Survey Result: 76% of Animal Rescue Groups Report Challenges Remain; Pet Rescue Becomes a Social Issue Linked to Owner Aging

PETOKOTO Inc. (headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo; Taisuke Okubo, CEO), a company dedicated to the mission of 'creating a world where pets are loved as family,' has released the '2026 OMUSUBI White Paper on Rescue Dogs and Cats' based on a survey of 59 nationwide animal rescue groups conducted through its matching site, 'OMUSUBI.'

According to the survey, 76% of rescue groups reported that the challenges in rescue activities have not decreased or have increased. Furthermore, the leading reason for pet intake was 'difficulties in ownership due to the owner's aging, hospitalization, or death,' which has now surpassed 'rescue of stray dogs and cats.' These results reveal that the rescue pet issue is not merely limited to animal welfare but is a social challenge deeply tied to human welfare and community support systems.

Culling numbers down 93% in 10 years, but on-site challenges complicate

The environment surrounding rescue dogs and cats in Japan has changed significantly over the past decade. According to Ministry of the Environment statistics, the number of dogs and cats culled has decreased from 101,338 in fiscal 2014 to 6,830 in fiscal 2024. This achievement is a result of the collective efforts of municipalities, rescue groups, volunteers, companies, and adoptive families.

However, new challenges have emerged on the front lines. This white paper examines the current state of the rescue industry and the support required moving forward, based on feedback from 59 groups registered with OMUSUBI.

Field challenges remain unabated

When asked about the situation surrounding rescue activities, 49% of groups answered that it has 'hardly changed,' and 27% answered that it has 'actually increased,' with 76% of organizations stating that challenges have not decreased. While the national culling number is declining, the burden on the field remains heavy.

Shifting from 'stray issues' to 'human life issues'

The most frequent reasons for current pet intake are as follows:

[TOP 5 REASONS FOR INTAKE] 1st: Owner's aging, hospitalization, or death (49 cases) 2nd: Stray dogs and cats (31 cases) 3rd: Multi-pet household collapse (27 cases) 4th: Abandonment (19 cases) 5th: Economic hardship (16 cases)

Issues stemming from human lifestyles are having a significant impact on rescue activities.

The greatest challenge is medical cost burden

The most frequently cited challenge in rescue operations was the 'burden of medical costs.'

[TOP 5 FIELD CHALLENGES] 1st: Burden of medical costs (41 cases) 2nd: Labor shortage (26 cases) 3rd: Cost of food and supplies (22 cases) 4th: Shortage of foster volunteers (21 cases) 5th: Lack of protection facilities (16 cases)

The increase in rescue of elderly or chronically ill dogs and cats is creating a significant burden on medical expenses.

Required future support

[TOP 5 REQUIRED SUPPORT] 1st: Countermeasures against owner aging (33 cases) 2nd: Medical care support (24 cases) 3rd: Continuous donation support (24 cases) 4th: Prevention of multi-pet household collapse (22 cases) 5th: Promoting adoption of elderly dogs/cats (19 cases)

Beyond post-rescue support, preventive mechanisms are needed to assist owners before it becomes difficult to continue care.