How Innovation in Veterinary Surgery Is Reshaping the $67.8 Billion Animal Health

The Next Frontier in Animal Health

The global veterinary industry is entering a transformative era. Fueled by the rising humanization of pets, technological breakthroughs in surgical care, and increased healthcare spending on companion animals, the Veterinary Surgical Procedures Market is poised for substantial expansion.

According to recent projections, the market is expected to grow from USD 48.3 billion in 2024 to USD 67.8 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 7.0%.

For senior executives in veterinary care, medtech, and life sciences, this momentum represents a strategic opportunity—not just to meet clinical demand, but to redefine profitability through innovation, integration, and value-based service delivery.

Why the Veterinary Surgery Market Is Gaining Strategic Importance

Veterinary surgery has evolved from routine procedures like spaying and neutering into a sophisticated field that mirrors human surgical standards. This expansion is driven by four critical forces:

1. Rising Pet Ownership and Humanization:
   Companion animals are increasingly considered part of the family. Owners are willing to invest in advanced treatments, driving up both the number and complexity of veterinary procedures.
2. Technological Advancements:
   The adoption of minimally invasive techniques—such as laparoscopy and arthroscopy—has significantly improved surgical outcomes, reduced recovery times, and minimized post-operative discomfort.
3. Expanding Veterinary Infrastructure:
   The growth of specialized veterinary hospitals and clinics globally has increased access to advanced surgical services.
4. Growing Awareness and Preventive Care:
   Increased education about pet health and early disease detection has led to a rise in elective surgeries and preventive procedures.

Market Segmentation Insights: Where the Growth Lies

1. By Animal Type: Small Animals Drive the Future

The small animals segment—particularly dogs and cats—is expected to register the highest CAGR through 2029.

Pet owners are prioritizing preventive and corrective surgical procedures for their companions, a trend amplified by:

• Higher disposable incomes.
• Insurance coverage for pets in mature markets.
• Advanced veterinary technologies that make surgeries safer and more successful.

This growth aligns closely with the broader humanization trend, where pet care mirrors human healthcare standards—creating lucrative openings for veterinary device manufacturers and surgical equipment suppliers.

2. By Procedure Type: Soft Tissue Surgeries Take Center Stage

While spaying and neutering remain foundational, soft tissue surgeries have emerged as the second-largest segment by volume and value.

Common soft tissue procedures include:

• Tumor removal
• Gastrointestinal repairs
• Wound management
• Hernia corrections

The increasing adoption of these surgeries can be attributed to:

• Technological improvements in anesthesia and imaging.
• The availability of advanced sutures, staplers, and wound management tools.
• A growing network of trained veterinary surgeons.

From an investment perspective, this segment holds high revenue stability, as it spans both elective and critical care procedures across multiple species.

3. By End User: Veterinary Hospitals Lead the Way

The hospital segment continues to dominate the end-user landscape, benefiting from large caseloads, advanced infrastructure, and established referral networks.

However, veterinary clinics and research laboratories are rapidly emerging as secondary growth hubs—driven by decentralized care models and the availability of compact surgical solutions.

Executives exploring partnerships or M&A opportunities should closely monitor the rising consolidation trend in veterinary hospital chains across North America and Europe, where scalability and technology integration are driving valuation premiums.

Regional Outlook: Europe Emerges as a Growth Powerhouse

In 2023, Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the global veterinary surgical procedures market.

The region’s growth is underpinned by:

• A large pet population—over 140 million companion animals, according to the European Pet Food Federation.
• High veterinary care standards supported by public and private healthcare initiatives.
• Strong manufacturing bases in Germany, the UK, and Ireland, which house leading veterinary device producers.

Meanwhile, North America remains the innovation hub, with companies like Ethicon (US), Medtronic (Ireland), and BD Animal Health (US) leading technology adoption.
Asia-Pacific is also on an upward trajectory, fueled by expanding pet ownership and improving veterinary infrastructure in India, China, and Southeast Asia.

Innovation Spotlight: The Rise of Minimally Invasive Veterinary Surgery

The industry’s most transformative trend lies in the adoption of minimally invasive surgical techniques (MIST).

Procedures like laparoscopy and arthroscopy allow veterinarians to perform complex surgeries with smaller incisions, leading to:

• Shorter recovery times
• Lower infection risks
• Enhanced precision
• Reduced post-operative pain

From an ROI standpoint, MIST adoption enhances clinic throughput, client satisfaction, and profitability. Moreover, it creates demand for specialized instruments, cameras, and robotics—opening new revenue channels for device manufacturers and distributors.

Challenges to Address: The Economics of Care

Despite steady market growth, the sector faces several operational and economic challenges:

• High Procedure Costs:
  Comprehensive surgeries—covering pre-op imaging, anesthesia, surgery, and recovery—can deter pet owners from elective procedures.
• Veterinary Skill Gaps:
  A shortage of skilled veterinary surgeons, particularly in emerging markets, limits access to advanced procedures.
• Ethical and Welfare Considerations:
  As the field expands, balancing commercial interests with animal welfare remains a key consideration.

Strategic Growth Opportunities for Industry Leaders

To capture sustainable ROI, market participants should focus on three strategic pathways:

1. Technology-Driven Differentiation

Invest in AI-assisted imaging, robotic surgery, and smart surgical devices to enhance procedural accuracy and operational efficiency. Partnerships with veterinary universities and R&D institutions can accelerate product innovation and market entry.

2. Geographic Expansion

Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America offer significant untapped potential. Local partnerships and adaptive pricing strategies can unlock new customer bases and drive penetration.

3. Service Integration

Veterinary care is moving toward integrated ecosystems—combining diagnostics, surgery, and post-operative care. Companies that offer comprehensive solutions will gain competitive leverage and long-term client retention.

Top Companies Shaping the Future

Leading players include:
Ethicon, Inc. (US), Medtronic Plc (Ireland), BD Animal Health (US), B. Braun Vet Care GmbH (Germany), STERIS Plc (Ireland), Covetrus, Inc. (US), and Jorgensen Laboratories (US).

These firms are at the forefront of product innovation, training, and digital integration, setting new standards in veterinary surgical excellence.

The Executive Perspective: Turning Innovation into ROI

For decision-makers in animal health and medical device manufacturing, the question is not whether to invest in veterinary surgery innovation—but how to align those investments with measurable returns.

• Device Manufacturers: Focus on modular, scalable surgical solutions adaptable across animal types.
• Service Providers: Integrate teleconsultation and remote follow-up systems for improved client experience.
• Investors: Target high-growth small-animal and minimally invasive surgery segments for superior long-term margins.

By bridging clinical innovation with business strategy, leaders can transform veterinary surgery from a cost center into a sustained profitability engine.

Conclusion: A Smarter, Safer, and More Profitable Future for Veterinary Surgery

As the Veterinary Surgical Procedures Market advances toward USD 67.8 billion by 2029, it is reshaping the landscape of animal healthcare.

From AI-assisted diagnostics to robotic precision tools, innovation is enabling better patient outcomes, higher client satisfaction, and scalable business growth.