Dog Shelters Expand Matching Services

Sep 27, 2025 | News On Japan

KANAGAWA, Sep 27, 2025 (News On Japan) - Animal Welfare Week, which began on September 20th, is casting a spotlight on the growing trend of supporting shelter dogs through so-called "oshi-katsu," or fan activities, with a system now in place that connects adoption matching with financial contributions.

At a shelter in Kanagawa Prefecture, dogs were being photographed from different angles, some resting sleepily in the sun, to prepare images for registration on a new service that allows users to follow and support specific animals.

The initiative, launched in June, links shelters with a platform that lets users choose their favorite dogs and send financial support in units of 300 points, a mechanism similar to online tipping. The service aims both to improve the chances of adoption and to provide a sustainable source of income for shelters, where funding has long been a pressing challenge.

Importantly, the platform is designed not only for people hoping to become pet owners but also for those who wish to support dogs yet cannot keep one themselves.

As of September 25th, the dog earning the most support at the Kanagawa facility was Tora, a five-year-old rescued about four years ago. "If more people come to know these dogs, they will be seen in a brighter light, and better outcomes will follow," said Hidetaka Kikuchi, representative of Kanagawa Dog Protection.

So far, about 20 shelters nationwide have partnered with the platform, and expectations are rising for how far the initiative can spread. Looking ahead, organizers are also planning live streams, talk shows, and other interactive events to further engage supporters.

Source: FNN

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