Pet Online Veterinary Service "Pet Doctor" Launches Scheduled Online Consultations for Exotic Animals Including Rabbits, Birds, and Reptiles

North Star Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kodai Takita; hereinafter "North Star"), which operates the pet online veterinary service "Pet Doctor" (https://petdoctor12.com/), is expanding its online consultation options to pets other than dogs and cats. As part of this initiative, a scheduled online veterinary service for exotic animals such as rabbits, hamsters, birds, and reptiles will commence on July 9, 2026 (Thu).

Background of New Service Launch: Addressing "Veterinary Shortages" and "Travel Burden" Specific to Exotic Animals

In recent years, the number of households keeping exotic animals like rabbits, birds, and reptiles has been increasing. However, the number of veterinary clinics capable of properly examining these animals is limited nationwide. Furthermore, specialized clinics tend to be concentrated in urban areas, and in some regions, many owners are forced to travel for several hours one way to visit a distant clinic.

Exotic animals also tend to show subtle changes in their condition, often leaving owners unsure whether a veterinary visit is necessary when they notice "something is different." For many of these animals, travel itself can be a significant burden. Therefore, there has been a strong demand for "a more accessible way to consult with specialized veterinarians."

In December 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued "Guidelines for the Proper Implementation of Online Veterinary Services for Companion Animals," creating an environment where online veterinary services can be appropriately conducted under certain conditions. In accordance with these guidelines, North Star has launched a new service connecting owners of exotic animals with veterinarians possessing specialized knowledge.

Leveraging the knowledge gained from our online consultations for dogs and cats, we are committed to providing safe and secure consultations that address the concerns of pet owners.

Service Overview

This is a fully scheduled online veterinary service provided by veterinarians experienced with exotic animals. By making a reservation through the Pet Doctor app or service website, you can consult and receive examinations from home via video call.

Supported Animals

Small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and hedgehogs; birds; reptiles

*Fish and primates are not supported.

Format

Fully scheduled online veterinary service via video call

Examples of Consultation Topics

Loss of appetite / Sneezing or runny nose / Eyes not opening or swollen / Hair or quills falling out, itching / Vomiting or abnormal stools / Skin problems / Lethargy, etc.

Service Flow

1 Schedule Consultation

2 Complete Pre-Consultation Questionnaire

3 Consultation via Video Call

4 Online Payment

Personnel

Veterinarians with experience in treating exotic animals

*If it is determined that an in-person examination is necessary due to the symptoms or condition, we may refer you to an appropriate veterinary clinic.

Click here to make a reservation

Pet Doctor Service Overview

Service Name: Pet Doctor

Website URL: https://petdoctor12.com/

Consultation Format: Online veterinary service (video call)

Consultation Hours: Daily 18:00 - 22:00

Target Animals: Dogs and cats

Supported Conditions:

Physical symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.)

Skin, fur, and injuries (itching, hair loss, lumps, wounds, abnormal gait, etc.)

Diet and weight-related consultations (poor appetite, overeating, obesity, etc.)

Other (consultations on preventative medication, care methods, determining the need for a visit, emergency night referrals, etc.)

Consultation Process:

A pre-consultation questionnaire is conducted to collect and record care information. Veterinarians then provide consultations using real-time video and audio. If necessary, we recommend in-person consultations and have a system in place to connect you with nearby veterinary clinics.

*Consultations are booked and conducted via video call through the app.

Click here for more details about Pet Doctor

About North Star Inc.

Company Name: North Star Inc. ■ Location: Toranomon 30 Mori Building 9F, 3-2-2 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo ■ Representative: Kodai Takita ■ Established: January 28, 2021 ■ Business Activities: Provision of medical and healthcare-related services utilizing the internet ■ URL: https://nstr.co.jp/