Matching Service "HugWag" Connecting Pet Owners and Trimming Salons Optimally, Releases Application for Pet Owners
Mynavi Corporation has officially released the pet owner application for its matching service "HugWag," which optimally connects pet owners with trimming salons. The service allows pet owners to search for salons, share styling requests, communicate via chat, and keep track of their pets' grooming and health records.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 15, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 15, 2026 at 19:18 (5h 46m after Collected)
Mynavi Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, President and Executive Officer: Shunsuke Awai) has released the pet owner application for "HugWag" (https://hugwag.mynavi.jp/), a matching service that optimally connects pet owners and trimming salons.
With this release, combined with the application for trimming salons* that was provided in advance from October 2025, the service is officially launched as a platform available to both trimming salons and pet owners.
The service will initially be offered in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with plans to gradually expand the area in the future.
*Regarding the release of the application for trimming salons
Background of Service Launch
According to the population estimates by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of children under 15 years old as of April 2025 was approximately 13.66 million, the lowest on record. According to the Japan Pet Food Association, the number of dogs and cats kept as pets in fiscal 2025 was approximately 15.67 million, significantly exceeding the number of children. Against the backdrop of such social changes, the values of welcoming pets as "members of the family" in place of children or cohabiting family members are spreading further, and interest in pet-related markets and services is also increasing.
On the other hand, when pet owners choose a trimming salon, they face the challenge of finding it difficult to compare the breeds each salon excels with or their cut styles, making it hard to find a salon that suits their pet.
For the trimming salons as well, it has been a challenge that they cannot fully convey their store's strengths or the details of what they can handle, making it difficult to grasp the pet owners' requests in advance.
To address these challenges for both pet owners and trimming salons, Mynavi developed "HugWag," a matching service that optimally connects the two.
In October 2025, we began offering the app for trimming salons in advance, creating an environment where each salon could register their store's strengths and the cut records of their trimmers.
With the release of the application for pet owners this time, the service platform where both parties can connect on the app is completed, marking the official launch of "HugWag."
Overview of "HugWag" (Application for Pet Owners)
"HugWag" is a service where pet owners can consistently perform tasks on the app, from searching for a trimming salon that suits them and their pet, to prior consultation via chat, sharing the desired image of the cut, making reservations, and checking records after the procedure.
In addition to being able to compare and consider based on the features of each trimming salon, the breeds each trimmer excels with, cut records, reviews, and evaluations, users can also receive proposals (offers) from available trimming salons based on their pet's information and desired conditions.
This prevents mismatches in the finish or handling, allowing users to choose a trimming salon with satisfaction.
Main Features of "HugWag" (Application for Pet Owners)
■ Trimming Salon Information Search
In addition to basic information about trimming salons, users can check the breeds trimmers excel with, cut records, and user reviews and evaluations.
While comparing and considering multiple salons, it is possible to choose the optimal salon for oneself and one's pet.
■ Request/Offer Function
By registering pet information and desired conditions, users can receive proposals (offers) from trimming salons that meet those conditions. Through these mechanisms, efficient salon selection is realized.
■ Cut Order Sharing Function
Users can share desired cut styles, lengths, and specific points for areas like around the face, ears, and tail in advance using photos or text.
Conveying a specific image before the procedure prevents mismatches in the finish.
■ Chat Function
From consultations before booking to detailed exchanges on the day of the appointment, users can communicate with the salon via chat.
Without using the phone, exchanges can be made smoothly with photos and messages.
■ Medical Record Function (Procedure and Health Records)
Users can receive a "medical record" from the salon, which records photos of the pet after the procedure and their health condition.
Because it is accumulated as a history, it can be utilized for subsequent orders and the pet's growth and health management.
Future Prospects
◆ Comment from the Business Manager
"'HugWag' is a service launched from the desire to 'create options where people can leave their beloved dogs with more peace of mind,' originating from the anxieties and questions I myself have harbored as a single pet owner.
In choosing a salon for a beloved dog, I believe that not just proximity or price, but 'whether I can truly leave my dog with peace of mind' becomes an important criterion for judgment.
Trimming salons and trimmers are close and important presences who, while staying close to the pet owner, can notice the daily changes in a beloved dog.
The information obtained through trimming plays an important role not only in beautifully grooming the pet's appearance but also in health management. Trimmers, who are in continuous contact with the pet, can notice small changes that are hard to notice in daily life, such as changes in skin, coat, and body shape. By recording and accumulating such information, it can be utilized for daily care or consultations at veterinary hospitals, and in some cases, it can serve as a catalyst leading to early medical examination.
We hope to further expand the value of trimming while building a secure relationship for both pet owners and trimming salons/trimmers with 'HugWag'. By connecting the insights and information obtained through trimming to the future, we aim to realize 'HugWag's' vision of 'a society where both people and pets can continue to live happily.'
Business Manager / New Domain Development Office, Mai Onishi"
[Details of 'HugWag' Service]
https://hugwag.mynavi.jp/
Contact for Inquiries regarding 'HugWag'
Mynavi Corporation
New Domain Development Office
Email: pet-hugwag-info@mynavi.jp
With this release, combined with the application for trimming salons* that was provided in advance from October 2025, the service is officially launched as a platform available to both trimming salons and pet owners.
The service will initially be offered in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with plans to gradually expand the area in the future.
*Regarding the release of the application for trimming salons
Background of Service Launch
According to the population estimates by the Statistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the number of children under 15 years old as of April 2025 was approximately 13.66 million, the lowest on record. According to the Japan Pet Food Association, the number of dogs and cats kept as pets in fiscal 2025 was approximately 15.67 million, significantly exceeding the number of children. Against the backdrop of such social changes, the values of welcoming pets as "members of the family" in place of children or cohabiting family members are spreading further, and interest in pet-related markets and services is also increasing.
On the other hand, when pet owners choose a trimming salon, they face the challenge of finding it difficult to compare the breeds each salon excels with or their cut styles, making it hard to find a salon that suits their pet.
For the trimming salons as well, it has been a challenge that they cannot fully convey their store's strengths or the details of what they can handle, making it difficult to grasp the pet owners' requests in advance.
To address these challenges for both pet owners and trimming salons, Mynavi developed "HugWag," a matching service that optimally connects the two.
In October 2025, we began offering the app for trimming salons in advance, creating an environment where each salon could register their store's strengths and the cut records of their trimmers.
With the release of the application for pet owners this time, the service platform where both parties can connect on the app is completed, marking the official launch of "HugWag."
Overview of "HugWag" (Application for Pet Owners)
"HugWag" is a service where pet owners can consistently perform tasks on the app, from searching for a trimming salon that suits them and their pet, to prior consultation via chat, sharing the desired image of the cut, making reservations, and checking records after the procedure.
In addition to being able to compare and consider based on the features of each trimming salon, the breeds each trimmer excels with, cut records, reviews, and evaluations, users can also receive proposals (offers) from available trimming salons based on their pet's information and desired conditions.
This prevents mismatches in the finish or handling, allowing users to choose a trimming salon with satisfaction.
Main Features of "HugWag" (Application for Pet Owners)
■ Trimming Salon Information Search
In addition to basic information about trimming salons, users can check the breeds trimmers excel with, cut records, and user reviews and evaluations.
While comparing and considering multiple salons, it is possible to choose the optimal salon for oneself and one's pet.
■ Request/Offer Function
By registering pet information and desired conditions, users can receive proposals (offers) from trimming salons that meet those conditions. Through these mechanisms, efficient salon selection is realized.
■ Cut Order Sharing Function
Users can share desired cut styles, lengths, and specific points for areas like around the face, ears, and tail in advance using photos or text.
Conveying a specific image before the procedure prevents mismatches in the finish.
■ Chat Function
From consultations before booking to detailed exchanges on the day of the appointment, users can communicate with the salon via chat.
Without using the phone, exchanges can be made smoothly with photos and messages.
■ Medical Record Function (Procedure and Health Records)
Users can receive a "medical record" from the salon, which records photos of the pet after the procedure and their health condition.
Because it is accumulated as a history, it can be utilized for subsequent orders and the pet's growth and health management.
Future Prospects
◆ Comment from the Business Manager
"'HugWag' is a service launched from the desire to 'create options where people can leave their beloved dogs with more peace of mind,' originating from the anxieties and questions I myself have harbored as a single pet owner.
In choosing a salon for a beloved dog, I believe that not just proximity or price, but 'whether I can truly leave my dog with peace of mind' becomes an important criterion for judgment.
Trimming salons and trimmers are close and important presences who, while staying close to the pet owner, can notice the daily changes in a beloved dog.
The information obtained through trimming plays an important role not only in beautifully grooming the pet's appearance but also in health management. Trimmers, who are in continuous contact with the pet, can notice small changes that are hard to notice in daily life, such as changes in skin, coat, and body shape. By recording and accumulating such information, it can be utilized for daily care or consultations at veterinary hospitals, and in some cases, it can serve as a catalyst leading to early medical examination.
We hope to further expand the value of trimming while building a secure relationship for both pet owners and trimming salons/trimmers with 'HugWag'. By connecting the insights and information obtained through trimming to the future, we aim to realize 'HugWag's' vision of 'a society where both people and pets can continue to live happily.'
Business Manager / New Domain Development Office, Mai Onishi"
[Details of 'HugWag' Service]
https://hugwag.mynavi.jp/
Contact for Inquiries regarding 'HugWag'
Mynavi Corporation
New Domain Development Office
Email: pet-hugwag-info@mynavi.jp