Companion Animal Arthritis Market Size Analysis:

Companion Animal Arthritis Market was valued at USD 66.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 125.58 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.28% over the forecast period of 2024-2032.

The Companion Animal Arthritis Market Report provides key statistical insights and emerging trends shaping the industry. It addresses both incidence and prevalence rates for arthritis in companion animals, with attention given to regional and species-specific demographics. Findings indicate prevalent prescribing patterns for DMOADs, NSAIDs, and alternative therapies across key markets. It also looks at drug production and use quantities from 2020 to 2032 and healthcare expenditure trends by government, insurers, and pet owners. The report also examines the use of alternative treatments, such as physical therapy and regenerative medicine. It details innovations, like AI for diagnosis and smart devices, that are changing the face of arthritis management for pets. This report provides a detailed overview of the market dynamics. Demand for Companion Animal Arthritis Market Will Rise With Increase in Pet Ownership and Innovations in Veterinary Medicine

Companion Animal Arthritis Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Increasing pet ownership and humanization of pets are leading to higher demand for arthritis treatments.

Rising trend of pet adoption coupled with increasing humanization of pets substantially drives the demand for arthritis treatment in companion animals. The latest data show 66% of U.S. households have a pet, up from 56%. This increase can be owed to Millennials, who make up 33% of all pet owners and more than any previous generation. The deep connections that pet owners experience with their animals also attests to this trend of humanisation. A survey of 2,000 American dog owners, 85 percent poll said that they think of their dogs as their children, and 76% said they see their pooches as the family’s main character. In Australia, a similar trend can be observed as 73% of pet owners prefer to seek emotional support from their pets rather than their human partners, while 58% are sharing their beds with their pets.

The strong human-animal bond that exists drives spending patterns, with pet owners willing to spend on their pets health and happiness. Pet humanization is being enriched by premium products, leading to a 5.9% growth of global pet care sales in 2023 with global sales reaching $197.6 billion. A staggering 37% of pet owners say they would go into debt to pay for their pets' medical care. These trends reflect a growing commitment to providing high-quality care for pets, including health issues such as arthritis. As pets age, conditions such as arthritis become more prevalent, leading owners to seek effective treatments to enhance their companions' quality of life. Consequently, the companion animal arthritis market is experiencing growth, propelled by increased pet ownership and the deepening humanization of pets.

Restraints:

• High costs of advanced arthritis treatments may limit accessibility for some pet owners.

The cost of arthritis treatments and medications for companion animals is high, which is a major restraint in the companion animal arthritis market. Treating arthritis in pets usually involves long-term or lifelong therapy, which can prove expensive for pet owners. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are prescription medications that treat pain and inflammation but are expensive to use in the long term. High-cost progressive therapies such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections add to the list of high-cost harbingers. For example, in 2022, the medication segment, encompassing NSAIDs and other drugs, accounted for over 54% of the market revenue, highlighting the significant expenditure on these treatments. For other pets, this financial barrier could restrict access to effective arthritis care and cause untreated or inadequately treated disease. As a result, the high cost of treatment and medication is still a major barrier in the companion animal arthritis market.

Opportunities:

• Growing interest in alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and hydrotherapy, offers new avenues for arthritis management.

The expanding interest in alternative therapies for the management of companion animal arthritis represents a growing opportunity within the realm of veterinary medicine. Pet owners are in search of holistic and non-pharmaceutical solutions for their pets suffering from arthritis-related pain. Such an approach is fuelled by a distrust of traditional medications due to fears around their side effects and a preference for more natural treatment methods. Recent data shows a significant increase in the use of complementary medicine. In a 2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 38% of pet owners reported using alternative treatments like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and physical therapy for their pets’ pain, including arthritis. That's up 12% from the year prior, reflecting an increasing trend toward integrative veterinary care.

Acupuncture, specifically, is becoming a common treatment method. In 2023, the Journal of Veterinary Science published a study that showed remarkable results of 62% of their dogs with arthritis improving with mobility and reduction in pain after a six-week course of acupuncture sessions. Likewise, hydrotherapy has its perks; a 2023 study in the Veterinary Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Journal discovered that 70% of arthritic canines saw improved joint function and diminished pain after a hydroptherapy regiment. There are now even more certified practitioners available to promote the integration of these alternative therapies into traditional veterinary practices. The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) has reported a 15% increase in the number of certified veterinary acupuncturists worldwide in 2023, indicating a growing acceptance and demand for these types of services.

Challenges:

• Recent FDA warnings about severe side effects of arthritis medications, like Librela, highlight safety concerns.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a letter to veterinarians describing serious adverse events connected to Librela, a monoclonal antibody that was approved in May 2023 to reduce osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Increased thirst (polydipsia) and increased urination (polyuria), ataxia (loss of muscle coordination), seizures, paresis (muscle weakness), recumbency (inability to rise), as well as urinary incontinence have all been reported as side effects. These unwanted events have, in some cases, resulted in death or required euthanasia. Between January 2023 and March 2024, the FDA said it received more than 3,600 cases of adverse events related to dogs given Librela for pain relief, leading it to recommend that veterinarians closely observe dogs after giving patients Librela and report any adverse reactions. The maker of Librela, Zoetis, ultimately responded by adding cautionary notes to the drug’s prescribing information in January 2025, warning that it carried the risk of these potentially serious side effects. The new label advises veterinarians to let dog owners know about these risks and give them informational sheets that go over side effects. Zoetis says that Librela is safe and effective, adding that side effects are rare and occur in fewer than 10 in 10,000 treated dogs. More than one million dogs in the U.S. have received the treatment since its launch. Nonetheless, the identification of these significant adverse events serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing post-market surveillance, as well as caution and communication between veterinarians and pet owners when choosing treatment modalities for canine osteoarthritis.

Companion Animal Arthritis Market Segment analysis

By Animal Type

In 2023, the dogs segment accounted for more than 59% of the worldwide companion animal arthritis market share. The overwhelming prevalence of osteoarthritis in dogs, which is often associated with factors like age and obesity, may explain this dominance. According to government statistics, 30% of the dog population is obese, and 40 to 45% of dogs aged 5-11 are overweight, making them vulnerable to arthritis. The increasing humanization of pets and the rising humanization of pets are expected to drive the healthcare expenditure on dogs, thus driving this segment. Also, with the increased awareness of the health needs of pets, there is a growing demand for specialized treatments and care for our canine companions. Given the emotional bond that dog owners have with their dogs, this trend is likely to continue with a willingness to spend more on their health.

By Treatment

In 2023, the medication segment accounted for the highest revenue share of over 54.0%. This is primarily because of the success of drugs like NSAIDs and monoclonal antibodies in controlling arthritis symptoms in pets. That said, governmental efforts to improve vets’ access to vet medicine have been beneficial here. In addition, the developed pharmaceutical segment is flourishing, owing to the introduction of targeted therapies. Arthritis is often diagnosed among pets, and with the advent of new treatments, medication has become a go-to for pet owners. The medication segment benefits from ongoing research and development in veterinary pharmaceuticals, which continues to enhance treatment options for companion animals.

By Distribution Channel

The veterinary hospitals and clinics segment accounted for the highest revenue share of 35% in 2023. The reason for this dominance is the key method these facilities play in diagnosing and treating arthritis in pets. The timber framework manufacturers have been more up to date with their cabinets and fixtures, urging dogs to visit their practice and receive public statements. Additionally, the expertise and trust surrounding veterinary professionals in these types of settings make them favored options for pet owners. Veterinary hospitals and clinics play a vital role in offering complete care, from precise diagnoses to individualized treatment strategies, which are vital for successfully managing arthritis.

By Indication

The osteoarthritis segment accounted for the largest market share, about 76% of the total revenue in 2023. Arthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in pets, especially in older dogs and cats. According to government statistics, awareness about osteoarthritis is growing, resulting in more diagnoses and treatments. Orthopedic disease is common, associated with age, obesity (due to sedentary lifestyle), and genetic predispositions in dogs and cats (predisposed breeds), Osteoarthritis prevention/treatment has become a hot area of focus for both pet parents and veterinary professionals alike. The dominance of osteoarthritis in the market is also driven by the availability of effective treatments and the ongoing research into new therapeutic options, which continue to improve outcomes for affected pets.

Companion Animal Arthritis Market Regional Insights

The largest region in this market is North America, which accounted for 35% of the total market in 2023. The United States in particular, dominates the worldwide market, focusing on pet health and the use of advanced diagnostic tools and treatments, including biologic therapies and regenerative medicine. As pets receive increased humanization across North America, pet owners are rapidly investing in chairs that have quality healthcare to further review arthritis treatments. The European market is well supported by an established pet food market with high spending on pet care. This highlights the increasing need for general pet health and the demand for treatments such as arthritis in companion animals.

The fastest-growing market is anticipated to be in the Asia-Pacific region on account of the growing pet population and health awareness in countries like China and India. Disposable income is increasing in these emerging markets, and veterinarians are also in demand, along with veterinary medicines and treatments for arthritis. Factors such as the adoption of robust veterinary controls and increased access to inexpensive medicines will act as the driving force for regional market growth. This growth is also being supported by government initiatives that are improving veterinary services as well as increasing access to healthcare for pets.

Companion Animal Arthritis Market Key Players

• Zoetis Inc. (Librela, Rimadyl)

• Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (Onsior, Galliprant)

• Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH (Metacam, Previcox)

• Merck Animal Health (MSD Animal Health) (Bravecto, Nobivac)

• Virbac S.A. (Cortavance, Effipro)

• Ceva Santé Animale (Carprodyl F, Meloxidyl)

• Vetoquinol S.A. (Flexadin, Cimalgex)

• Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC (Vetoryl, Sileo)

• Norbrook Laboratories Ltd. (Loxicom, Carprieve)

• Aratana Therapeutics, Inc. (Entyce, Nocita)

• Chanelle Pharma Group (Carprodyl Quadri, ChanOx)

• K-Laser USA (K-Laser Cube, K-Laser Blue)

• Assisi Animal Health (Assisi Loop, Assisi Loop Lounge)

• Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. (Dasuquin, Cosequin)

• Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. (Prescription Diet j/d, Science Diet)

• Nestlé Purina PetCare Company (Joint Mobility, Pro Plan Veterinary Diets)

• Royal Canin (Mobility Support, Veterinary Diets)

• Mars Petcare (Eukanuba Veterinary Diets, Greenies JointCare)

• PetMed Express, Inc. (PetMeds Joint Enhancer, PetMeds Pain Relief)

• NexGen Pharmaceuticals (Phenylbutazone, Flunixin Meglumine)

Recent Developments in the Companion Animal Arthritis Market

• In January 2024, The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced initiatives to enhance veterinary care infrastructure, which is expected to boost the companion animal arthritis market by improving access to advanced treatments.

• In August 2024, The European Union launched a program to promote animal welfare, including better healthcare services for pets, which could further drive the demand for arthritis treatments.