North Star Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kodai Takita; hereinafter "North Star"), which operates the pet online veterinary service "Pet Doctor" (https://petdoctor12.com/), is expanding its online consultation options to pets other than dogs and cats. As part of this initiative, a scheduled online veterinary service for exotic animals such as rabbits, hamsters, birds, and reptiles will commence on July 9, 2026 (Thu). ■ Background of New Service Launch: Addressing "Veterinary Shortages" and "Travel Burden" Specific to Exotic Animals In recent years, the number of households keeping exotic animals like rabbits, birds, and reptiles has been increasing. However, the number of veterinary clinics capable of properly examining these animals is limited nationwide. Furthermore, specialized clinics tend to be concentrated in urban areas, and in some regions, many owners are forced to travel for several hours one way to visit a distant clinic. Exotic animals also tend to show subtle changes in their condition, often leaving owners unsure whether a veterinary visit is necessary when they notice "something is different." For many of these animals, travel itself can be a significant burden. Therefore, there has been a strong demand for "a more accessible way to consult with specialized veterinarians." In December 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries issued "Guidelines for the Proper Implementation of Online Veterinary Services for Companion Animals," creating an environment where online veterinary services can be appropriately conducted under certain conditions. In accordance with these guidelines, North Star has launched a new service connecting owners of exotic animals with veterinarians possessing specialized knowledge. Leveraging the knowledge gained from our online consultations for dogs and cats, we are committed to providing safe and secure consultations that address the concerns of pet owners. ■ Service Overview This is a ful