Simi Pet Care: New Player in Mexico’s Growing Vet Market

The launch of a Simi Pet Care clinic, an apparent new venture by Farmacias Similares, signals a strategic move into Mexico’s expanding veterinary market. Driven by rising pet ownership and a growing focus on animal welfare, the sector is rapidly evolving, with increased demand for veterinary pharmaceuticals, services, and regulatory attention.

The global veterinary pharmaceutical market has experienced steady expansion, fueled by factors such as higher disposable incomes, increased government support, and greater awareness of animal health. In Mexico, this growth is reflected in a diversified portfolio of veterinary medicines now available across public and private channels.

“Advances in veterinary medicine have created a competitive market, with a wide range of products available,” said Rodolfo Camargo, Director General, El Crisol, for MBN. This diversity is not limited to pharmaceuticals but increasingly extends to services, diagnostic tools, and specialized treatments.

The veterinary drug segment also benefits from its alignment with the One Health vision, a global, integrative approach that links the health of people, animals, and the environment, reports MBN. This framework gained renewed importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and has further emphasized the role of animal health surveillance and pharmaceutical innovation.

Beyond medicines, the veterinary sector is seeing rising investment in services, fueled by changes in consumer behavior. Pet owners now seek comprehensive care options, from medical checkups and emergency services to grooming and insurance coverage.

“The pet industry has shown rapid growth since 2015. Pet spending in Mexico has reached around MX$16,000 (US$800) annually on health and personal care services,” said Juan Márquez Blyde, Managing Director of DVA México, for MBN. “However, a key challenge is that veterinary medicine differs significantly from human medicine, and veterinary education in Mexico remains limited,” explains Márquez.

In response to this growing demand, companies are expanding their service offerings. A striking example is the potential entry of Farmacias Similares into the veterinary field with Simi Pet Care. While the company has yet to issue an official statement, an image of a veterinary clinic under the familiar Simi brand has gone viral on social media, signaling the possibility of low-cost, accessible veterinary care embedded within an established retail network.

This initiative, if confirmed, would offer an affordable alternative to traditional veterinary clinics, while also creating employment opportunities for underutilized professionals in the field. Comments online reflect public enthusiasm, with many calling for generic medicines for pets and more widespread access to basic care.

The entry of traditional healthcare players into the pet care market aligns with a broader trend of diversification. Companies like inter.mx, have launched pet protection plans combining insurance and specialized assistance. This convergence of insurance, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary services is redefining how pet care is delivered and consumed.

Technology is another driver. From smart feeding systems and telemedicine consultations to diagnostics and health tracking apps, the pet care ecosystem is evolving rapidly. These innovations not only improve the quality of care but also generate valuable data for pharmaceutical research and service optimization.

Recent legislative developments aim to bolster this industry’s growth while promoting health equity. In May 2025, PRI legislator Fuensanta Guadalupe Guerrero Esquivel proposed a reform to Mexico’s Income Tax Law (ISR), advocating for tax deductions on veterinary services such as vaccines, treatments, and medications. If passed, this measure would reduce financial barriers for families and support the formalization of veterinary practices.