Pet Industry News Briefing — 2026-10-22

The pet industry is advancing through surgical market growth, antimicrobial stewardship, and stronger corporate partnerships. On the policy front, international legal issues are drawing attention, including a lawsuit over USDA enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and controversy surrounding India's draft animal testing regulations. In healthcare, a preventive home-care trend is spreading to prepare for an era where pets live up to 20 years.

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Pet Industry and Business Trends

The veterinary medical equipment and pharmaceutical markets are showing growth. Driven by an increase in companion animal surgeries and demand for advanced airway management, the global veterinary endotracheal tubes market is projected to grow steadily through 2035.

With tightened antibiotic stewardship regulations in veterinary medicine and growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) strips market is also expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5–7% through 2035.

Corporate partnerships are also active. CMG Pharmaceutical has teamed up with SKY Veterinary Medical Center to develop pet healthcare products.

As pet-friendly outings become more common and related facilities like restaurants and malls increase, the "outing pet consumption market" is expanding, with the food service and pet food industries launching dedicated menus and portion-controlled snacks.

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Policy and Legal Amendments

Legal disputes regarding animal welfare continue internationally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing controversy as it argues in court that it has no legal obligation to enforce the federal Animal Welfare Act.

In India, a draft of new animal testing regulations has sparked backlash over animal welfare. The draft replaces 1968 and 1998 regulations and uses the severity of pain as an approval criterion, but critics worry that prior approval procedures could be weakened.

Domestically, discussions are underway to institutionally establish the state's social responsibility through the legislation of support for service animals. Through amendments to the Animal Protection Act, the support system for service animals helping people with disabilities and vulnerable social groups is being strengthened.

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Healthcare and Lifestyle Tips

As the average lifespan of companion animals extends, the healthcare paradigm is changing. Ahead of the "era of 20-year-old pets," the focus is shifting from treatment-centered approaches to prevention and daily management.

In line with this trend, "pet home care" managed right at home is spreading. Just as humans have routinized prevention-focused healthcare, the importance of in-home management for pets is also growing.

Institutional changes, such as strengthened pet registration systems and more specific safety standards in public spaces, are serving as the foundation for a pet culture focused on safe coexistence. Pet owners must adopt responsible ownership attitudes in tune with these institutional shifts.