Veterinary Rehabilitation Services Market (By Animal Type: Companion Animals, Production Animals; By Therapy Type; By Indication; By End-use) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Revenue, Regional Outlook and Forecast 2022-2030

The global veterinary rehabilitation services market was valued at USD 787.5 million in 2021 and it is predicted to surpass around USD 1.9 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 10.28% from 2022 to 2030.

Report Highlights

• The companion animal segment is expected to dominate the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 62.01 % in 2021. 
• The wildlife animals segment is anticipated to grow fast with a CAGR of over 12.3% during the forecast period.
• The therapeutic exercises segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 20.4% in 2021. 
• The hydrotherapy segment held a significant market share over the forecast period with the fastest CAGR of over 12.13%. 
• The post-surgery segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest market share of over 27.2% in 2021. 
• The veterinary rehab centers and hospitals segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest market share of over 42.7% in 2021. 
• The rehab sanctuary segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of over 12.4% over the forecast period. 
• North America dominated the veterinary rehabilitation services market and accounted for a revenue share of over 33.1% in 2021. 
• The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow fast with a CAGR of nearly 12.6%.

The key factors driving the market growth include an increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems in animals, rising trends toward pet humanization, and increased awareness among pet owners of the benefits of non-invasive, drug-free physical rehabilitation in treating animals.

Over the last decade, pet rehabilitation has progressed from a niche service to a popular treatment option in veterinary practice. As the availability of animal rehabilitation services increases, more and more customers are realizing that physical therapy is not just for humans but may also result in pain reduction, enhanced mobility, and an overall higher standard of living for dogs. Sporting dog lovers and horse owners have widely known the importance of rehabilitation in the process of healing an injured animal. However, the demand for physical therapy for pets has just recently increased as pet owners in general have started to demand their animals to have access to the same medical alternatives as humans have.

According to an article published by the Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States, in February 2022, in the United States, geriatric animals make up over half of the total pet population, and their numbers keep growing. Additionally, a sizeable portion of veterinary patients with mobility issues could be considered elderly and nearing the end of their expected lifespans. Improving functional movement is a key objective in improving the geriatric health of aged dogs because mobility is related to the quality of life and time to death in these animals. The rehabilitation specialist may use the geriatric population to identify disabilities that have an impact on daily activities and quality of life in order to give stronger prognoses in patients, treatment objectives, and outcome measurements. 

One of the most widely traded mammals in the world is the pangolin according to American Veterinary Medical Association. Over the past ten years, the majority of pangolins rescued from trafficking in South Africa have been transported and given new lives by the APWG. About 154 pangolins were assisted by the APWG between 2015 and 2020. Each year, wildlife carers around the world save and repair millions of creatures. Animals that have been injured are treated, and then they are released back into the wild. While providing opportunities to assess wildlife health, pollutant loads, and disease prevalence, wildlife rehabilitation not only benefits the individual animals receiving care but also promotes conservation medicine methods.

Additionally, the market for veterinary rehabilitation services is fueled by the presence of various centers for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in countries like India. According to an article published by Kaziranga National Park in August 2022, the Kaziranga Wildlife Rehab Centre is the only facility in India that has successfully rehabilitated 357 species of wildlife, including elephant, rhino, tiger, leopard, wild buffalo, clouded leopard, black bear, hog deer, wild boar, muntjac, and monkeys. Additionally, two mobile veterinary clinics operated by The Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in Kaziranga is currently located in Dibru Saikhowa National Park in eastern Assam and the Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in western Assam. 

Scope of The Report

Animal Type Insights

The companion animal segment is expected to dominate the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 62.01 % in 2021. Increasing pet ownership rates especially in developed regions, rising pet healthcare services expenditure, growing incidence of chronic orthopedic conditions and widely arising physical rehabilitation requirements are among the factors responsible for the largest share of the segment. In addition, the growing population rate of dogs in every region further propels the market’s growth. According to the AKC (American Kennel Club), the number of U.S. households owning dogs reached 69 million (54%) in 2021 which increased from 50% in 2018. Similarly, in Europe, nearly 90 million households (46%) own at least one pet, according to FEDIAF European Pet Food Industry in 2021. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has encouraged most people in the world to adopt pets for psychological comfort.

The wildlife animals segment is anticipated to grow fast with a CAGR of over 12.3% during the forecast period owing to the rising awareness about wildlife conservation and growing government initiatives in implementing rehabilitation centers to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wild habitats. As the rate of extinction of numerous wild species is accelerating, several countries are increasing their wildlife rescue and rehab facilities more importantly to protect endangered species. For instance, Victoria State Government, Australia, grants USD 230,000 for the country’s wildlife rehabilitators as per Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants 2022-30 program. As per the grant, each rehabilitator applicant who holds a valid authorization from the DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning) is funded up to USD 3,000.  Such supportive initiatives by the government are anticipated in boosting the growth of the segment.

Therapy Type Insights

The therapeutic exercises segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of over 20.4% in 2021. Therapeutic or guided exercises are one of the most frequently used physical rehabilitation therapy for companion animals such as dogs. Veterinary therapeutic exercise programs comprise balance therapies, weight shifting, weight loss therapies, and several other exercises using grounded treadmills, cavalletti rails, balance discs, and peanut balls among others. These exercises enhance the body mobility, strength, flexibility, and endurance of animals that have chronic conditions such as arthritis, or those recovering from debilitating musculoskeletal or orthopedic surgery. In addition, for animal patients with neurological conditions, physical rehab exercises catalyze their healing process and speed up the return to normal physic, and promote overall energy and health.

The hydrotherapy segment held a significant market share over the forecast period with the fastest CAGR of over 12.13%. This is owing to the growing awareness about the potential therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy (also called aquatic therapy) for pets affected with painful medical conditions. Two of the most common forms of veterinary hydrotherapy include underwater treadmill exercises and swimming. The water’s buoyancy enables animals with painful conditions to move their muscles with less pain & stress. In addition, the usage of warm water in most veterinary rehab centers increases the joint’s flexibility and range of movement. The growing admission rates for hydrotherapies to treat ailments such as obesity, neurological conditions, post-orthopedic surgical recovery, diabetes, atrophy, and other injuries are significantly driving the growth of the segment.

Indication Insights

The post-surgery segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest market share of over 27.2% in 2021. This substantial share is owing to the growing number of orthopedic surgeries performed for dogs and cats, with the increasing number of veterinarians directing pets toward rehabilitation centers after surgery.  Orthopedic surgeries for companion animals are one of the common procedures that veterinarians perform to treat musculoskeletal issues. Post-operative patients are more likely to consider rehabilitation to reduce inflammation & pain and to improve the healing rate. Physical rehabilitation therapy after surgery has become more common in the veterinary field with newer advancements, which further contributes to segmental growth.

The acute & chronic disease segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period owing to its widespread nature among companion animals. Arthritis/degenerative joint disorders, neurological disorders, obesity, intervertebral disc disease, and others are some of the highly prevalent diseases seen among companion animal species. For instance, according to Parnell Living Science, 80% of the dog population shows arthritis signs regardless of age.According to the American Kennel Club, Inc., nearly one in every five dogs suffer from arthritis, which mostly affects the hips, legs, back, and other body parts. An article published by NC State University reports that 90% of cats aged above 10 years old show signs of arthritis. Therefore, the rising prevalence of such chronic diseases has increased the adoption of advanced non-invasive therapy options like physical rehabilitation to improve the quality of veterinary care.

End-use Insights

The veterinary rehab centers and hospitals segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest market share of over 42.7% in 2021. This is owing to a growing number of veterinary rehab hospitals and centers globally with advanced infrastructures. These centers are very crucial for veterinary rehabilitation services as they provide professional therapies with certified veterinary rehabilitators. The growing number of veterinary rehab professionals is another factor driving the segment growth in the market. According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), currently, many veterinary technicians and normal veterinarians are certified to rehabilitate animal patients in veterinary general hospitals. These affirmative factors are contributing to the segmental growth over the forecast period.

The rehab sanctuary segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of over 12.4% over the forecast period. This is attributed to the rising government initiatives in establishing wildlife rehab sanctuaries as a need for conserving the environment. For instance, in India, the government has taken initiatives in setting up new wildlife parks and sanctuaries as part of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 by the Constitution of the Indian Board of Wildlife. The act includes rehabilitation and protection services for threatened and endangered species. Such supportive acts by governments of developing countries are further propelling segmental growth.

Regional Insights 

North America dominated the veterinary rehabilitation services market and accounted for a revenue share of over 33.1% in 2021. The high share of the region is due to the significant presence of veterinary rehabilitation centers, growing awareness among pet owners regarding physical rehab services, rising therapy availability, and increasing pet ownership & veterinary expenditure. The increasing number of veterinary hospitals with trained and licensed veterinarians who also offer rehabilitation services is another factor boosting the market growth.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 110,000 registered veterinarians were estimated in the U.S. in 2020, majorly offering services to small animal patients. According to APPA a large number of these registered veterinarians are currently certified to provide rehabilitation for companion animals.

Europe region holds the second-largest share of the market. This is owing to the rising number of wildlife rehabilitation centers and shelter homes in European countries. The Asia Pacific region is estimated to grow fast with a CAGR of nearly 12.6% in the next few years. This is attributable to the increasing disposable income & veterinary services expenditure in key markets and growing awareness about pet rehab services in developing countries. The rising demand for proper and timely rehabilitation for companions to relieve their painful conditions, and pet humanization in developing countries like India is further boosting the growth of the market.

Key Players

• Back on Track Veterinary Rehabilitation Center, LLC
• Animal Acupuncture and Rehabilitation Center
• BARC
• Treasure Coast Animal Rehab & Fitness
• Animal Rehab Center of Michigan
• Blue Springs Animal Rehabilitation Center
• Essex Animal Hospital
• Triangle Veterinary Referral Hospital
• Butterwick animal rehab clinic Ltd
• Animal Rehab and Conditioning Center

Market Segmentation

• By Animal Type Outlook
• Companion Animals
• Production Animals
• Wildlife Animals
• By Therapy Type Outlook
• Therapeutic Exercises
• Manual Therapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Hot & Cold Therapies
• Electro Therapies
• Acupuncture
• Shockwave TherapyOther
• Therapies
• By Indication Outlook
• Post-Surgery
• Traumatic Injuries
• Acute & Chronic Diseases
• Developmental Abnormality
• Other Indications
• By End-use Outlook
• Veterinary Rehab Centers & Hospitals
• Rescue & Shelter Homes
• Rehab Sanctuary
• Others
• By Regional Outlook
• North America

• U.S.

• Canada

• Europe

• U.K.

• Germany

• France

• Italy

• Spain

• Asia Pacific

• Japan

• China

• India

• Australia

• Latin America

• Brazil

• Mexico

• Middle East & Africa

• South Africa