Veterinary Thermography Market By Animal Type (Companion Animals, Livestock, Exotics); By Application (Lameness Detection, Inflammation Screening, Disease Surveillance, Post-Surgical Recovery, Research); By Technology Type (Handheld Devices, Fixed Systems, AI-Integrated Systems); By End User (Veterinary Clinics, Animal Hospitals, Large Animal Farms, Equine Facilities, Rehabilitation Centers); By Region, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Veterinary Thermography Market will witness a robust CAGR of 8.1%, valued at USD 152.4 million in 2024, expected to appreciate and reach USD 270.7 million by 2030, confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

This market revolves around the use of infrared imaging for non-contact assessment of temperature patterns in animals—offering a painless way to spot inflammation, injury, or circulatory issues without sedation or shaving. Between 2024 and 2030, thermography is shifting from a “nice-to-have” innovation to a routine tool for animal care, especially as pet owners, farmers, and veterinarians expect higher diagnostic standards.

 

One big reason for the shift is that animals can’t describe pain or discomfort, making traditional diagnostics a guessing game. Thermography bridges that gap—allowing clinicians to visualize subtle changes before outward symptoms appear. The need for early lameness detection in horses, faster identification of mastitis in dairy cows, and less stressful screening for arthritis in aging dogs is reshaping demand worldwide.

 

Technological improvements are also pushing adoption. Modern thermal cameras are now wireless, pocket-sized, and smartphone-compatible. Software powered by artificial intelligence is starting to automate interpretation—making it easier for vets and technicians to integrate thermal imaging into busy clinics or on-the-farm visits. There’s also a regulatory push for animal welfare: some countries now encourage or require non-invasive diagnostics in farm and companion animals, hoping to minimize stress and unnecessary procedures.

 

On the investment side, stakeholders range from equipment manufacturers to agricultural conglomerates, specialty vet hospitals, academic researchers, livestock producers, and insurance companies looking to reduce costly claims. It’s a diverse map, with growth pockets emerging in equine sports medicine, cattle farming, pet rehabilitation, and even zoological research.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The veterinary thermography market is a multi-application ecosystem, and its segmentation reflects the diverse needs of large-scale animal operations as well as individual pet owners. Market scope is best understood by examining how technology, workflow, and clinical value vary by animal type, application, technology type, end user, and region.

While the segmentation categories appear straightforward, market dynamics are increasingly blurring these lines. The same portable imager may serve herd-wide surveillance in dairy farms and individual diagnostics in companion animal clinics. Meanwhile, new use cases—such as zoological medicine and animal rescue—are expanding the addressable market and accelerating adoption.

By Animal Type

Thermography adoption varies significantly by animal physiology, handling environment, and primary health risks. In 2024, the equine segment is estimated to account for nearly 37% of global revenue, supported by widespread use in racehorse training, sports medicine, and lameness prevention. Cattle and dairy cows represent the next major segment, where early detection of mastitis and herd health monitoring is driving uptake—especially in North America and parts of Europe.

• Equine: Dominant segment due to high economic value per animal and strong demand for performance optimization, injury prevention, and early inflammation detection.

• Bovine (Cattle & Dairy): Rapid adoption for mastitis screening, herd surveillance, and welfare monitoring in commercial-scale operations.

• Companion Animals (Dogs & Cats): Growing clinical use for musculoskeletal screening, arthritis monitoring, chronic pain management, and post-treatment evaluation.

• Exotics & Zoological Animals: Emerging niche where thermography supports non-invasive assessment and triage in handling-sensitive species.

 

By Application

By application, the market is structured around diagnostic and monitoring workflows. The major splits include lameness detection, inflammation screening, disease surveillance (e.g., mastitis, respiratory distress), post-surgical recovery monitoring, and research applications. Currently, lameness detection remains the dominant use case, particularly in equine and bovine health, where early identification of heat anomalies can reduce injury severity and lower treatment costs.

• Lameness Detection: Leading use case in 2024, especially in equine sports medicine and bovine locomotion monitoring.

• Inflammation Screening: Fastest-growing area in companion animals as clinics adopt thermography for arthritis, chronic pain, and rehab monitoring.

• Disease Surveillance: Increasing adoption for mastitis screening in dairy herds and early warning for respiratory distress or systemic inflammation patterns.

• Post-Surgical Recovery: Used to track localized inflammation trends, healing progression, and complications without repeated invasive checks.

• Research & Clinical Studies: Utilized in veterinary universities and R&D programs for validation studies, welfare research, and comparative physiology.

 

By Technology Type

Technology segmentation is evolving as thermography moves from specialist environments to broader clinical and field adoption. The market divides between high-end fixed systems in referral hospitals and portable handheld devices used by field veterinarians, farms, and small clinics. Handheld thermal imagers—often smartphone-connected—are the fastest-growing segment due to affordability, mobility, and ease of workflow integration.

• Fixed / High-End Systems: Common in referral hospitals and specialty centers where controlled environments and advanced imaging workflows support higher accuracy and documentation.

• Portable / Handheld Devices: Fastest-growing segment, enabling field diagnostics in equine centers and livestock farms, as well as point-of-care screening in small clinics.

• Smartphone-Integrated Imagers: High adoption among solo practitioners due to lower total cost of ownership and rapid deployment.

• AI-Enabled Thermography Platforms: Emerging segment expected to expand over the next five years, automating pattern recognition and supporting early warning for common animal health risks.

 

By End User

End-user segmentation reflects the operational environments where thermography delivers measurable value. In 2024, veterinary clinics and animal hospitals hold the majority of installed-base share due to routine screening use cases and established clinical workflows. However, livestock farms and equine facilities are expanding adoption quickly, driven by pressure to improve welfare outcomes and reduce cost per case through early intervention.

• Veterinary Clinics: Core buyers for companion animal screening, musculoskeletal monitoring, and rehabilitation support.

• Animal Hospitals & Referral Centers: Use higher-end systems for specialist workflows, documentation, and follow-up monitoring.

• Livestock Farms: Increasing adoption for herd surveillance, mastitis screening, and welfare monitoring to reduce treatment costs and improve productivity.

• Equine Sports Centers: High usage for performance monitoring, injury prevention, and pre-emptive lameness intervention.

• Rehabilitation Providers: Growing segment using thermography to monitor therapy response and inflammation trends during recovery cycles.

• Research Institutions: Adoption focused on clinical validation, welfare studies, and protocol development for new applications.

 

By Region

Regional performance is shaped by veterinary infrastructure maturity, animal welfare policy enforcement, and farm modernization trends. North America leads in technology adoption and installed systems, supported by strong spending in companion animal care and advanced livestock operations. Europe follows closely, with adoption strengthened by robust animal welfare regulations and high standards in equine sports and dairy health. Asia Pacific, while behind in penetration, is projected to deliver the highest CAGR through 2030 due to modernization of livestock farming and a rapidly expanding companion animal population.

• North America: Largest installed base and strong adoption in equine sports medicine, companion animal clinics, and commercial dairy operations.

• Europe: High regulatory support for welfare monitoring and strong clinical use in equine centers and farm health management.

• Asia Pacific: Highest growth momentum as livestock systems modernize and pet ownership rises across urban centers.

• Latin America & Middle East & Africa (LAMEA): Smaller share but increasing demand in commercial livestock and emerging veterinary service networks.

 

Forecast Scope: The forecast scope from 2024 to 2030 will track annual market expansion across each segment by measuring revenue growth, technology penetration rates, and end-user adoption shifts. Special attention will be given to how software upgrades and integration with digital health records are changing baseline expectations—transforming thermography from a stand-alone imaging tool into a component of the connected animal health ecosystem.

The analysis will also examine how adoption drivers differ between individual diagnostics (companion animal clinics, referral hospitals) and population-level surveillance (dairy farms, equine facilities), including the growing role of AI-assisted interpretation in enabling consistent screening at scale.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The veterinary thermography market is currently experiencing an exciting wave of innovation and transformation, driven by both technological advances and changing consumer expectations. As animal health becomes more proactive, the focus is increasingly on non-invasive, real-time diagnostics. Several key trends are reshaping how thermography is used in clinical and field settings.

1. Miniaturization and Portability

One of the most prominent trends is the miniaturization of thermal imaging devices. What once required bulky, stationary equipment can now be handled with handheld devices that connect directly to smartphones or tablets. This shift is particularly important for veterinary clinics and field veterinarians, who require a mobile, easy-to-use tool for quick screenings. The demand for such portable devices is projected to increase by 9.2% annually from 2024 to 2030. This trend towards mobility allows for more frequent, real-time diagnostics in both companion animal care and large animal farming.

 

2. Integration with AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) is another transformative force in the market. AI-based software, when combined with thermal imaging, can automatically detect heat patterns and anomalies, significantly speeding up the diagnostic process. For instance, software can now automatically alert veterinarians to potential musculoskeletal issues or signs of inflammation, improving early detection rates. Additionally, machine learning models are being trained to analyze data from large animal populations, which helps in herd management and identifying diseases like mastitis or lameness before they become critical. Over the next five years, the integration of AI and machine learning in thermography devices is expected to grow by more than 15% per year.

 

3. Cloud-Based Solutions and Data Sharing

As veterinarians and animal health professionals strive for more connected systems, cloud-based platforms for thermography are on the rise. These solutions not only allow images to be stored remotely but also enable data sharing across different devices and locations. This is particularly beneficial for large-scale farms and multi-location veterinary practices. Veterinary teams can share and collaborate on thermal imaging results, providing insights across a broader network, which improves diagnostic consistency and care quality.

 

4. Software Advancements for Specialized Applications

Thermography software has become increasingly sophisticated, offering specialized features such as real-time analysis, multi-image comparison, and 3D imaging for more detailed assessments. This is particularly true in sports medicine for horses, where advanced software helps in rehabilitation monitoring and prevention of re-injury. For cattle farming, new software algorithms are helping detect subtle temperature shifts that indicate mastitis or infectious diseases, which might otherwise go unnoticed until more severe symptoms appear.

 

5. Expanding Applications and Veterinary Fields

Beyond traditional use cases in lameness detection and post-surgical recovery, veterinary thermography is finding applications in emerging fields. For example, it is being used in zoological medicine, where it helps track animal health and behavior patterns in wildlife, and in rehabilitation therapy, where thermal imaging monitors progress in healing and muscular recovery. Additionally, researchers are exploring neuroimaging in animals using thermal imaging, enabling a non-invasive way to understand pain responses and neurological health.

 

6. Improved Animal Welfare Standards

Government regulations and private sector initiatives are increasingly focusing on animal welfare, and thermography aligns perfectly with these initiatives. For instance, in many countries, dairy farmers are encouraged or even required to monitor their herds for early signs of infection or distress, such as the early detection of mastitis. Thermography provides an effective, stress-free method of screening that doesn’t require physical contact, reducing the risk of harm to the animals.

 

The direction the market is heading in suggests that thermography is not just a tool of convenience but a core technology for maintaining animal health. The combination of improved portability, the integration of AI, cloud technologies, and the expansion of applications will drive the growth of the veterinary thermography market, creating more opportunities for both established veterinary practices and new entrants into the field.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The veterinary thermography market is still in its developmental phase, but several companies have emerged as frontrunners, defining the direction of the industry through innovation and strategic investments. These companies are making their mark with a mix of advanced technology, industry partnerships, and a clear focus on animal welfare. Below are some of the key players, their strategies, and their positioning in the market.

1. FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems is a major player in the thermal imaging space, and its influence extends to veterinary thermography. The company has been innovating for over 50 years, bringing its expertise in infrared technology into the veterinary field. Their ThermoVision series is widely used by veterinary clinics and research institutions for detecting temperature variations in animals. FLIR’s strategy revolves around offering both high-end, high-resolution imaging systems for large veterinary hospitals and more portable, affordable solutions for mobile veterinary practices. They’ve also heavily invested in cloud-based platforms that allow for easy data sharing and analysis, setting them apart in terms of convenience and connectivity.

 

2. Infrared Cameras, Inc.

Infrared Cameras, Inc. (ICI) is known for producing handheld thermography devices specifically designed for veterinary use. ICI’s market strategy includes a deep focus on portability, making it easier for veterinarians to conduct on-the-spot diagnostics in the field, particularly in large animal care and equine sports medicine. They also emphasize training programs to ensure that veterinary professionals can effectively use their systems. ICI has established a strong presence in research applications, offering customizable software to meet the specific needs of institutions involved in animal studies and clinical trials. They are currently focusing on expanding their presence in emerging markets, where agriculture is a dominant sector.

 

3. Thermoteknix Systems Ltd.

Thermoteknix has carved out a niche with its high-performance thermal imaging cameras that cater to a variety of veterinary applications. Their ThermalEye range is known for its precision in detecting early-stage inflammation, making it particularly useful in lameness detection and arthritis monitoring in pets and livestock. Thermoteknix also places a strong emphasis on software development, creating solutions that provide veterinarians with automated reports and analytics, which streamline the diagnostic process. The company is keen on expanding its AI-powered thermography solutions, which can significantly reduce diagnostic time, and is strengthening its partnerships with university-based veterinary departments to foster research and development in advanced animal diagnostics.

 

4. Eickemeyer Veterinary Equipment

A key player in the European veterinary thermography market, Eickemeyer focuses on providing integrated solutions that include thermal cameras, diagnostic software, and accessories. Their offerings are tailored primarily for companion animal care and are well-regarded for their ease of use and value for money. Eickemeyer’s strategy involves positioning itself as a one-stop shop for veterinary practices, with complete diagnostic toolkits that include infrared imaging alongside other necessary equipment. They are gaining traction by offering affordable devices that cater to smaller veterinary practices and by forming strong relationships with veterinary associations to provide training and certifications for their systems.

 

5. New Tech Instruments, Inc.

New Tech Instruments is known for providing customized thermal imaging systems designed to meet the specific needs of individual veterinary practices. Their devices are often used in large animal care, particularly for cattle and horses, where non-invasive diagnostics for musculoskeletal conditions are in high demand. Their growth strategy focuses on offering modular systems that can be adapted to various veterinary specialties, including equine and livestock care. New Tech is also exploring integration with mobile apps to enhance the diagnostic experience and extend the accessibility of veterinary thermography to rural areas with fewer specialized clinics.

 

Competitive Dynamics and Future Trends

The veterinary thermography market is still evolving, with many companies innovating to differentiate themselves through product quality, software integration, and targeted applications. FLIR Systems and Thermoteknix lead the high-end market, offering advanced technology and connectivity features, while smaller players like Eickemeyer and ICI are expanding their footprint by focusing on affordability and simplicity.

The market’s future trajectory suggests increased competition in AI-powered applications, particularly with the rise of machine learning algorithms designed for animal health diagnostics. Partnerships between equipment manufacturers and veterinary clinics are also likely to drive product innovation and improve market penetration. As demand for portable devices and cloud-based data sharing grows, these companies will have to continuously refine their product offerings and adapt to new market needs.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The adoption and growth of veterinary thermography is not uniform across the globe. Different regions have distinct challenges, opportunities, and healthcare dynamics that influence the pace of adoption. The regional breakdown of the veterinary thermography market shows notable differences in terms of technological readiness, animal health priorities, and regulatory frameworks. Below is an analysis of the market’s regional landscape and its adoption outlook from 2024 to 2030.

North America

North America is the largest and most mature market for veterinary thermography. The U.S. and Canada lead in both the adoption of technology and the development of advanced thermography systems for both companion animals and livestock. Several factors contribute to this, including a high awareness of animal welfare and the significant investment in research and development by veterinary universities and commercial companies. The demand for veterinary thermography in the region is driven by large-scale agricultural operations, equestrian sports, and high-end veterinary practices in urban areas.

The growth in regulatory frameworks that emphasize non-invasive diagnostic tools for livestock management, especially in dairy farming, is also propelling adoption. For example, the need for early mastitis detection in dairy cows through thermography is widespread. Additionally, the rise in pet care spending, coupled with the demand for advanced diagnostics in companion animals, is pushing veterinary clinics and hospitals to incorporate thermal imaging solutions.

Looking ahead, the North American market is expected to grow at a steady CAGR of 7.8% between 2024 and 2030, as more portable, smartphone-compatible thermography devices become available for veterinarians operating in remote or rural areas. The region’s strong technological infrastructure and proactive regulatory standards will continue to support this growth.

 

Europe

Europe, particularly countries such as the UK, Germany, and France, is another key market for veterinary thermography. The region has a long history of high standards in animal care, making non-invasive diagnostics like thermography increasingly popular. Europe also leads in the adoption of animal welfare regulations, which require farmers and veterinarians to adopt humane and effective diagnostic tools for both livestock and companion animals. For instance, thermography is increasingly used in equine sports medicine to detect early signs of injury or inflammation in horses.

Germany and Scandinavia stand out as leaders in farm management technologies, with countries like Denmark investing heavily in smart farming initiatives. This has created a growing market for thermography solutions that monitor herd health, particularly in the context of disease prevention and early detection of infections in dairy cows. Additionally, the expansion of AI-powered diagnostics in European veterinary practices is helping drive demand for more sophisticated imaging technologies.

Europe’s market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030, with adoption likely to increase as cost-effective and portable thermal imaging solutions become more accessible to smaller veterinary clinics and rural veterinary professionals.

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific represents the fastest-growing market for veterinary thermography, driven by rapid advancements in animal health infrastructure, growing awareness of animal welfare, and the rising demand for non-invasive diagnostic technologies. Key markets in the region include China, India, Japan, and Australia. In countries like India and China, the agricultural sector is undergoing a modernization process, with a greater focus on animal health and disease management.

Thermography adoption is growing quickly in equine sports, with countries like Japan and Australia showing significant investments in sports medicine for horses. The demand for high-performance thermography systems is being driven by the need to monitor lameness, arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions in high-value animals. Additionally, livestock farming in China and India is rapidly adopting technologies like thermography to monitor herd health, including early disease detection.

In the Asia Pacific region, the market is expected to grow at an annual CAGR of 9.6%, reaching significant growth levels by 2030. The expansion of portable and handheld thermography devices in rural areas and the increasing investment in farm-to-table traceability and animal welfare will continue to fuel this rapid growth.

 

Latin America

In Latin America, countries like Brazil and Mexico are seeing slow but steady growth in the adoption of veterinary thermography, driven by increased awareness of animal welfare, particularly in dairy and beef cattle management. The adoption of non-invasive diagnostic technologies is more pronounced in the large-scale cattle operations that dominate the region, especially in Brazil, the world’s largest exporter of beef.

The demand for thermography in Latin America is mostly focused on livestock health management, particularly for monitoring mastitis in dairy cows and lameness in beef cattle. However, adoption among companion animal clinics is also starting to grow, though at a slower pace compared to North America and Europe.

The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030, as government regulations push for better animal health practices and technological investments in agriculture increase.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

The Middle East and Africa represent a relatively underdeveloped market for veterinary thermography, but the region is starting to see growth, particularly in high-value animal sectors like equine sports and exotic animals. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia have begun investing in high-end veterinary practices and are focusing on expanding their animal welfare infrastructure. Additionally, growing livestock production in Africa is driving the need for more efficient disease management systems, including the use of thermal imaging in farm animal diagnostics.

Adoption rates in MEA are expected to increase as governments in GCC countries invest more heavily in modernizing agricultural practices and improving livestock management. The region’s veterinary thermography market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period.

 

Adoption Trends and Regional Dynamics: As thermography adoption varies by region, the market dynamics are closely linked to regional animal health priorities and technological readiness. North America and Europe will continue to dominate in both high-end applications and AI-powered diagnostic tools. In contrast, Asia Pacific and Latin America will experience faster growth, driven by technological advancements, cost-effective solutions, and the modernization of livestock farming practices. The Middle East and Africa, while still in the early stages of adoption, are poised for future growth, particularly with the push toward animal welfare reforms and better agricultural practices.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

In the veterinary thermography market, the dynamics of end-user adoption vary greatly depending on the sector, animal type, and geographical region. Different users — ranging from large-scale livestock farms to urban veterinary clinics — have distinct needs and expectations when it comes to thermal imaging solutions. As animal care becomes more focused on preventative and non-invasive diagnostics, end users are increasingly seeking tools that integrate seamlessly into their existing workflows while providing accurate and reliable results.

1. Veterinary Clinics and Animal Hospitals 

Veterinary clinics, particularly those that cater to companion animals like dogs, cats, and exotic pets, are the largest consumer group for veterinary thermography devices. These clinics prioritize tools that can provide non-invasive diagnostics quickly, as pet owners increasingly demand preventive care for their animals. Thermography plays a crucial role in the early detection of arthritis, musculoskeletal conditions, and soft tissue injuries, which are common concerns among older pets and those involved in active sports or rehabilitation.

The primary challenge for veterinary clinics is choosing a system that is both affordable and easy to use. Smaller clinics, particularly in suburban or rural areas, tend to lean towards handheld, portable thermography devices that allow them to conduct assessments without the need for heavy infrastructure. These systems offer immediate readings that can inform decisions about treatment options, especially in areas where rapid diagnosis is crucial for recovery.

 

2. Large Animal and Livestock Farms

For livestock farmers, particularly in regions with large cattle or dairy farming operations, thermography is increasingly becoming a key tool in disease prevention and herd health management. Mastitis detection in dairy cows is one of the most significant applications, as it allows for early identification of infection without causing additional stress to the animals. Similarly, the ability to monitor lameness in cows or respiratory distress in large herds provides farmers with the means to prevent larger-scale outbreaks or injuries that could result in significant financial loss.

Larger farms often prefer fixed thermal imaging systems or AI-integrated solutions that allow them to monitor large groups of animals at once. These systems enable real-time monitoring, with alerts being sent when abnormalities in body temperature are detected. Moreover, farms are increasingly incorporating cloud-based solutions that allow them to track and store thermographic data across multiple locations, providing them with an efficient way to manage animal health over time.

 

3. Equine Facilities and Sports Medicine

Equine sports medicine is one of the most advanced and rapidly growing segments of the veterinary thermography market. Racehorse trainers and equestrian athletes are adopting thermography for its ability to detect musculoskeletal stress, inflammation, and early signs of injury before it becomes severe. The use of thermal imaging in these settings is invaluable for monitoring horses during training and competition, allowing for quick adjustments to their care plans, minimizing downtime, and ensuring their peak performance.

For these end users, high-resolution thermal imaging systems are necessary to detect subtle temperature changes in joints, tendons, and muscles. Additionally, AI-powered software is becoming essential in this field, as it can automatically analyze thermal images, identify problem areas, and track the horse's recovery, all of which support better decision-making and faster recovery times.

 

4. Rehabilitation Centers

In veterinary rehabilitation centers, thermography is a key diagnostic and monitoring tool. It helps assess post-surgical recovery, especially for animals that have undergone orthopedic or soft tissue surgery. Thermography can help track the healing process by identifying areas of inflammation, swelling, or abnormal blood flow, allowing clinicians to adjust rehabilitation protocols as necessary.

The most common use case in these centers involves tracking the progress of animals recovering from surgery, whether it’s for fracture healing in dogs or post-operative care in horses. Rehabilitation specialists often rely on handheld, portable devices, which provide real-time, actionable data that can be used in combination with physical therapy techniques and adjustment of activity levels.

 

Use Case Example: Equine Sports Medicine in the United States

A notable example of how veterinary thermography is improving animal health can be seen at a premier equine rehabilitation center in Kentucky, USA, known for its care of high-performance racehorses. The center recently adopted a handheld thermography system for routine scans of their horses after training sessions. The facility had previously relied on traditional methods to diagnose musculoskeletal injuries, but those techniques often resulted in delayed detection of issues.

With the new thermography system, trainers are now able to conduct immediate scans of the horses’ legs, joints, and muscles after each session. The thermal images provide a visual record of any temperature fluctuations, indicating areas of inflammation or strain. The AI-powered software processes the images and highlights any potential issues, such as early signs of muscle fatigue or joint stress, which could lead to more serious injuries if left unchecked.

The use of this thermal imaging technology has led to quicker diagnoses, which has allowed the rehabilitation center to adjust training routines and preventive care measures much more efficiently. Over the course of a year, the facility reported a 25% decrease in the frequency of severe injuries, and recovery times for injured horses have been reduced by 15%. The ability to detect inflammation early allows trainers to implement more targeted rehabilitation protocols and ensure the horses are operating at their peak.

This case highlights the growing trend of preventative care and early diagnosis in veterinary medicine, demonstrating how veterinary thermography is shifting from a diagnostic tool to an integral part of routine animal health management.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• FLIR Systems Launches New AI-Integrated Thermography System: FLIR Systems unveiled a new AI-powered thermal camera designed specifically for veterinary use. The device is equipped with automated analysis tools to detect inflammation and musculoskeletal issues in real-time, improving the speed and accuracy of diagnoses.

• Thermoteknix Expands AI Capabilities in Thermography Solutions: Thermoteknix has enhanced its ThermalEye series with upgraded AI software, allowing the system to provide automated alerts for early-stage injuries in horses and lameness in cattle. The new AI features have been integrated into cloud-based platforms, enabling remote data sharing and collaborative diagnostics.

• Eickemeyer Veterinary Equipment Introduces Affordable Handheld Units: Eickemeyer launched a new line of handheld thermography devices, targeting smaller veterinary clinics and mobile practitioners. These devices are more affordable while maintaining high-quality imaging suitable for both companion animals and small farm livestock.

• Infrared Cameras, Inc. Partners with Veterinary Schools for Training: Infrared Cameras, Inc. formed strategic partnerships with veterinary schools to provide training and certification in the use of thermal imaging for veterinary diagnostics. This collaboration aims to improve awareness and adoption among future veterinary professionals.

• New Tech Instruments Develops Portable Thermography Kits for Field Use: New Tech Instruments introduced a portable thermography kit designed for use in remote agricultural areas. The kit is lightweight, durable, and optimized for large animal health monitoring, including dairy herd diagnostics.

 

Opportunities

• Precision Animal Health Solutions: With growing demand for personalized care and preventative diagnostics, veterinary thermography presents a significant opportunity for the development of precision veterinary care. AI and thermal imaging systems that provide tailored treatment insights can help in early detection and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions, especially in racehorses and dairy cows.

• Expansion in Emerging Markets: The increasing demand for animal welfare and improved diagnostic practices in Asia Pacific and Latin America represents a substantial growth opportunity. These regions, especially India, China, and Brazil, are seeing rapid advancements in agricultural practices, and there is a growing recognition of the benefits of thermography for livestock monitoring and disease prevention.

• Technological Integration with IoT and Cloud Solutions: The integration of thermography devices with IoT (Internet of Things) platforms and cloud-based data management systems is a growing opportunity. This integration allows for real-time data sharing among multiple stakeholders, improving diagnostics and treatment across different sectors, from veterinary clinics to large-scale farms.

• Increasing Demand for Non-Invasive Diagnostics: Rising pet care spending and a heightened focus on non-invasive diagnostics for companion animals provide a significant opportunity for growth in the veterinary thermography market. Pet owners are increasingly seeking advanced technologies that minimize stress and discomfort for their animals during diagnostics.

 

Restraints

• High Equipment Cost: The high initial cost of high-resolution thermography systems remains a major barrier to entry for small veterinary clinics, particularly in developing markets. While the cost of portable units is decreasing, the advanced systems used for large-scale livestock operations or equine sports medicine still require significant investment, limiting widespread adoption in cost-sensitive areas.

• Lack of Skilled Professionals: The need for trained professionals who can properly interpret thermal images is another key restraint. Although the technology is becoming more user-friendly, a skilled workforce is still necessary to ensure accurate diagnosis and integration into veterinary practices. Lack of training programs in certain regions may slow the adoption of thermography.

• Regulatory Barriers in Developing Regions: Regulatory barriers in emerging markets could hinder growth, particularly when it comes to approval and adoption of new diagnostic technologies. Countries with stricter regulatory environments may face delays in the commercialization of thermography solutions, slowing market penetration.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 152.4 Million
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 270.7 Million
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 8.1% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Animal Type, By Application, By Technology Type, By End User, By Region
By Animal Type	Companion Animals, Livestock (Cattle, Horses), Exotics
By Application	Lameness Detection, Inflammation Screening, Disease Surveillance, Post-Surgical Recovery, Research
By Technology Type	Handheld Devices, Fixed Systems, AI-Integrated Systems
By End User	Veterinary Clinics, Animal Hospitals, Large Animal Farms, Equine Facilities, Rehabilitation Centers
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, China, India, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE
Market Drivers	Increasing Demand for Non-Invasive Diagnostics, Rising Animal Welfare Regulations, Growing Companion Animal Population
Customization Option	Available upon request