What Veterinary Pathology Group does

Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) operates a multi-site veterinary diagnostic laboratory platform across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with six laboratory locations (Exeter as headquarters, plus Ringwood, Leeds, Hitchin, a dedicated histology facility in Bristol, and Cork) serving approximately 2,000 veterinary practice customers. The test menu spans cytology, histopathology, haematology and biochemistry, molecular diagnostics (including the only UK in-house PARR clonality assay for lymphoma), microbiology and infectious disease, and a toxicology panel screening for over 30,000 drugs and poisons, alongside wellness, allergy (PAX), microbiome (BIOME9), and the Nu.Q Vet nucleosome-based cancer screening test. The platform is operated by a team of boarded veterinary pathologists including ACVP and ECVP Diplomates, with specialist interpretation treated as a core differentiator versus non-interpreted commodity labs.

The technology stack combines wet-lab diagnostics with a digital backbone. VPG transitioned to fully digital histopathology in 2023 using Pannoramic 3D Histech scanners and extended digital cytology to reference labs in the same year, enabling faster turnaround and remote review. The PATHPORT portal provides practices with ordering, sample tracking, image upload, and patient-history access. AI-assisted Ki67 staining analysis is in development for prognostic scoring of canine cutaneous mast cell tumours, and AI is applied to structured-data interpretation of haematology and biochemistry profiles. Distribution combines a free nationwide private courier network with a Partnership Team executing sales-led engagement at veterinary exhibitions, CPD seminars, and conferences.

VPG monetises primarily through per-test transaction fees from a published price list, supplemented by hardware revenue from point-of-care analysers supplied through the Woodley Veterinary Diagnostics alliance on purchase or rental terms. Customers are predominantly small and mid-sized veterinary practices plus a layer of referral centres, with named relationships including Harrison Family Vets and Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists. Payment terms are 7 days from invoice or 31 days via direct debit, with VAT-exclusive pricing. VPG was acquired by Zoetis (NYSE: ZTS) in 2025 as part of the acquirer's international animal health expansion strategy, and continues to operate as a distinct diagnostic laboratory brand within the Zoetis portfolio.

Name

Veterinary Pathology Group

Legal name

Veterinary Pathology Group Limited

Website

https://thevpg.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Veterinary Pathology Group operates six veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the UK and Ireland, serving approximately 2,000 veterinary practices with cytology, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, toxicology, allergy, and cancer screening tests. Acquired by Zoetis in 2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (541940), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (6215), Medical Laboratories (621511), Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories (62151)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories & Pathology (AFAEANAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reference Laboratory Testing (Clinical Pathology & Chemistry) (HLAMADAA), Veterinary Microbiology & Infectious Disease Testing (Culture/PCR/Serology) (HLAMADAC), Molecular & Genetic Testing (Breed, Hereditary Disease, Oncology) (HLAMADAE), Point-of-Care & In-Clinic Diagnostics (Rapid Tests, Benchtop Analyzers) (HLAMADAI)

Keywords

• Veterinary diagnostic services
• Veterinary laboratory testing
• Animal histopathology
• Veterinary cytology
• Veterinary toxicology screening

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Diagnostic Testing Services: VPG provides comprehensive veterinary diagnostic testing services to veterinary practices. Fees are charged per test according to their Price List, with pricing available upon request. Services include cytology, histopathology, haematology, biochemistry, molecular diagnostics, microbiology, toxicology, and specialized tests like allergy testing, wellness testing, and cancer screening.
2. Point of Care Testing Equipment and Supplies: Through the strategic alliance with Woodley Veterinary Diagnostics, VPG provides in-house laboratory analysers for veterinary practices. The instruments can be purchased as a complete system or stand-alone, with flexible buy or rent options available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) operates six laboratories across the UK and Ireland providing specialist veterinary diagnostic services to veterinary practices. Core services include cytology, histopathology, haematology and biochemistry, molecular diagnostics (including in-house PARR testing), microbiology and infectious disease testing, and toxicology screening covering over 30,000 drugs and poisons. Supporting offerings include the PATHPORT online portal for ordering and results, a private courier network for sample collection, point-of-care testing equipment through an alliance with Woodley Veterinary Diagnostics, and specialized tests such as Nu.Q Vet cancer screening and BIOME9 microbiome testing.

Product overview

Veterinary Pathology Group (VPG) operates as a comprehensive veterinary diagnostic laboratory group offering a multi-service platform with six laboratory locations across the UK and Ireland. The core diagnostic portfolio includes Cytology, Histopathology (with digital capabilities and extensive immunohistochemistry markers), Haematology & Biochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics (including exclusive UK in-house PARR testing), Microbiology & Infectious Disease, and Toxicology (screening for 30,000+ drugs/poisons). Supporting services include PATHPORT (online ordering/result portal), EASILAB (non-interpreted testing), Private Courier Network, Point of Care Testing equipment, Laboratory Supplies, Wellness Testing, Allergy Testing (with PAX service), and Microbiome Testing (BIOME9). VPG has expanded through acquisitions including the Nu.Q® Vet Cancer Test partnership with VolitionRx and was acquired by Zoetis in 2025.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PATHPORT: Free online portal for ordering tests, tracking results, and viewing patient history.
• EASILAB

Products and services

• Cytology Market-leading cytology service with the highest resolution available, providing cellular analysis for diagnostic evaluation of samples including fine-needle aspirates and fluid analysis for veterinary practices.
• Histopathology Comprehensive tissue analysis service offering histopathology insights with the largest number of immunohistochemistry markers in the UK, supported by digital histology capabilities.
• Haematology and Biochemistry Individually interpreted blood analysis and biochemical profiling reports providing detailed insights for clinical decision-making in veterinary practice.
• Molecular Diagnostics Advanced molecular testing services including in-house PARR (PCR for Antigen Receptor Rearrangement) testing for clonality assessment in lymphoma diagnosis, available only at VPG among UK laboratories.
• Microbiology and Infectious Disease Accurate and quantitative microbiological analysis supporting responsible antimicrobial treatment decisions and infectious disease diagnosis for veterinary patients.
• Toxicology Comprehensive toxicology screening panel capable of detecting over 30,000 drugs and poisons for emergency and investigative toxicology cases.
• PATHPORT Free online ordering and results portal enabling veterinary practices to order tests, track sample status, and access patient history remotely.
• EASILAB Non-interpreted, competitively priced testing service for routine health monitoring and ongoing wellness testing programs.
• Private Courier Network Nationwide free-of-charge sample collection service enabling convenient and reliable sample transportation from veterinary practices to VPG laboratories.
• Point of Care Testing (POCT) Wide range of in-house laboratory analyzers provided through Woodley Veterinary Diagnostics alliance for immediate practice-based testing.
• Wellness Testing Comprehensive health screening program providing preventive health assessments for cats and dogs, designed as a complete MOT for early disease detection.
• Allergy Testing Serological allergy screening with immunotherapy vaccine formulation featuring environmental, food, and combined screening panels including the PAX Allergy service.
• Microbiome Testing (BIOME9) Gut health assessment using BIOME9 microbiome testing with precision supplement recommendations and retesting protocols for long-term digestive health management in dogs.
• Nu.Q Vet Cancer Screening Test Nucleosome-based blood test for early cancer detection in asymptomatic dogs, provided in partnership with VolitionRx Limited, ideal for senior dogs (7+ years) and high-risk breeds from 4 years.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability4 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Woodley Veterinary DiagnosticscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance to provide veterinary practices with a complete laboratory Point of Care Testing (POCT) solution. The alliance provides in-house analysers including InSight V5 Haematology, InSight V-CHEM Chemistry, InSight V-IA Immunoassay, InSight qLabs Coagulation and InSight Urinalysis. Practices benefit from dedicated on-the-road Account Management team, installation, training, and ongoing technical support.
• Volition VeterinarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVPG partnered with Volition Veterinary to launch the Nu.Q Vet Test in the UK and Ireland. VPG is the first-to-market diagnostic laboratory in the UK and Ireland to offer this nucleosome-based cancer screening test for early detection of cancer in dogs.
• MI:RNAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVPG, in partnership with MI:RNA, is evaluating a cutting-edge microRNA-based diagnostic for veterinary cardiology. The partnership aims to explore how microRNAs could complement existing diagnostics such as NT-proBNP and Troponin I for cardiac diagnosis.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Antech Diagnostics: US-based veterinary reference laboratory operated within Mars Petcare. Provides clinical pathology, histopathology and molecular diagnostics to veterinary practices across North America — directly comparable service offering to VPG, including AI-driven results platforms (Cayuse).
• NationWide Laboratories: UK veterinary diagnostic laboratory providing clinical pathology, microbiology and histopathology services. Operates as a multi-site UK reference lab competing with VPG for the same veterinary practice accounts.
• Axiom Veterinary Laboratories: UK-based veterinary diagnostic laboratory offering clinical pathology, histopathology, microbiology and endocrinology. Closest direct UK-headquartered peer to VPG, serving the same veterinary practice customer base across the same geography.
• Batt Laboratories: UK veterinary reference laboratory offering clinical pathology, endocrinology, microbiology and cytology to first-opinion veterinary practices. A boutique-scale UK peer against which VPG's larger six-lab footprint and broader test menu can be benchmarked.
• TDDS (Technical Disease Diagnosis Service): Veterinary diagnostic laboratory specialising in poultry, livestock and companion animal testing across the UK. Overlaps with VPG in clinical pathology and infectious disease testing for veterinary clients, especially in production-animal and exotic species.
• IDEXX Laboratories: Global leader in veterinary diagnostics and reference laboratory services. Competes head-to-head with VPG in companion-animal clinical pathology, with a much larger international footprint and broader instrument portfolio — the natural large-cap benchmark for VPG's specialist reference-lab model.

Emerging players

• Volition Veterinary (VolitionRx): Developer of nucleosome-based veterinary diagnostics including Nu.Q Vet. A partner of VPG today but conceptually a peer/competitor in next-generation veterinary cancer screening as it commercialises its own assays and lab-channel relationships.
• Woodley Veterinary Diagnostics: UK provider of in-house point-of-care analysers (haematology, chemistry, immunoassay) distributed via its alliance with VPG. Peer on point-of-care veterinary diagnostics and an adjacent channel risk if the alliance or distribution model shifts.

Broad incumbents

• Zoetis Diagnostics: Animal-health major and VPG's parent company post-2025 acquisition. Operates a global diagnostics portfolio (Vetscan, reference labs) that overlaps with — and now owns — VPG, making it both sibling and broader incumbent in the consolidated veterinary diagnostics market.
• SYNLAB Vet: Large European diagnostic laboratory network with a dedicated veterinary diagnostics offering. Comparable on the laboratory-services business model and European footprint, though broader in human diagnostics scale and less specialist in veterinary pathology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@veterinarypathologygroup
• Facebookfacebook.com/VeterinaryPathologyGroup
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterinarypathologygroup
• Instagraminstagram.com/veterinarypathologygroup

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Veterinary Pathology Group