Animal Sedatives Market - By Drug Class, By Route of Administration, By Application, By Animal Type, By Distribution Channel - Global Forecast, 2025 - 2034

Animal Sedatives Market Size

The global animal sedatives market was estimated at USD 167.4 million in 2024. The market is expected to grow from USD 176.1 million in 2025 to USD 309.8 million in 2034, at a CAGR of 6.5%. The expansion of this market is driven by the increased demand for veterinary care and innovation in animal healthcare products and services.
 

Additionally, the increasing pet population and rising focus on animal health are contributing to the growth of this market. For instance, as per the Pet Ownership Statistics 2025 by Forbes, as of 2024, 66% of U.S. households that is around 86.9 million homes, own a pet. Thus, the increasing number of pets eventually leads to increased animal healthcare expenditure, thereby creating a demand for veterinary healthcare products and services including animal sedatives.
 

The rising prevalence of animal diseases is also significantly driving the growth of the animal sedatives market as pet owners seek routine check-ups, diagnosis, and effective treatment including surgeries. Further, the rising veterinary surgical procedures and certain diagnostic procedures necessitate the use of animal sedatives in order to keep them calm and relax for better outcomes. The growing consumption of meat and other animal-based food products has spurred the livestock industry.
 

For instance, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the global meat production is projected to reach 373 million tonnes (carcass weight equivalents) in 2024, reflecting a 1.4% increase from 2023. Due to this, there is a high dependency on livestock and animal husbandry to meet the animal-based food demand in emerging markets. Thus, the expanding livestock industry also contributes to the market growth as they require sedatives for stress free handling and transportation of animals.
 

Animal sedatives are animal drugs that facilitate reducing anxiety and calming the animals. The sedatives induce a state of sedation by depressing the central nervous system. They are used in veterinary medicine for surgical or diagnostic procedures, reducing anxiety during transportation, and also in managing aggressive behavior. The commonly used drug class of sedatives include benzodiazepines, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, and phenothiazines, among others.
 

Animal Sedatives Market Trends

• The animal sedatives industry is experiencing several trends that are driving the growth trajectory of this market. One of the notable trends in this market is increased preference for minimally invasive and stress-free veterinary services.
   
• Technological advancements in veterinary medicine are another trend in this market, leading to the development of new sedatives, novel drug delivery systems, and more effective sedatives with fewer side effects.
   
• Additionally, the wildlife conservation trend is further contributing to the market growth. The increased management of wild animals requires animal sedatives for safe relocation and studying it.
   
• Furthermore, the increasing trend of pet insurance adoption is expanding the growth of the market. For instance, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), in 2023, around 6.25 million pets were insured across North America. Thus, this trend supports pet owners by reducing animal healthcare expenses, thereby leading to an increased focus on diagnosis and treatment for animal diseases.
   
• Moreover, companion animals such as dogs and cats are facing behavioral issues like separation anxiety, aggression, and phobias, which require animal sedatives. Thus, increased behavioral changes and management of these issues drives the growth of this market.
   
• Further, the changing regulatory requirements influence the availability and accessibility of these drugs, further influencing the market growth.
   

Animal Sedatives Market Analysis

Based on the drug class, the global market is segmented into phenothiazines, alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, benzodiazepines, butyrophenones, and other drug classes. The phenothiazines segment accounted for USD 66 million in 2024.
 

• The phenothiazines segment dominated the global market owing to its versatility in applications, including pre-anesthetic sedation, behavioral calming, and managing transportation stress. Additionally, they are widely used for both companion as well as livestock animals.
   
• Furthermore, the availability of phenothiazines in multiple formulations, such as injections as well as oral forms, makes them a preferred option for veterinarians and pet owners.
   
• These drugs are well-known for their ability to reduce anxiety with moderate sedation making them ideal for routine veterinary services, including grooming, diagnosis or imaging.
   
• In the livestock sector, these sedatives are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness in managing stress during transportation and handling.
   
• Phenothiazines have a proven history and a better safety profile, which builds trust among veterinarians and further reinforces their significant use in veterinary hospital settings.
   

Based on the route of administration, the global animal sedatives market is categorized into parenteral and oral. The parenteral segment is expected to grow at 6.3% CAGR during the forecast period.
 

• The parenteral sedatives offer a rapid onset of action, leading to immediate sedation, which is required during emergency situations and surgeries. Thus, their ability for quick action drives the growth of this segment.
   
• This segment provides precision medicine and is recognized as a standard choice of pre-anesthetic sedation, surgical interventions, and diagnostic procedures.
   
• Additionally, factors such as increasing awareness of stress-free handling, surge in veterinary surgical procedures and rising demand for veterinary care have supported the growth of this segment.
   

Based on the application, the global animal sedatives market is categorized into surgical procedures, diagnostic procedures, clinical research studies, and other applications. The surgical procedures segment held highest market share of 41.2% in 2024.
 

• The highest growth of this segment can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of animal disease and injuries, leading to the growing number of veterinary surgeries necessitating animal sedatives.
   
• Further, the increasing trend of pet adoption, as well as rising animal healthcare spendings, has resulted in significant growth of this segment.
   
• Moreover, factors including advancements in veterinary medicine, growing livestock production, and expanding veterinary infrastructure support the growth of this segment.
   

Based on animal type, the animal sedatives market is classified into small animals and large animals. The small animals segment dominated the market in 2024 and is expected to grow at 6.3% CAGR over the analysis period. The small animals segment is further classified into dogs, cats, and other small animals.
 

• The increased adoption of small animals like cats and dogs as pets and growing humanization of these animals are the factors responsible for the growth of this segment.
   
• The number of procedures like spaying, neutering, and orthopedic surgeries is growing in small animals, resulting in increased demand for animal sedatives.
   
• Moreover, the willingness of pet owners to invest in animal health and pet insurance has further bolstered growth.
   

Based on distribution channel, the animal sedatives market is divided into hospital pharmacies, retail pharmacies, and other distribution channels. The hospital pharmacies segment accounted for the majority of market share in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 163.5 million by 2034.
 

• Veterinary hospitals are responsible for handling many critical animal cases that need diagnostic or surgical interventions, which leads to increased sedative usage.
   
• Hospital pharmacies provide a wide range of animal products, including sedatives for immediate access for various medical procedures.
   
• Additionally, factors such as increased veterinary visits, growing pet population, animal healthcare expenditures, and rising adoption of pet insurance are expected to drive the growth of this segment.
   

North America animal sedatives market size was valued at USD 59.5 million in 2021. The North America region dominated the global market in 2024 with USD 67.8 million growing from USD 64.8 million in 2023.
 

• The dominance of the region is due to the rise in pet ownership, which continues to grow in countries like the U.S and Canada. For instance, as per the Pet Ownership Statistics 2025 by Forbes, as of 2024, 66% of U.S. households—around 86.9 million homes—own a pet.
   
• Furthermore, the presence of well-established veterinary infrastructure and increased focus on animal health drives the demand for effective diagnostics and treatments, including surgeries. This increasing demand has increased the need for animal sedatives for performing these procedures.
   
• Furthermore, the presence of well-established veterinary infrastructure and increased focus on animal health drives the demand for effective diagnostics and treatments, including surgeries. This increasing demand has increased the need for animal sedatives for performing these procedures.
   

In 2024, the U.S. animal sedatives market was valued at USD 63.1 million.
 

• In U.S., the increased trend of spending on animal health has contributed to the growth of the market. For instance, in 2021, the American spending on pets was USD 123.6 billion, which raised to USD 150.6 billion in 2024. These figures highlight the growing trend in animal healthcare expenditure, thus reflecting the increasing demand for animal health products.
   
• Additionally, the presence of leading players like Zoetis, Elanco and Merck further solidifies the position of U.S. in the market.
   

In the Europe animal sedatives market, the UK market is expected to grow significantly in coming years.
 

• The World Animal Foundation has estimated that in the UK there are approximately 13.5 million dogs and 12.5 million cats. This significant pet population increases the demand for veterinary clinical services.
   
• The increased number of pet injuries and growing focus on animal health, including dental care requiring animal sedatives, has further supported the growth of this market.
   
• Additionally, the growing use of animal sedatives for transportation and smooth handling of farm animals drives the growth of the market in the UK.
   

In Asia Pacific animal sedatives market, India is expected to experience substantial growth throughout the forecast period.
 

• Owing to the growing animal care infrastructure in India, the market is expected to grow significantly. For instance, as per the 2022 Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics from the State/UTs Animal Husbandry Department, there were 12,452 veterinary hospitals and polyclinics.
   
• The increasing number of veterinary hospitals and polyclinics enhances the access to diagnostic and surgical procedures, thus resulting in increased adoption of animal sedatives.
   
• Further, the large livestock population and farming activities increase the demand for animal sedatives.
   

In Latin America animal sedatives market, Brazil is projected to see significant growth in the during the analysis period.
 

• The growing pet ownership across Brazil, is contributing to the surge in veterinary medicines, including animal sedatives. For instance, in 2022 Brazil had 167.6 million pets, among which 68 million were dogs and 41.3 million were birds, as per the Brazilian Association of the Pet Products Industry. This figure highlights the need for animal sedatives required for performing diagnosis and treatment.
   
• Moreover, improvements in veterinary infrastructure in Latin America, including the expansion of veterinary clinics and diagnostic labs, are facilitating better access to animal healthcare services.
   

In Middle East and Africa animal sedatives market, Saudi Arabia is poised to showcase notable growth in the future.
 

• In Saudi Arabia approximately 150,000 to 200,000 families rely on livestock for their livelihoods. This high dependency on livelihood supports the growth of market in Saudi Arabia.
   
• Further, the increased government focus on maintaining food safety and agricultural practices has resulted in growing need for animal health products.
   

Animal Sedatives Market Share

The top 5 players operating in this market, including Zoetis, Boehringer Ingelheim, Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, Orion Corporation, and Ceva Animal Health accounted for around 60% share in 2024. The market is highly competitive due to various factors, including innovative technologies, increased demand for effective diagnosis and treatments, and increasing awareness of the importance of maintaining animal health. These key players have maintained their positions due to their extensive portfolios, strong brand recognition, and large-scale distribution networks. These players are significantly investing in research and development activities for developing novel products. Moreover, mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations further facilitate these players to expand their geographic presence.
 

Furthermore, the market is growing because of increasing global awareness of animal health, the introduction of advanced technologies and new drug formulations. The regulatory requirements for the welfare of animals, growing livestock industry and rising awareness among pet owners significantly influence the growth of these players.
 

Animal Sedatives Market Companies

Few of the prominent players operating in the animal sedatives industry industry include:

• Bayer
• Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health
• Ceva Animal Health
• Chanelle Pharma
• Dechra Pharmaceuticals
• Elanco Animal Health Incorporated
• Jurox Pty Limited
• Orion Corporation
• Virbac
• Zoetis

• Orion Corporation pioneered animal sedatives with the discovery of detomidine, initially researched for human hypertension. Optimized for veterinary use, it gained approval in 1983. Expanding its portfolio, Orion developed additional alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonists, now used by veterinarians in 50+ countries worldwide.
   
• Ceva Animal Health, the 5th largest global player in animal health, strengthens its international presence with a new European distribution hub in Montpon-Ménestérol, France. Supported by the French government, this initiative accelerates Ceva’s growth while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, regional development, and sustainability.
   

Animal Sedatives Industry News

• In September 2022, Zoetis acquired Jurox, a veterinary medicine manufacturer for livestock and companion animals. This acquisition helped the company expand its product portfolio and generate revenue growth.
   
• In July 2022, Dechra introduced Zenalpha a novel alpha-2 combination drug for use as a sedative and analgesic in dogs for minor surgeries, diagnostic purpose and other clinical procedures. This launch helped the company to boost revenue growth by broadening its product range.
   
• In February 2022, Bimeda Inc., announced the FDA approval of Detomidine Hydrochloride, a sedative and analgesic for horses which is a first bioequivalent to Dormosedan. This launch helped the company to enhance its competitive edge by strengthening its position in the market.
   
• In December 2019, Dechra Veterinary Products launched Rominervin, a rapid-acting injectable sedative for equine sedation and premedication, containing 10 mg/ml romifidine hydrochloride in a vial of 20 ml. This launch helped the company to strengthen its veterinary portfolio and expands its market presence in equine care.
   

The animal sedatives market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates and forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2034 for the following segments:

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Market, By Drug Class 

• Phenothiazines
• Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist
• Benzodiazepines
• Butyrophenones
• Other drug classes

Market, By Route of Administration

• Parenteral
• Oral

Market, By Application

• Surgical procedures
• Diagnostic procedures
• Clinical research studies
• Other applications

Market, By Animal Type

• Small animals
  • Dogs
  • Cats
  • Other small animals 
• Large animals
  • Cattle
  • Horses
  • Other large animals

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina 
• Middle East and Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • UAE