The veterinary rehabilitation market size is estimated to be USD 799.51 million in 2022 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 11.91% during the forecast period 2023-2033.  Rising popularity of companion animals and pet humanization trends, surge in incidence of musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders in animals, and an increase in pet owners’ awareness of physical rehabilitation as a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option are factors contributing to the market growth. Additionally, expanding number of volunteer rehabilitators who rescue and care for injured/wounded wildlife animals and rising pet healthcare expenditure are other factors supporting the market growth.  However, high price of gene treatments and potential insertional mutagenesis is expected to hinder the growth.

Expanding number of volunteer rehabilitators who rescue and care for injured/wounded wildlife animals is expected to fuel the market growth during the projected period. For instance, millions of native species are rescued, cared for, and protected by wildlife rehabilitators each year around the world, according to research by the National Library of Medicine that was released in March 2022.

Rising pet healthcare expenditure is predicted to fuel the market growth during the forecast period. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that US pet care expenditures will rise from USD 90.5 billion in 2018 to USD 123.6 billion in 2021. Consequently, one of the key driving forces behind market expansion is the rising annual expenditure on pet healthcare. Furthermore, pet owners’ increasing willingness to spend more time and money to the welfare of their animals is reflected in the growing popularity of veterinarian rehab.

Segmentation

By Animal Type

The market is categorized into wildlife animals, companion animals, and production animals. In the global market, the companion animals segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to the rising pet ownership rates, particularly in developed nations, increasing pet healthcare service costs, escalating prevalence of chronic orthopaedic disorders, and rapidly expanding physical rehabilitation requirements. Additionally, the market is expanding as a result of the rising dog population in every region. Dog ownership in U.S. households went from 50% in 2018 to 69 million (or 54%) in 2021, according to the AKC (American Kennel Club). In a similar manner, the FEDIAF European Pet Food Industry estimates that roughly 90 million families (or 46%) in Europe own at least one pet in 2021.The market for wildlife animals is predicted to expand rapidly during the forecast period due to increasing government initiatives to establish rehabilitation centres to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild habitats, and growing public awareness about wildlife conservation.

By Therapy Type

The market is divided into manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, shockwave therapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, electro therapies, hot & cold therapy, and others. In 2022, the therapeutic exercises segment accounted for the highest revenue share due to the fact that one of the most popular forms of physical rehabilitation therapy for companion animals such as dogs. The therapeutic exercise programmes used by veterinarians include balancing therapies, weight shifting therapies, weight loss therapies, and a variety of other activities including grounded treadmills, cavalletti rails, balance discs, and peanut balls among others. Animals recovering from crippling musculoskeletal or orthopaedic surgery or those with chronic diseases as arthritis benefit from these exercises as they increase their body’s mobility, strength, flexibility, and endurance. The hydrotherapy sector had a sizable market share and the fastest CAGR over the projection period. This is due to an increasing understanding of the therapeutic potential of hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, for animals suffering from severe medical diseases.

By Indication

The market is segregated into traumatic injuries, developmental abnormality, post-surgery, acute & chronic, and others. In the global market, the post-surgery segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to rise in orthopedic surgeries for dogs and cats and the surge in veterinarians referring their patients to rehabilitation facilities post-surgery. Veterinarians frequently perform orthopaedic surgery on companion animals to treat musculoskeletal problems. Post-operative patients are more inclined to consider about rehabilitation to lower pain and inflammation and speed healing. With more recent developments, physical rehabilitation therapy post-surgery has become more widespread in the veterinary profession, which further supports segmental growth. The acute & chronic disease sector is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to its prevalence among companion animals. Among the many ailments that are very common in companion animal species are intervertebral disc disease, neurological problems, obesity, and arthritis/degenerative joint disorders. For instance, regardless of age, 80% of dogs exhibit indications of arthritis, according to Parnell Living Science.

By End Use

The market is segmented into rescue & shelter homes, veterinary rehab centres & hospitals, rehab sanctuary, and others. In 2022, the veterinary rehab centres & hospitals segment accounted for the largest revenue share owing to increase in veterinary rehabilitation hospitals and facilities around the world with cutting-edge infrastructure. These facilities are essential for veterinary rehabilitation services as they offer expert therapies from certified veterinary rehabilitators. Another factor boosting the sector expansion in the market is the rising number of veterinary rehabilitation specialists. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) reports that numerous veterinary technicians and normal veterinarians are currently certified to treat animal patients in veterinary general hospitals. The segmental expansion during the projected period is being aided by these favourable factors. The rehab sanctuary segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period This is due to increasing government attempts to develop wildlife rehabilitation sanctuaries as a requirement for environmental preservation. For instance, as part of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by the Constitution of the Indian Board of Wildlife, the government of India has taken steps to establish new wildlife parks and sanctuaries.

Regional Markets

In 2022, North America region accounted for the highest revenue in the veterinary rehabilitation market and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period. This is attributed to the substantial number of veterinary rehabilitation facilities in the area, the due to increasing awareness of physical rehabilitation services among pet owners, expansion of therapy options, and rising pet ownership and veterinary costs. In 2020, there were predicted to be more than 110,000 certified veterinarians working in the United States, primarily treating small animal patients, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Many of these certified veterinarians are currently qualified to offer rehabilitative services for companion animals, according to the APPA. The second-largest market share is held by the Europe area. This is due to the increase in wildlife rehabilitation facilities and animal shelter houses in European nations.

Competitor Insights

Some of the key players operating in the veterinary rehabilitation market are BARC, Treasure Coast Animal Rehab & Fitness, Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital, Animal Rehab Center of Michigan, Blue Springs Animal Rehabilitation Center, Butterwick animal rehab clinic Ltd, Essex Animal Hospital, Back on Track Veterinary Rehabilitation Center LLC, Animal Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Center, and Animal Rehab and Conditioning Center.

To achieve a competitive edge, these companies are implementing a variety of growth strategies. Strategic partnerships, alliances, and agreements with different businesses and research institutions are seen to be the main strategies used by companies in this sector.

• For instance, in July 2022, Vetoquinol, one of the top manufacturers of veterinary medicines, announced the beginning of their new veterinary rehabilitation programme named VeRBS (Vetoquinol Rehabilitation Business Solution), which offers veterinary clinics training in rehab services and the necessary basic equipment.

This comprehensive research report focuses on the global and regional market size and forecasts of diverse segments including animal type, therapy type, indication, and end use from 2023 to 2033.

Report Scope:

Segmentation: Veterinary Rehabilitation Services Market Report 2022 – 2033

Animal Type (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Wildlife Animals
• Companion Animals
• Production Animals

Therapy Type (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Manual Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercises
• Shockwave Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Acupuncture
• Electro Therapies
• Hot & Cold Therapy
• Others

Indication (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Traumatic Injuries
• Developmental Abnormality
• Post-Surgery
• Acute & Chronic
• Others

End Use (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• Rescue & Shelter Homes
• Veterinary Rehab Centres & Hospitals
• Rehab Sanctuary
• Others

By Region (Revenue, USD Million), 2022 – 2033

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • UK
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of APAC
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of LATAM
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA