Approximately 87% of Pet Hotel Users Respond "24-Hour Staff Presence" is Important. Top Concern When Using is "Whether Pets Feel Stressed".

Pet Hotel Users Asked About Key Selection Points and Concerns When Using

Pet hotels are a頼りになる (reliable resource) for families with pets when traveling or facing sudden errands.

However, because it's a place where you entrust a beloved family member, many may wonder, "What criteria should I use to choose?" and "Can I leave them with peace of mind?"

Therefore, in collaboration with the comprehensive pet facility 'Wanko no Mikata,' we conducted a survey targeting 131 men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "own or have owned indoor pets such as dogs and cats" on "How to Choose a Pet Hotel and Key Points to Consider."

*When quoting the content of this press release, please take the following actions:*

* Indicate that the source is "A survey by NEXER Group Inc. and the comprehensive pet facility 'Wanko no Mikata.'" * Include a link to Wanko no Mikata (https://wankonomikata.com/)

"Pet Hotel Selection and Key Points to Consider" Survey Overview

Survey Method: Internet-based questionnaire

Survey Period: June 16, 2026 - June 22, 2026

Survey Target: Men and women nationwide who responded in a preliminary survey that they "own or have owned indoor pets such as dogs and cats."

Valid Responses: 131 samples

Questions:

Question 1: Have you ever used a pet hotel or pet daycare?

Question 2: What was the reason for using or considering it? (Multiple answers possible)

Question 3: What do you consider most important when choosing a pet hotel?

Question 4: Please tell us the reason.

Question 5: How did you gather information about pet hotels?

Question 6: Please tell us the reason for referring to that information source.

Question 7: How important is "24-hour staff presence" when choosing a pet hotel?

Question 8: Please tell us the reason.

Question 9: How important is "an environment where pets can spend time in a large indoor dog run or free space, without being confined to a cage"?

Question 10: Please tell us the reason.

Question 11: Do you have any concerns when using a pet hotel? (Multiple answers possible)

*Note: In principle, figures are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

23.7% Responded, "Have Used" Pet Hotels or Pet Daycare

First, we asked if respondents had used pet hotels or pet daycare.

The results showed that 23.7% had used them, and 76.3% had not.

This indicates that approximately one in four people who own or have owned indoor pets have experience using pet hotels or pet daycare.

80.6% Responded, "Travel" as the Reason for Using Pet Hotels

Next, we asked those who had used or considered using pet hotels or pet daycare about the reasons for their use or consideration.

The most common reason was "travel" at 80.6%.

This was followed by "ceremonies and funerals" at 25.8%, "long hours away from home" at 12.9%, and "business trips" at 9.7%.

Travel was overwhelmingly the most frequent reason, suggesting that most cases involve relying on pet hotels according to travel plans. It appears they are also used in situations where one must suddenly leave home, such as for ceremonies and funerals.

25.8% Responded, "Location/Access" as Most Important When Choosing a Pet Hotel

Next, we asked those who had used or considered using pet hotels or pet daycare what they consider most important when choosing a facility.

The most common answer was "location/access" at 25.8%.

This was followed by "price" at 22.6%, and "number/system of staff" and "hygiene" at 12.9% each.

We asked for the reasons behind these choices and present some of them below.

Respondents who chose "Location/Access"

* I want a place close to where I'll be when I pick them up, to make the pickup time even slightly earlier. (40s, Female) * It's near the hotel where we are staying. (50s, Male) * It's convenient to have a place close to home for both dropping off and picking up. (70s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Price"

* I think the care is generally the same, so price is important. (60s, Male) * It's just for one night, so a cheap place is fine! (70s, Male) * It's too expensive otherwise. (50s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Number/System of Staff"

* Since I'm entrusting my precious pet, I carefully check who will be looking after them and how before making a decision. If there are few staff members, I check if they limit the number of animals accepted or how many dogs/cats one person might be responsible for. (40s, Female) * I want good service. (30s, Male) * I feel it's the most important factor. (20s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Hygiene"

* To prevent the spread of infectious diseases and parasites between pets. (40s, Female) * A hygienic hotel is essential for my dog's health. (40s, Female) * The facility environment must be in good sanitary condition. I worry about them catching a disease due to poor hygiene. (70s, Male)

From those who chose "location/access," we heard that having a place close to their outing destination, accommodation, or home makes dropping off and picking up less burdensome. Regarding "price," opinions emphasized the importance of a price that can be used without strain, considering short-term use and ongoing costs.

On the other hand, those who chose "number/system of staff" and "hygiene" expressed a desire to confirm who will be watching over their pets and how, and whether the environment is designed to mitigate risks like infectious diseases.

When choosing a pet hotel, it seems important to comprehensively check the environment where the pet will stay, not just convenience and price, but also staff systems and hygiene management.

Information Gathering: "Referrals from Acquaintances/Family" and "Internet Search" Tied at 22.6% Each

Next, we asked those who had used pet hotels or pet daycare how they gathered information about the facilities.

"Referrals from acquaintances/family" and "internet search" were tied at 22.6% each, resulting in the highest response rate. This was followed by "veterinarian recommendation" at 19.4%, "SNS" at 12.9%, "review sites" and "pet shop referrals" at 6.5% each, and "other" at 9.7%.

It appears that many people gather information about pet hotels by utilizing reliable sources such as referrals from people they know and veterinarian recommendations, alongside internet searches and SNS.

We asked for the reasons for referring to these information sources and present some of them below.

Respondents who chose "Referrals from Acquaintances/Family"

* Because I can hear about their experiences. (50s, Male) * A friend who owns a pet recommended it. (40s, Female) * It's more reassuring to hear from someone I know. (50s, Female)

Respondents who chose "Internet Search"

* Because I can find out more by searching online. (20s, Female) * I can compare various information sources. (40s, Female) * I searched by entering my residential area and "pet hotel." (60s, Male)

Respondents who chose "Veterinarian Recommendation"

* I felt it was the most trustworthy. (20s, Male) * It's reassuring if the vet recommends it. (60s, Male) * Because they are my regular veterinarian. (60s, Male)

From those who chose "referrals from acquaintances/family," we heard that they can hear about the experiences of people who have actually used the service, and that recommendations from people they know provide a sense of security. For "internet search," reasons cited include the ability to compare multiple facilities and information, and the ease of finding pet hotels near their residence. Furthermore, those who chose "veterinarian recommendation" expressed a high level of trust in recommendations from their regular veterinarian.

It can be said that when gathering information, both the sense of security gained from close contacts and experts, and the convenience of broad comparison via the internet are valued.

87.1% Responded, "24-Hour Staff Presence" is Important

Next, we asked those who had used pet hotels or pet daycare how important "24-hour staff presence" is when choosing a facility.

"Very important" was 45.2%, and "somewhat important" was 41.9%, totaling 87.1% who responded it was important. On the other hand, only 12.9% responded "not very important," and 0% responded "not important at all."

We asked for the reasons why it is important and present some of them below.

Reasons why "24-hour staff presence" is important

* It provides a sense of security. (20s, Male) * Because you don't know what might happen at night. (30s, Male) * It's reassuring to know that they can respond even if something happens in the middle of the night. (40s, Female) * Because they can respond immediately in an emergency. (50s, Male) * Because they can handle sudden changes in condition. (70s, Male)

Many responses cited the peace of mind that comes from having staff available for monitoring and assistance during nighttime and emergency situations.

Since pets cannot verbally communicate changes in their condition or discomfort, the presence of staff who can notice and respond to any abnormalities appears to be a major deciding factor for owners.

83.9% Responded, "Large Indoor Environment" is Important

Next, we asked those who had used pet hotels or pet daycare about the importance of "an environment where pets can spend time in a large indoor dog run or free space, without being confined to a cage."

"Very important" was 32.3%, and "somewhat important" was 51.6%, totaling 83.9% who responded it was important. On the other hand, 12.9% responded "not very important," and 3.2% responded "not important at all."

We asked for the reasons why it is important and present some of them below.

Reasons why "an environment where pets can spend time in a large indoor dog run or free space, without being confined to a cage" is important

* I think it makes them stress-free. (20s, Male) * I want them to be able to run around. (30s, Male) * My pet spends time freely in the living room at home, so a small cage would be stressful. (40s, Female) * Because the environment is changing, it's better for them to be able to relieve stress. (50s, Male) * Pets get stressed in small spaces. (70s, Male)

Many responses expressed concern about the stress pets might feel in an unfamiliar environment.

In particular, for pets that are accustomed to moving freely around the house, some owners feel that spending long hours in a confined space would be a burden.

When choosing a pet hotel, it seems important to check the size of the space where the pet will stay and whether there is time to move around.

74.2% Responded, "Whether Pets Feel Stressed" as a Concern When Using

Finally, we asked those who had used pet hotels or pet daycare about their concerns when using these services.

The most common concern was "whether pets feel stressed" at 74.2%.

This was followed by "changes in pet's condition" at 51.6%, "staff's response" at 35.5%, "trouble with other animals" and "emergency response" at 32.3% each, "not knowing what's happening while they're boarded" at 25.8%, and "price" at 22.6%.

It is clear that owners are particularly concerned about whether their pets will feel stressed and remain calm while they are away. Additionally, many concerns were raised regarding safety during boarding, such as changes in the pet's condition, staff response, and conflicts with other animals.

The background to the importance placed on 24-hour staff presence and large indoor environments is likely the owners' desire to reduce these anxieties as much as possible.

Summary

In this survey, 23.7% of respondents had used pet hotels or pet daycare, with "travel" being the most common reason for use or consideration at 80.6%. When choosing, convenience factors such as "location/access" and "price" were prioritized.

Furthermore, 87.1% responded that "24-hour staff presence" is important, and 83.9% responded that a "large indoor environment" is important. The most common concern when using was "whether pets feel stressed" at 74.2%, with concerns also raised about changes in condition, emergency response, and conflicts with other animals.

When choosing a pet hotel, it is important to check not only the price and location, but also the staff supervision system, hygiene management, and the space where the pet will stay.

Choosing an environment where your beloved family member can spend their time as calmly as possible will also lead to peace of mind for the owner.

<Regarding Use in Articles, etc.>

* Indicate that the source is "A survey by NEXER Group Inc. and the comprehensive pet facility 'Wanko no Mikata.'" * Include a link to Wanko no Mikata (https://wankonomikata.com/)

[About Wanko no Mikata]

Company Name: IWS Inc.

Address: 2-10-18 Odai, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0046

Representative Director: Noriko Asakawa

Tel: 03-4500-1522

URL: https://wankonomikata.com/

Business Description: Operates "Wanko no Mikata," a comprehensive pet facility with one of Tokyo's largest indoor dog runs. With a motto of "Dog First," we offer dog daycare (kindergarten), hotel services, training, and lifelong boarding.

Wanko no Mikata welcomes small, medium, large, and extra-large dogs!

We have equipped our facilities so that dogs can spend their time stress-free, so please rest assured.

[About NEXER Group Inc.]

Headquarters: Rise Arena Building 11F, 4-5-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013

Representative Director: Yuya Miyata

URL: https://www.nexer.co.jp

Business Description: SEO, Web Branding, Web Advertising, Website Production, Media