The veterinary market - France

Veterinarians play an essential role in animal health, advising both professionals and private individuals. They work mainly in veterinary clinics or centers, where they provide diagnosis, care and surgery. Although they can treat pets as well as livestock and equines, domestic animals account for the majority of their business. The global market for veterinary services is growing steadily. In 2024, it was valued at 131.21 billion US dollars, and is expected to reach 233.21 billion US dollars by 2034, with an annual growth rate of 5.92%. This expansion is driven in particular by the increase in the number of pet owners and by growing awareness of animal health. North America dominates this market with a 44% share, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. The rise of advanced technologies, such as mobile veterinary units and artificial intelligence, is also contributing to this dynamic. In France, the veterinary sector has enjoyed strong growth in recent years. Between 2013 and 2024, sales of veterinary establishments rose by 48.7%. The number of establishments has also risen slightly, from 7,821 in 2016 to 8,303 in 2023. This trend is partly explained by the importance of pets in French people's daily lives: in 2024, 61% of them will own one. Visits to veterinary practices are relatively high, with over half of pet owners having consulted a vet in the past year. However, 48% of respondents say they have already foregone veterinary care because the cost was too high. Although companion animals play a major role, the French veterinary market is also linked to livestock. Their population, which was on the rise until 2019, has been in slight decline since 2020, with around 37.1 million animals in 2023, down 1.1% on the previous year. As for veterinarians themselves, there will be 21,494 in 2023, with a marked feminization of the profession, with women accounting for 59.8% of the workforce. Most of them specialize in pet care, either exclusively or in a mixed practice. The distribution of veterinary establishments follows a geographical logic: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes leads the way, followed by Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Île-de-France and Occitanie.