How to use a pet taxi for vet visits and moving? [Togatsu Pet Taxi]

Hello, this is Kuriyama from Poponeko.

There are surprisingly many occasions where you need to take your cat out, aren't there? Trips to the vet, pet salon, pet hotel, visits to your hometown, moving house, and so on. It seems many pet owners find it quite difficult to transport their cats in carrier bags or cases.

It would be nice if you had your own car, but if not, you might have to ask an acquaintance to drive you or use public transportation. Some people even worry themselves sick about their pet's meowing, odors, or shedding during the trip.

A service created to solve such problems is the pet taxi. I spoke with Mr. Otani from "Tokatsu Pet Taxi" to learn what exactly a pet taxi service is and how it can be used.

What is a Pet Taxi?

Kuriyama:
You operate a transport taxi exclusively for pets, but are owners able to ride along with their pets? Or is it a service for pets only?

Mr. Otani:
We do accept transport for pets only, but the majority of our customers ride along with their pets.

Kuriyama:
For what kinds of reasons do people use the pet taxi?

Mr. Otani:
Mainly, it is used by people who don't have their own transportation to go to the vet or visit their family home, as well as for moving.

Kuriyama:
Are most of your customers cats or dogs?

Mr. Otani:
Yes, about 90% are cats or dogs. Perhaps reflecting the recent cat boom, the usage rate for cats is now about the same as for dogs. We have even had a case where we transported a pet goat.

Kuriyama:
A goat! If it's a pet, are large dogs allowed as well?

Mr. Otani:
It's possible as long as they fit within the vehicle's cargo capacity. We have secured space in the vehicle where large dogs can relax, and we can also accommodate extra-large crates.

Kuriyama:
That makes it reassuring for those with multiple pets!

▲ Owners can hold their pets and ride along. The interior is always kept clean.

▲ Spacious rear area. Designed to be worry-free even in case of accidents.

Can I book a Pet Taxi for the same day? What about long distances?

Kuriyama:

Pet taxis are very convenient, but do I need to make a reservation in advance?

Mr. Otani:
Please book by phone or email. We have bases in Kashiwa, Adachi, Itabashi, Setagaya, and Ota wards, so please contact the office nearest to you. Depending on availability, same-day reservations may be possible.

Kuriyama:
What is your service area?

Mr. Otani:
The service is available throughout Japan, excluding remote islands. We can handle not just local trips, but medium and long-distance transport as well. You can use us for one-way or round-trip journeys.

Kuriyama:
That’s amazing! It’s a huge help when you need to travel with your pet for moving or visiting family. It’s so hard to carry a carrier bag onto a crowded Shinkansen……

▲ Easy-to-understand rates. Long-distance discount plans are available for long wait times or far distances.

Make traveling with your pet comfortable

Kuriyama:
Is there anything owners should prepare when using the pet taxi?

Mr. Otani:
I would say making sure they use the bathroom before boarding. The vehicle is designed to handle any accidents, but some pets get nervous. Also, for long-distance trips that take a lot of time, I recommend bringing a portable cat litter box.

Kuriyama:
Many owners worry about their pets escaping during travel. What should we be careful about?

Mr. Otani:
For dogs, we ask that you use a collar with a leash and harness, and for cats, we ask that you check the crates or carrier bags you use for the trip. Sometimes they can be damaged or torn.

Kuriyama:
That’s true; there are many cases where cats escape because their carrier bag broke. When you think about that, it’s much safer to leave the transport to professionals.

Mr. Otani:
I’m very happy to say that many customers tell us they were extremely relieved to have our help.



Traveling with a pet, not just cats, can be very stressful. In times like these, the existence of pet taxis is truly a godsend.

With Tokatsu Pet Taxi, you can use the service in two ways: either the owner rides along to the destination, or you have just the pet transported. If you take your pet to a salon or training school regularly, you can even request that just the pet be transported.

Even with a small cat, it is quite a chore to move them in a carrier bag. When that happens, don't push yourself—consider using a pet taxi to travel door-to-door!