions. The sector represents a critical component of veterinary specialization, bridging the gap between general practice and tertiary animal healthcare.

Market expansion is driven by the humanization of pets and rising disposable incomes enabling advanced care. In the UK alone, veterinary service expenditure surged 54% from GBP 2.6 billion in 2015 to GBP 4 billion in 2021. Demographic shifts are equally impactful - China reports 13.09 million pets entering senior age in 2023, necessitating more surgical interventions. While North America currently dominates market share, Asia-Pacific shows remarkable growth potential, with China's pet medical market valued at USD 6.75 billion in 2022.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization Trends Driving Market Growth

The global pets surgical services market is experiencing significant growth due to increasing pet ownership and the humanization of pets. Recent data indicates that over 65% of households in developed nations now own at least one pet, with spending on veterinary services increasing by 54% in the UK alone between 2015-2021. As pets become integral family members, owners are willing to invest in advanced surgical care, including orthopedic, neurologic and oncologic procedures that were previously considered cost-prohibitive. This shift in consumer mentality is transforming veterinary medicine from basic care to specialized surgical interventions.

Aging Pet Population Creating Demand for Complex Surgical Interventions

The aging companion animal population presents a significant driver for surgical services, with China reporting over 13 million pets entering middle age in 2023. Older pets frequently require specialized surgical care for conditions like osteoarthritis, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The market for geriatric pet care is projected to grow at nearly double the overall industry rate as veterinary medicine extends life expectancy through advanced procedures. Joint replacement surgeries, tumor removals and pacemaker implants - once rare in veterinary practice - are becoming mainstream offerings at specialized clinics worldwide.

➤ Veterinary hospitals reporting annual revenue growth of up to 37% attribute nearly 40% of their surgical caseload to pets over seven years old.

Technological advancements in veterinary surgical equipment and techniques further stimulate market expansion. The adoption of minimally invasive procedures utilizing laparoscopic and arthroscopic technologies reduces patient recovery times while allowing clinics to perform more procedures, thus increasing revenue potential.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Cost of Advanced Veterinary Care Limiting Market Penetration

While demand for specialized pet surgical services grows, the high cost of treatment presents a significant barrier to market expansion. Complex procedures like total hip replacements or spinal surgeries can cost between $3,000-$8,000, placing them beyond reach for many pet owners. In markets without widespread pet insurance adoption, these price points limit case volumes despite clinical need. Economic pressures have led nearly 20% of pet owners to delay or forgo recommended surgical interventions, according to recent industry surveys.

Other Challenges

Regulatory Complexities
Stringent requirements for veterinary surgical facilities and practitioner certification increase operational costs. Many regions require separate licensing for surgical specialties, forcing practices to make substantial compliance investments before offering advanced procedures.

Insurance Coverage Gaps
Only 1-2% of pets globally have surgical insurance coverage, compared to 25-30% in leading markets like Sweden and the UK. This disparity creates uneven access to advanced veterinary surgical care worldwide.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Markets Present Untapped Potential for Surgical Service Expansion

The rapid growth of middle-class pet ownership in Asia, particularly China where the pet medical market reached $9.7 billion in 2022, offers substantial expansion opportunities. International veterinary chains are establishing specialized surgical centers in these regions, where the pet hospital market grows at nearly 20% annually versus 5-7% in mature markets. Strategic partnerships between global players and local veterinary networks are creating hybrid models that combine international expertise with regional market knowledge.

Telemedicine and surgical training programs represent additional growth vectors. Remote consultation services allow general practitioners to access specialist advice, while certification programs enable more veterinarians to perform advanced procedures. These developments help bridge the expertise gap in underserved regions while expanding the addressable market for surgical equipment and supplies.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Veterinary Specialist Shortage Threatening Service Availability

The global shortage of board-certified veterinary surgeons presents a critical challenge, with demand for specialists outpacing training capacity by nearly 3:1 in key markets. This deficit forces many practices to refer complex cases to distant specialty centers, creating access barriers especially in rural areas. Training programs graduate fewer than 300 new surgical specialists annually across all disciplines worldwide, while the market requires approximately 800-1,000 new surgeons each year to keep pace with growing demand.

Technological Integration Hurdles
Adopting advanced surgical technologies requires substantial capital investment and staff training. Many independent practices struggle to justify the $150,000-$500,000 equipment costs for advanced imaging or robotic surgical systems, despite proven clinical benefits. This creates a two-tier market where only corporate-owned or academic hospitals can offer cutting-edge procedures.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Orthopedic Segment Dominates Due to Increasing Incidence of Bone and Joint Disorders in Pets

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Orthopedic

  • Subtypes: Fracture repair, Joint replacement, Cruciate ligament surgeries

• Neurologic

• Oncologic

• Cardiothoracic Procedures

• Others (including soft tissue and emergency surgeries)

By Application

Small Pets Segment Leads Due to High Pet Ownership and Increased Healthcare Spending

The market is segmented based on application into:

• Small Pets

  • Subtypes: Dogs, Cats, Rabbits

• Large Pets

  • Subtypes: Horses, Livestock

By Service Provider

Specialty Veterinary Hospitals Show Significant Growth Due to Advanced Surgical Capabilities

The market is segmented based on service provider into:

• Veterinary Hospitals

• Specialty Surgical Centers

• University Veterinary Clinics

• Mobile Veterinary Services

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Strategic Expansion and Specialized Care Define Market Competition

The global Pets Surgical Services market is moderately fragmented, with a mix of multinational corporations, regional chains, and specialized clinics competing for market share. Mars Petcare leads the industry with its vast network of veterinary hospitals, including Banfield and VCA, coupled with substantial investments in advanced surgical technologies. The company’s dominance stems from its integrated pet care ecosystem, which includes preventive care, diagnostics, and surgical solutions.

CVS Group and MedVet also command significant market positions, particularly in Europe and North America. Their growth is driven by acquisitions of independent clinics and a focus on specialty surgeries, such as orthopedic and oncologic procedures. Meanwhile, New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group is rapidly expanding in China’s burgeoning market, capitalizing on rising pet ownership and increasing demand for high-end veterinary services.

Smaller players like Aiken Veterinary Clinic and Leading Edge Veterinary Services compete by offering niche expertise, personalized care, and innovative surgical techniques. While they lack the scale of their larger counterparts, their agility allows them to adapt quickly to emerging trends, such as minimally invasive surgeries.

Recent developments highlight the industry’s dynamic nature:

• PetVet Care Centers acquired 12 specialty hospitals in 2023, reinforcing its U.S. footprint.
• PetIQ, Inc. launched a mobile surgical unit program to improve rural access to pet surgeries.
• Vetco partnered with telemedicine platforms to offer pre- and post-operative virtual consultations, addressing convenience gaps.

List of Key Pets Surgical Services Companies Profiled

• Mars Petcare (Global)

• CVS Group (U.K.)

• MedVet (U.S.)

• Petco (U.S.)

• PetIQ, Inc. (U.S.)

• PetVet Care Centers (U.S.)

• Aiken Veterinary Clinic (U.S.)

• Dehart Veterinary Services (U.S.)

• Leading Edge Veterinary Services (U.S.)

• New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group (China)

• Vetco (Global)

PETS SURGICAL SERVICES MARKET TRENDS

Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization to Drive Market Growth

The global pets surgical services market is experiencing significant growth, fueled by increasing pet ownership rates and the ongoing humanization of pets. Recent data shows that spending on veterinary services in the UK alone surged by 54% between 2015-2021, reaching £4 billion annually. This trend reflects a broader shift where pets are increasingly viewed as family members, leading pet owners to seek advanced medical care previously reserved for humans.As pets live longer due to improved care, the demand for specialized surgical interventions continues to climb. In China, over 13 million pets entered middle or old age in 2023, creating sustained demand for age-related surgical procedures. The market is responding with more sophisticated diagnostic tools and minimally invasive techniques that improve outcomes while reducing recovery times.

Other Trends

Technological Advancements in Veterinary Surgery

Veterinary medicine is undergoing rapid technological transformation, with laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries becoming more commonplace in pet care. These minimally invasive techniques now account for nearly 30% of elective procedures in developed markets, reducing trauma and accelerating recovery times. The adoption of advanced imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans in veterinary practices has also improved surgical planning accuracy, particularly for complex neurological and orthopedic cases. Additionally, the integration of AI-assisted diagnostic tools is helping veterinarians detect conditions earlier, when surgical intervention is most effective.

Market Expansion Through Specialty Services

Specialized surgical services are emerging as a key growth area, with oncology procedures showing particular promise. Cancer affects approximately 1 in 4 dogs during their lifetime, creating substantial demand for tumor removal and related surgical interventions. The veterinary oncology segment is projected to grow at 9% annually through 2030. Similarly, orthopedic surgeries for conditions like hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament tears are seeing increased adoption of advanced techniques including TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy). Market leaders are responding by expanding their specialty service offerings, with nearly 40% of veterinary hospitals reporting increased surgical revenue year-over-year. This specialization trend is particularly pronounced in urban markets where pet owners demonstrate higher willingness to pay for advanced care.

Regional Analysis: Pets Surgical Services Market

North America
The North American market dominates the global pets surgical services sector, driven by high pet ownership rates and willingness to spend on advanced veterinary care. The U.S. accounts for over 80% of regional revenue, with specialized surgical procedures increasingly in demand due to pet humanization trends. While traditional spay/neuter services remain common, complex surgeries like orthopedic corrections and cancer treatments are growing at 9% annually. Insurance penetration for pets remains below 3%, creating cost barriers despite strong overall market growth. Major chains like VCA (owned by Mars) and independent specialty clinics compete intensely, with consolidation accelerating since 2020.

Europe
Europe's mature market shows gradual growth, led by Germany and the UK where veterinary standards rank among the world's highest. The region faces unique challenges including strict antibiotic usage regulations under EU veterinary medicinal products laws, requiring surgical teams to adopt alternative infection-control protocols. France demonstrates particular strength in feline orthopedic surgeries, while Nordic countries lead in minimally invasive techniques. Eastern Europe lags in accessibility outside capital cities, though mobile surgical units are expanding service reach. Overall market growth remains steady at 5-6% annually, constrained slightly by economic pressures.

Asia-Pacific
As the fastest-growing regional market (projected 11% CAGR through 2030), Asia-Pacific benefits from rising disposable incomes and urbanization. China's 91 million pet population increasingly demands specialized surgical care, though most clinics still focus on basic procedures. Japan leads in advanced technologies like robotic-assisted surgeries for small animals, while India struggles with veterinary specialist shortages outside metro areas. The predominance of independent clinics creates service inconsistencies, though chains like New Ruipeng are standardizing quality. Cultural resistance to spending heavily on animal healthcare persists in some areas, slowing full market potential realization.

South America
Market development varies dramatically across South America, with Brazil accounting for nearly 60% of regional surgical service revenue. Economic volatility limits equipment investments, though middle-class expansion in Argentina and Chile shows promise. Most surgical cases involve trauma treatment rather than elective procedures, reflecting different pet ownership patterns versus northern markets. Veterinary schools increasingly incorporate surgical specialties into curricula, gradually improving service availability. Informal street veterinary services remain competition in lower-income areas, creating a bifurcated market structure.

Middle East & Africa
This emerging market shows uneven development, with Gulf states demonstrating rapid growth in luxury pet surgical services (including specialized facilities in Dubai). However, most of Africa lacks infrastructure for advanced veterinary care, though mobile surgical initiatives show promise in South Africa and Kenya. Religious and cultural factors influence service demand patterns, with companion animal surgical needs growing faster than livestock applications. Investment barriers include equipment import costs and specialist recruitment challenges, though regional veterinary associations are working to address skill gaps.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Pets Surgical Services Market?

-> Global Pets Surgical Services market was valued at USD 704 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 1144 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period.

Which key companies operate in Global Pets Surgical Services Market?

-> Key players include Mars, CVS Group, MedVet, Petco, PetIQ, Inc., PetVet Care Centers, Aiken Veterinary Clinic, Dehart Veterinary Services, Leading Edge Veterinary Services, New Ruipeng Pet Healthcare Group, and Vetco.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include rising pet ownership, increasing pet healthcare expenditure, aging pet population, and advancements in veterinary surgical technologies. In China alone, 13.09 million pets entered middle/old age in 2023, driving demand for surgical services.

Which region dominates the market?

-> North America currently leads the market, while Asia-Pacific is emerging as the fastest-growing region, with China's pet medical market valued at USD 67.5 billion in 2022.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include minimally invasive surgical techniques, robotic-assisted surgeries, specialized pet hospitals, and increasing insurance coverage for pet surgeries. UK veterinary service spending grew 54% from 2015-2021, reaching USD 4 billion.