The number of pet lovers is increasing. One of the reasons for this seems to be the healing effect of pets. Interacting with pets such as cats and dogs increases the secretion of oxytocin, the happiness hormone. Interacting with pets such as dogs seems to have great significance in improving social skills. The higher the secretion of this happiness hormone, the better social relationships can be maintained. Just as oxytocin is secreted when interacting with close people, it is also secreted when spending time happily with pets. The secretion of oxytocin leads to feelings of happiness and the acquisition of healing effects. In a competitive and stressful society, this happiness hormone has a positive effect. The trend of seeking this effect is rapidly advancing worldwide.
More and more pet lovers are willing to spend money and time on their pets. These lovers are also spending money on their pets’ health and illnesses. In the United States, online medical care has emerged as a new service in the pet business. There are reasons for the emergence of telemedicine services. One problem is the shortage of veterinarians, not only for livestock but also for pets. Traditional animal hospitals are unable to keep up with the growing demand due to the increasing number of pets, and telemedicine is filling this gap. Driven by the booming pet market, more and more startups are offering online consultations for dogs, cats, and other animals. These emerging businesses are expanding their operations to provide even broader pet medical services. Chewy, a US company that sells pet supplies online, has entered the online pharmacy market. Chewy also offers its own telemedicine service and pet insurance. It seems that more and more companies are leveraging data obtained from pet telemedicine platforms to develop health-related products and services.
It appears that the life stages of pets can be considered similar to those of humans: “infancy, adolescence, youth, adulthood, middle age, and old age.” A municipality with “personnel capable of properly caring for pets” and the necessary facilities at each of these six stages would be a valuable resource for pet lovers. Pets (dogs and cats) are more susceptible to cancer in their later years. To prevent this, spaying or neutering at a young age is a very effective preventative measure. A region that can immediately provide advice and prescriptions to extend the healthy lifespan of pets would be a reassuring place for pet lovers. A region with veterinarians who are well-versed in the psychology of pets and their owners, personnel who are knowledgeable in supporting pet health, and facilities that pets can enjoy meals and exercise would attract people. Japan has 14 million children, but 16 million pet dogs and cats. A region that provides peace of mind, health, and enjoyment to both pets and their owners could become like a Disneyland that animals and humans always visit.
