Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market

The global veterinary reference laboratory market is expected to reach USD 6.46 billion by 2030 from USD 4.75 billion in 2025, at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by rising demand for advanced diagnostic testing, growing pet ownership, and increased spending on animal health. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of zoonotic and chronic animal diseases, the expansion of the livestock population, and heightened awareness regarding preventive veterinary care are boosting market adoption.

As traditional in-house testing becomes limited in scope and efficiency, the shift toward outsourcing to specialized reference laboratories presents significant opportunities for service providers. Moreover, collaborations between veterinary hospitals and reference labs, along with the integration of digital pathology, are creating new growth avenues. However, challenges such as high testing costs, a shortage of skilled laboratory personnel, and stringent regulatory requirements for test validation may restrict market expansion to some extent. Additionally, maintaining consistent turnaround times for high testing volumes and ensuring biosafety compliance remain major concerns for leading market players.

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The veterinary reference laboratory market is witnessing rapid technological advancement driven by innovation in diagnostic methodologies, automation, and molecular testing. Market participants are increasingly focusing on developing advanced diagnostic panels, integrating AI-driven data analysis, and expanding assay menus to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and turnaround time. The adoption of next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR-based diagnostics, immunodiagnostics, and high-throughput analyzers has significantly improved disease detection capabilities across companion and livestock animals.

Key players in this market are leveraging both organic and inorganic strategies, including new test launches, strategic collaborations, and geographic expansion, to enhance their service offerings. In January 2025, IDEXX Laboratories launched the IDEXX Cancer Dx, a diagnostic panel for early detection of lymphoma in dogs. This blood test can be incorporated into wellness checkups and panels for sick pets, improving early disease identification. In September 2024, Royal GD introduced new inactivated H5N1 and H5N8 avian influenza antigens for the Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test, enabling the precise detection of antibodies in poultry and supporting outbreak response initiatives. Additionally, in September 2023, GD Group acquired Animal Health Laboratories (Ireland) Limited, a Cork-based veterinary diagnostic laboratory accredited under ISO 17025 for BVD, IBR, and Johne’s testing. This acquisition marks GD Group’s entry into the Irish market, enhancing its diagnostic capabilities and strengthening its international footprint. These technological developments underscore the market’s ongoing transition toward advanced, automated, and data-integrated veterinary diagnostic systems, supporting faster decision-making and improved animal health management.

The global veterinary reference laboratory market is consolidated, with the top 5 players accounting for more than 50% share in the total market. Some of the major players in the market are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US), Mars, Incorporated (US), Zoetis Services LLC (US), GD (Netherlands), Laboklin GmbH & Co KG (Germany), CVS Limited (UK), National Veterinary Services Laboratory, USDA- APHIS (US).

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US)

IDEXX Laboratories is a global medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes products and services primarily for companion animals, livestock & poultry, dairy, and water testing markets. The company operates through four segments: Companion Animal Group (CAG); Water Quality Products (Water); Livestock, Poultry and Dairy (LPD); and Others.

The Companion Animal Group is further segmented into CAG Diagnostics recurring, CAG Diagnostics capital-instruments, and Veterinary software, services and Diagnostic imaging systems. The CAG Diagnostics recurring segment is split into IDEXX VetLab Consumables, Rapid Assay Products, Reference Laboratory Diagnostic and Consulting Services, and CAG Diagnostics Services & Accessories. The Veterinary Reference Laboratory services fall under the “Reference Laboratory Diagnostic and Consulting Services” sub-segment of CAG. The company offers commercial reference laboratory diagnostics and consulting services to veterinarians in many developed nations worldwide. It also includes customers in the US, Europe, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, and South Korea, through approximately 80 laboratories.

Mars, Incorporated (US)

Mars, Incorporated stands as one of the major global players in the pet healthcare industry, providing an extensive array of services. The company operates through three primary business segments: Mars Petcare, Mars Snacking, and Mars Food & Nutrition.

Veterinary Reference Laboratory (VRL) services are delivered through the Mars Petcare business segment, via multiple subsidiary brands and acquired businesses that operate reference laboratories, specialized testing, and diagnostic consulting services. Key brands/subsidiaries providing VRL services under Mars Petcare include Antech Diagnostics, SYNLAB Vet (assets acquired from SYNLAB Group for the vet business), Cerba Vet/Antagene (from Cerba HealthCare Group transactions), and businesses acquired with Heska. Each of these operates reference-lab capabilities, specialized testing portfolios, or complementary diagnostic services. Mars’s Petcare brands and services reach pets and pet owners in more than 130 countries, employing 100,000 Petcare Associates across various regions. The veterinary reference laboratory footprint is global and has been expanded through the Antech network in North America, targeted investments and new facilities, as well as European expansions and acquisitions (SYNLAB Vet, Cerba Vet/Antagene) to strengthen European lab capacity.

Market Ranking

The top five companies for the veterinary reference laboratory market are IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US), Mars, Incorporated (US), Zoetis Services LLC (US), GD (Netherlands), and Laboklin GmbH & Co KG (Germany).

IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (US) stands out due to its extensive global reference laboratory network and continuous innovation in diagnostic testing, supported by advanced molecular, immunodiagnostic, and digital pathology platforms that enhance disease detection accuracy. Mars, Incorporated (US), through its Antech Diagnostics division, has strengthened its market presence with automated laboratory systems, advanced imaging integration, and strong connectivity solutions between clinics and labs. Zoetis Services LLC (US) leverages its R&D strength to develop biomarker-based assays and infectious disease testing solutions, expanding its diagnostic service portfolio. GD (Netherlands) has gained a competitive advantage with its comprehensive animal health surveillance programs, expertise in livestock disease prevention, and robust diagnostic capabilities across Europe. Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) continues to expand its presence in Europe through a diversified range of laboratory services, including hematology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and histopathology, supported by ISO-accredited facilities and a strong network of veterinary practitioners.

Related Reports:

Veterinary Reference Laboratory Market by Service (Microbiology, Immunodiagnostics, Molecular Diagnostics, PCR, ELISA, Hematology, Urinalysis), Animal (Companion, Livestock), Application (Clinical Pathology, Toxicology), Region - Global Forecast to 2030

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