#Japan #Tokyo #Pet Health #Pet Medical Support #PS Insurance

Understanding Pet Owners' Hospital Visit Trends

Recently, Pet Medical Support Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, conducted a survey involving 1,775 pet owners across Japan to explore their experiences and behaviors regarding veterinary visits for their dogs and cats. The results provided intriguing insights into how pet owners perceive their pets' health and the associated stressors of visiting veterinary clinics.

Survey Overview

• - Period: July 9, 2026 (1 day)
• - Participants: 1,775 pet owners nationwide
• - Age Range: 20 to 69 years old
• - Method: Online research
• - Valid responses: 382 (21.5% response rate; 189 dog owners and 193 cat owners)

Veterinary Visits Over the Past Year

When asked about the frequency of veterinary visits within the last year, the majority of dog and cat owners reported visiting the vet 1-2 times. Specifically, 41.8% of dog owners and a slightly higher 44.6% of cat owners fell into this category. Furthermore, when combining responses for those who visited 1-5 times, over 60% of pet owners took their pets to the vet at least once throughout the year.

Reasons for Veterinary Visits

The survey revealed that the primary reasons for visiting the vet were for health checks, vaccinations, and preventive care. Nearly 61% of dog owners cited these as their main reasons, while approximately 58% of cat owners mirrored this sentiment. The emphasis on preventive care underscores a trend among pet owners to prioritize routine health management.

Financial Concerns

One of the most pressing concerns highlighted by pet owners was the financial burden associated with veterinary visits. Approximately 46.4% of dog owners and 41.2% of cat owners expressed anxiety over the costs related to veterinary treatment. This demonstrates that financial implications are a significant factor influencing a pet owner's decision-making regarding their pet's healthcare.

Hesitation and Uncertainty

Another interesting finding showed that over half of the respondents admitted to feeling uncertain about whether to take their pets to the vet. For dogs, 54.5% of owners had experienced indecisiveness about seeking care, while this figure increased to 56.5% among cat owners. Many reported struggling to determine if a veterinary visit was necessary, with the top reason for hesitation being difficulty in assessing the need for veterinary care.

Conclusion

The data from this survey highlights the complexities and pressures pet owners face when it comes to their pets' health. It is clear that while many owners prioritize veterinary care for preventive measures, financial concerns and uncertainty hamstring timely action. Establishing a system for accessible veterinary consultations or support could alleviate some of these challenges. Additionally, investing in pet insurance, such as PS Insurance, can provide peace of mind against unexpected medical expenses. With 24/7 access to veterinary consultations via the PS Insurance hotline, pet owners can receive guidance when they need it most, helping to ensure their pets receive the necessary care without unnecessary delay.

Through understanding these trends and concerns, we can create better support systems for pet owners and enhance the overall health and well-being of our beloved companions.