Pet Hospice Services Market - Global Forecast 2026-2032

The Pet Hospice Services Market size was estimated at USD 90.52 million in 2025 and expected to reach USD 98.39 million in 2026, at a CAGR of 6.45% to reach USD 140.25 million by 2032.

Pet hospice services have emerged as a vital component of companion animal healthcare, offering a compassionate, holistic approach to end-of-life care for aging or terminally ill pets. This specialized care model parallels human hospice principles, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatment. The roots of veterinary hospice trace back to pioneering efforts in the late 1980s and early 2000s, when advocates like Dr. Eric Clough and Dr. Alice Villalobos introduced frameworks that elevated comfort and emotional support over life-extension at all costs. Over time, the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) have formalized these principles through end-of-life care guidelines and accreditation programs, sparking broader recognition within the veterinary profession.

Recent years have witnessed profound transformations in pet hospice care driven by technological innovation, shifting consumer expectations, and holistic therapy integration. The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed telemedicine adoption in veterinary practice, enabling remote quality-of-life assessments and virtual palliative consultations that reduce stress for both pet and caregiver. This digital evolution extends to telehospice programs, where personalized video and phone consultations guide families through complex care decisions from the comfort of their homes. Meanwhile, rising pet humanization has increased demand for tailored treatment plans that respect each animal’s unique needs and owner preferences.

The United States’ 2025 tariff measures have introduced new cost dynamics across veterinary hospice supply chains, with broad global tariffs of 10 percent and heightened duties up to 25 percent on Chinese active pharmaceutical ingredients and medical equipment. Although finished veterinary drugs remain excluded from Section 301 tariff lists to protect patient access, many critical inputs-raw ingredients, diagnostic devices, and supportive medical apparatus-are now subject to additional levies. Such policy shifts compel providers to reassess sourcing strategies, as increased import duties on specialized equipment and supplies translate into higher acquisition costs and potential delays.

Pet hospice providers address diverging needs by offering in-home care, inpatient facility stays, and outpatient clinic services that span daily and weekly visits, long-term and short-term stays, and dedicated pain management and palliative consultation programs. This service-type spectrum supports a tailored continuum of care that reflects each pet’s medical condition and the family’s circumstances. Complementing these service variations, hospice care extends across both feline and canine populations, acknowledging distinct species-specific requirements in pain management and quality-of-life evaluation. Payment frameworks further diversify the market with charitable non-profit funding through donations and grants, insurance partnerships spanning multi-pet and pet-specific policies, and private pay models structured on hourly rates or comprehensive package plans, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for every household.

Regional market conditions are shaping pet hospice adoption at varying rates across the globe. In the Americas, North America leads with a mature veterinary infrastructure, extensive at-home care networks, and high per-capita pet welfare spending driven by strong human-animal bonds and supportive insurance markets. Meanwhile, Latin America exhibits emerging interest as urbanization and disposable incomes rise, creating nascent opportunities for service expansion. Across Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Europe’s well-established animal welfare regulations and a collective pet population exceeding 340 million support steady growth in specialized hospice offerings, though market fragmentation persists amid diverse regulatory landscapes and practice consolidation trends. In the Asia-Pacific region, rising pet adoption rates, expanding veterinary education initiatives, and increasing household incomes are catalyzing the fastest acceleration in demand for end-of-life care services.

Leading the charge in pet hospice care, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice has established operations in 37 states with a network of over 350 veterinarians delivering family-centered, in-home end-of-life care alongside telehospice and comprehensive pet loss support services. Major veterinary hospital chains such as VCA Animal Hospitals, Banfield Pet Hospital, and BluePearl Veterinary Partners are integrating hospice and palliative care programs into their service portfolios to meet growing client demand and differentiate their offerings. In parallel, emerging mobile providers and non-profit organizations are forging partnerships and leveraging accreditation pathways through AAHA and IAAHPC guidelines to standardize care protocols and elevate industry benchmarks.

To maintain leadership in the evolving pet hospice market, service providers should expand telehospice capabilities and digital triage platforms to deliver timely expert guidance while minimizing client stress. Establishing accredited training programs aligned with AAHA/IAAHPC end-of-life care standards will enhance clinical competency and foster consistent best practices across in-home, inpatient, and outpatient settings. Diversifying payment structures through collaboration with insurers, charitable foundations, and package-based private pay models can broaden accessibility and reduce financial barriers for pet owners. Furthermore, active engagement with policymakers and industry associations to advocate for targeted tariff exemptions on veterinary supplies will help mitigate cost pressures and ensure continuity of compassionate care.

This report’s findings are built upon a rigorous research framework combining primary and secondary methodologies to ensure depth and accuracy. Primary data was collected through in-depth interviews and surveys with veterinarians, hospice care providers, and pet owners to capture firsthand perspectives on service delivery challenges and emerging needs. Secondary research leveraged authoritative guidelines from the AAHA/IAAHPC, Federal Register tariff notices, and industry publications to contextualize market dynamics and policy shifts. Data triangulation and iterative expert review processes were implemented to validate conclusions and reinforce the reliability of insights presented herein.

Pet hospice services have become indispensable in honoring the profound human-animal bond by offering dignified, humane care at the end of life. The convergence of technological innovation, expanding service modalities, and heightened consumer expectations underscores the sector’s transformative trajectory. Despite external pressures such as evolving tariff regimes and regional regulatory variability, the commitment to enhancing companion animal comfort and family support remains unwavering. As market adoption accelerates globally, the strategic insights and recommendations outlined in this executive summary will equip stakeholders with the knowledge required to navigate challenges, capitalize on growth opportunities, and deliver exceptional end-of-life experiences for pets and their families.

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