Dog Travel Market Estimated at 400 Billion Yen; Pawprint Economy Gains Momentum in Japan

Petgo Inc. (Headquarters: Nakano-ku, Tokyo; President: Hiroshi Kurosawa; Securities Code: 7140) conducted a survey on 'pet travel behavior' among its members. The survey indicates that the domestic dog travel market (total of day trips and overnight stays) could reach approximately 400 billion yen. More than 90% of respondents stated they take their dogs out to 'enjoy time together' rather than due to a 'lack of pet care.' This highlights a shift toward 'experiential consumption' where owners create memories with their dogs, reflecting the evolution of 'pet humanization' and the broadening lifestyles of pet owners.

Globally, consumption related to traveling or going out with dogs is drawing attention as the 'Pawprint Economy,' and is becoming a worldwide trend. The Pawprint Economy is projected to exceed $500 billion globally by 2030, and this economic sphere is becoming evident in Japan as well.

1. Dog Travel Market Estimated at Approximately 400 Billion Yen

In this survey, 58.6% of dog owners responded that they had taken their dogs on a day trip within the past year, and 33.2% had taken a domestic overnight trip. Based on annual frequency and spending, and assuming 5 million households own dogs in Japan, the market is estimated at approximately 400 billion yen (173.3 billion yen for day trips and 232.8 billion yen for overnight travel).

2. Definition of the Dog Travel Market

It refers to the experiential consumption market generated by taking dogs on extraordinary outings (including day trips and overnight stays). Main components include transportation, accommodation, dining, shopping, and activities.

3. Survey Details

1) Nearly 60% of owners experienced a 'day trip' with their dog in the past year. Out of 1,027 owners, 58.6% took day trips, with an estimated market size of 173.3 billion yen.

2) About 30% of owners experienced a 'domestic overnight trip' with their dog in the past year. Out of 1,027 owners, 33.2% took overnight trips, with an estimated market size of 232.8 billion yen.