Lack of supply limiting veterinary drug sales

China's booming pet clinic industry is boosting demand for veterinary drugs, but a lack of supply and outdated regulations are hampering growth.

"The market lacks sufficient supply of pet medication," said Sun Yanzheng, a senior vet. "In 2018, the amount spent on dogs was 105 billion yuan ($15.27 billion), and the figure was 65 billion yuan for cats. But the medicine market for dogs and cats in the same year was only 8 billion yuan."

"Of pet owners, 82 percent have spent money on vaccines, 63 percent on deworming, 58 percent on grooming and beauty," he said. "But only 11 percent have bought vet-prescribed supplies."