Veterinary Services Industry Profile

The US veterinary services industry includes about 28,000 veterinary centers and animal testing laboratories, with combined annual revenue of about $25 billion. Major companies include Medical Management International, which does business as Banfield and maintains centers in PetSmart stores, and VCA Antech. The industry is highly fragmented: the 50 largest companies account for 10 percent of revenue. The typical veterinary services company operates an animal hospital with less than 20 employees on staff and has annual revenue under $1 million.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven mainly by the number of cats and dogs kept as pets, which is affected by demographics. The profitability of an individual clinic depends on marketing skills, and by the range of services the practice offers. Large practices enjoy economies of scale in marketing as well as more capital to invest in onsite diagnostic equipment. Small practices can compete effectively by specializing in particular animals or types of treatment, or by serving an exclusive area. The industry is labor-intensive: average annual revenue per employee is $85,000.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Animal hospitals and clinics treat injuries and disease, but derive most revenue from animal health procedures like neutering and spaying, vaccinations, and regular checkups. Some animal hospitals also bathe, groom, board, and provide testing services. Routine examinations and non-surgical treatments each account for about 25 percent of industry revenue; surgical procedures and lab services, about 15 percent each. Sales of pet food, vitamins, ...