#Japan #Tokyo #Pet Doctor #North Star #Online Vet

Launch of 'Pet Doctor' Online Veterinary Service

On June 9, 2025, North Star Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo and led by CEO Kodai Takakita, will launch 'Pet Doctor', an innovative online veterinary service aimed at dog and cat owners. This service promises to ensure that pet owners can receive remote consultations during times when their usual animal clinics are closed, catering especially to those with no regular vet.

Meeting Emerging Needs

Based on the guidelines for online diagnosis in companion animals, released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in December 2024, 'Pet Doctor' aims to bridge the gap during after-hours emergencies. With a consultation window from 6 PM to 10 PM every day, qualified veterinarians will be available to assess various issues, from general concerns like symptoms of illness and injuries to dietary inquiries. This service also helps owners determine if immediate emergency care is necessary.

The emergence of more pet owners viewing their furry friends as family members has underscored the need for better veterinary care infrastructure, especially after hours. Recent statistics highlight that the availability of night-time emergency services is severely lacking across Japan, with only about 200 facilities providing such services nationwide. The growing demographic of dual-income households and an increase in pet ownership are contributing factors to an increase in demand for accessible veterinary services outside regular hours.

The Current Veterinary Landscape

The stark comparison between the number of veterinary clinics—around 130 million—and human medical facilities—approximately 180 million—underscores a critical shortage in veterinary support. Additionally, 20% of pet owners report not having visited a clinic in the past year, according to a survey from the Pet Food Association.

The introduction of the 'Pet Doctor' service comes as a response to these challenges, following the Ministry's initiative to adopt online consultations for pets without violating existing regulations. The healthcare landscape has already shifted towards online medical consultations in human healthcare, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a clear push for similar accessibility within the pet healthcare sector, ensuring pet owners can easily access reliable veterinary advice.

Service Features

• - Service Name: Pet Doctor
• - Website: https://petdoctor12.com/
• - Consultation Format: Online via video call
• - Consultation Time: Daily from 6 PM to 10 PM
• - Target Animals: Dogs and Cats
• - Areas of Consultation:

- Physical Symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, breathing difficulties)
- Skin, Fur, and Injury Concerns (itchiness, hair loss, lumps, walking abnormalities)
- Dietary and Weight Consultations (loss of appetite, overeating, obesity)
- General Queries (preventative medications, husbandry, assessment of whether to seek further care, night-time emergency guidance)

The consultation flows seamlessly, commencing with a comprehensive questionnaire to gather essential care information. The veterinarians will then conduct evaluations in real-time using audiovisual technology, offering recommendations for in-person visits when necessary. Consultations take place through an app that enables appointment scheduling and video sessions.

Expert Oversight

The program will be supervised by Dr. Motoro Kobayashi, a graduate of the Kitasato University School of Veterinary Medicine and a trained professional from the Manhattan Animal Medical Center in the U.S. Dr. Kobayashi emphasizes the importance of being responsive to pet health emergencies, offering timely advice and support for pet owners during uncertain times.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, there are plans to enhance the service by accommodating quirks based on reported needs, expanding service hours, establishing collaborations with local veterinary hospitals, and developing AI functions for symptom triage. Moreover, there will be efforts to extend services beyond cats and dogs, promoting ongoing health management and addressing a diverse range of concerns facing pet owners.

With such a comprehensive service offering on the horizon, 'Pet Doctor' aims to be a cornerstone in enhancing the accessibility of veterinary care for pets across Japan.