Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market

Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market Overview

• The Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market is valued at USD 710 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. Growth is primarily driven by increasing pet ownership, rising livestock production, and heightened awareness of animal health issues among farmers and pet owners. The market is also supported by advancements in veterinary technology, digital diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals, which enhance the quality of care provided to animals. Recent trends include the introduction of pet insurance products, AI-powered livestock disease monitoring, and government-backed digital transformation initiatives in veterinary services, all contributing to market expansion .
• Key cities dominating this market includeRiyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. Riyadh serves as the capital and a central hub for veterinary services and animal health products, while Jeddah and Dammam are significant due to their strategic locations and access to major livestock markets. The concentration of veterinary clinics and hospitals in these cities further solidifies their dominance in the market .
• In 2023, the Saudi government implemented theAnimal Health Law, 2023issued by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. This regulation mandates regular health checks and vaccinations for livestock, aiming to enhance food safety and animal welfare standards across the country. The law requires all livestock owners to maintain updated health records, comply with vaccination schedules, and report notifiable diseases to authorities, thereby fostering a healthier livestock population and supporting national food security objectives .

Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market Segmentation

By Type:The market can be segmented into pharmaceuticals, vaccines, diagnostics, feed additives, veterinary services, and others. Each of these segments plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of animals. Pharmaceuticals remain the largest segment, while diagnostics is the fastest-growing due to increased adoption of digital and point-of-care technologies .

By End-User:The end-users of the market include pet owners, livestock farmers, veterinary hospitals and clinics, research institutions, and government agencies. Each of these segments has unique needs and contributes to the overall demand for animal health products and services. Livestock farmers constitute the largest share, reflecting the country’s focus on food security and livestock productivity .

Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market Competitive Landscape

The Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Zoetis Inc., Merck Animal Health, Elanco Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Vetoquinol S.A., Virbac S.A., IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Neogen Corporation, Phibro Animal Health Corporation, Alltech, Inc., Saudi Pharmaceutical Industries & Medical Appliances Corporation (SPIMACO), Al-Watania Veterinary, Almarai Company, National Veterinary Care Company (NVCC), Al Hokair Group (Vet Division), Al-Dawaa Pharmacies (Veterinary Division), Al Safwa Veterinary Clinic, Riyadh Veterinary Hospital, PetCare Veterinary Clinic, and Jeddah Veterinary Clinic contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space .

Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

• Increasing Pet Ownership:The pet population in Saudi Arabia has surged to approximately 2.7 million in future, reflecting a growing trend in pet ownership. This increase is driven by urbanization and changing lifestyles, with 62% of households now owning pets. The rising disposable income, projected to reach $22,000 per capita, further supports spending on pet health services, including veterinary care and pet insurance, enhancing the demand for animal health services.
• Rising Livestock Production:Saudi Arabia's livestock production is expected to reach 1.6 million tons in future, driven by the government's focus on food security and self-sufficiency. The livestock sector, which includes cattle, sheep, and poultry, is supported by investments of over $1.2 billion in veterinary services and infrastructure. This growth necessitates enhanced veterinary care, vaccinations, and health management, thereby boosting the animal health market significantly.
• Growing Awareness of Animal Health:Awareness regarding animal health and welfare is increasing among Saudi consumers, with 75% of pet owners now prioritizing regular veterinary check-ups. This shift is influenced by educational campaigns and the rise of social media, which promote responsible pet ownership. As a result, spending on preventive care and wellness programs is projected to increase, contributing to the overall growth of the animal health services market in the region.

Market Challenges

• Limited Access to Veterinary Services in Rural Areas:Approximately 32% of the Saudi population resides in rural areas, where access to veterinary services is severely limited. Many rural regions lack qualified veterinarians, leading to inadequate animal healthcare. This disparity poses a significant challenge to the overall growth of the animal health market, as livestock owners in these areas often resort to unregulated practices, compromising animal welfare and health.
• High Cost of Advanced Veterinary Care:The cost of advanced veterinary care in Saudi Arabia can be prohibitive, with specialized treatments averaging around $1,600 per case. This high expense limits access for many pet owners and livestock producers, particularly in lower-income brackets. Consequently, the reluctance to invest in advanced veterinary services can hinder the growth of the animal health market, as many opt for basic care or avoid veterinary services altogether.

Saudi Arabia Animal Health & Vet Services Market Future Outlook

The future of the Saudi Arabia animal health and veterinary services market appears promising, driven by increasing pet ownership and livestock production. The integration of technology in veterinary practices, such as telemedicine and e-commerce, is expected to enhance service delivery and accessibility. Additionally, the growing focus on preventive healthcare will likely lead to increased spending on veterinary services, fostering a more robust market environment in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

• Expansion of Telemedicine in Veterinary Care:The adoption of telemedicine in veterinary care is gaining traction, with an estimated 30% of veterinary consultations expected to be conducted online in future. This trend offers significant opportunities for improving access to veterinary services, particularly in remote areas, while reducing costs for pet owners and livestock producers.
• Development of Specialized Veterinary Services:There is a growing demand for specialized veterinary services, particularly in areas such as oncology and orthopedics, projected to grow by 18% annually. This trend presents opportunities for veterinary practices to diversify their offerings and cater to the evolving needs of pet owners, enhancing overall market growth.