Greetings
Daktari Animal Hospital was established in 1964 in Suginami, Tokyo as Japan’s first “animal welfare hospital,” based on the concept of the “Human-Animal-Nature Bond (HANB),” which values people, animals, and nature. Our philosophy, “from small birds to elephants,” guides us to care for all animals.
With over 50 years of history, Daktari Animal Hospital now comprises two facilities: the Tokyo Medical Center and the Yoyogi Clinic.
Our goal is to establish advanced medical care in each specialized department, based on cutting-edge American veterinary medicine. We strive to equip each department with the most advanced medical equipment, while always adhering to the philosophy of the “Human-Animal-Nature Bond” in providing care for the happiness of both animals, as beloved family members, and their owners.
We not only focus on treating diseases but also provide appropriate advice on how to prevent illness. We propose regular check-ups for early detection, keeping in mind the essential medical principle that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” All our staff are committed to this principle.
To provide the best veterinary care at all times, every staff member is a professional in their respective fields, constantly striving toward higher goals. We collaborate with the “Angell Animal Medical Center”, a central figure in the American veterinary community, continuously adopting the latest global medical standards and knowledge. Additionally, we actively engage with leading universities in the United States, such as Colorado State University, to stay at the forefront of veterinary science. 【International Exchanges】
In treating animals, who cannot speak, we recognize that technical expertise alone is not enough; teamwork, involving both the families and the animals, is of paramount importance. Therefore, we emphasize the development of communication skills. To achieve these goals, Daktari Animal Hospital has introduced various new systems, previously unheard of in animal hospitals, and continues to implement them.
As such, Daktari Animal Hospital offers the best possible environment not only for veterinarians aiming to specialize but also for animal technicians seeking to acquire advanced skills.
In 2014, I became the first Japanese veterinarian and the 13th in the world to receive the “Small Animal Healthcare Award 2014” at the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Congress in Cape Town, South Africa. Furthermore, in July 2022, we became the first AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited hospital in Japan. 【Read more】
I am deeply grateful to the clients who have trusted Daktari Animal Hospital with their animals and to the many staff members who have shared and supported my vision along the way.
We promise to continue to protect the health of your precious family members, your animals, as a unified Daktari Animal Hospital team.
Dr. Gen Kato
Hokkaido University Ambassador & Partner Program official website (English only)
https://www.global.hokudai.ac.jp/huap/networks/ap00163/
Origin of “Daktari Animal Hospital”
The word “Daktari” means “doctor” in Swahili. During the colonial era in Africa, local people respectfully and affectionately called the veterinarians who protected animals in wildlife reserves from poachers “Daktari.”
We chose the name “Daktari Animal Hospital” to express our desire to be the protectors of various animals, from small birds to elephants, through veterinary medicine.
Since our establishment, many veterinarians have learned from Daktari Animal Hospital and gone on to flourish across Japan, forming what is now known as the “Daktari Group,” which consists of more than 20 hospitals nationwide.
Visit the Daktari Group website here.
The Daktari logo combines the “d” from “Daktari” and the “a” from “Animal,” incorporating a cross symbol representing a hospital. It was designed by Michio Hanyu, a recipient of the Mainichi Industrial Design Award.
Profile
– 1932: Born in Kobe, Japan.
– 1956: Graduated from Hokkaido University, Veterinary Medicine Department. After working as a veterinary technician at Kobe Oji Zoo (1956–1962), he established ‘Daktari Animal Hospital’ in Suginami, Tokyo, in 1964.
– 1976: Opened ‘Daktari Animal Hospital Naka-Meguro’ in Meguro, Tokyo (merged with the Tokyo Medical Center in 2014).
– 1977: Advisor and long-time academic advisor for the Japan Animal Hospital Association (JAHA); served as its 1st, 2nd, 10th, and 11th president.
– 1986: Appointed Visiting Professor at Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
– 1992: Opened ‘Daktari Animal Hospital Angel Memorial Hiroo Central Hospital’ in Hiroo, Shibuya, Tokyo (relocated to Shirokane, Minato, in 2012).
– 199: Appointed Adjunct Professor at Beijing Agricultural University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.
– 1995: Appointed Vice President of the IAHAIO (International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations) until 2001.
– 2000: Founder and President of the J-HANBS Foundation (Japan Human-Animal-Nature Bond Society).
– 2008: Appointed Visiting Professor at Chiba Institute of Science (2008–2017).
– 2010: Opened ‘Daktari Animal Hospital Yoyogi’ in Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo.
– 2011: Appointed Ambassador of Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine.
– 2012: Relocated ‘Daktari Animal Hospital Angel Memorial’ to Shirokane, Minato, and renamed it ‘Daktari Animal Hospital Tokyo Medical Center’.
– 2016: Appointed Visiting Professor at Hokkaido University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Graduate School.
– 2017: Appointed University Ambassador for Hokkaido University.
– 2018: Appointed Special Clinical Professor at Osaka Prefecture University, College of Life and Environmental Sciences.
– 2024: Appointed Therapy Research Field Advisor at Kobe Animal Coexistence Center.
