A veterinary clinic in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, is treating a vast array of non-traditional pets to fill a gap in specialized care [1].
Access to veterinary services for exotic animals is limited in Japan, often forcing owners to travel long distances to find qualified practitioners. By offering broad species support and weekend availability, the clinic provides a vital safety net for owners of rare animals who otherwise lack medical options [1].
Dr. Yusuma Yoshida, director of Maruyoshi Animal Hospital, manages a practice that welcomes any kind of animal [1]. On busy days, the clinic handles more than 70 cases [1]. Approximately 70% of the daily patients are exotic pets, including fennec foxes, ferrets, and sugar gliders [1, 2].
"I try to see any animal that comes in," Yoshida said [1].
This commitment draws clients from beyond the local prefecture. One pet owner, who traveled from Mie Prefecture to seek treatment for a reptile, said they would be in trouble without the services provided by Yoshida [1].
The clinic's operating hours are another primary draw for the community. Because few specialized clinics remain open during the weekend, owners often wait for these specific windows to seek care. A pet owner said the weekend availability is rare and helpful [1].
While traditional clinics focus primarily on dogs and cats, Maruyoshi Animal Hospital maintains a diverse patient base. This approach requires the staff to manage a wide variety of biological needs and medical conditions across different species, ranging from mammals to reptiles [1, 2].
“"I try to see any animal that comes in,"”
The high volume of exotic patients at Maruyoshi Animal Hospital highlights a systemic shortage of specialized veterinary care for non-traditional pets in Japan. As the popularity of exotic animals grows, the reliance on a few versatile clinics creates a geographic bottleneck, making specialized practitioners like Dr. Yoshida essential infrastructure for animal welfare outside of major urban hubs.
