Dōbutsu no Oisha-san (Animal Doctor) 動物のお医者さん

Dōbutsu no Oisha-san Review (Rating: 5/5)

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Overview

Dōbutsu no Oisha-san (Animal Doctor) is a Japanese manga series by Noriko Sasaki, serialized from 1988 to 1993 in Hana to Yume magazine.
Set in the veterinary department of the fictional H University in Hokkaido, the story follows veterinary students and the many animals surrounding their daily lives.
English Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%C5%8Dbutsu_no_Oisha-san

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Synopsis

One night during high school, Masaki Nishine—nicknamed “Hamutarō” or “Hamuteru”—passes through the campus of H University and encounters an eccentric professor who hands him a Siberian Husky puppy.
He names the puppy Chobi, and this unexpected meeting becomes the catalyst for Hamuteru’s decision to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
After entering H University’s veterinary department, he faces both the challenges of student life and the joys of living with a variety of animals.
The story is mostly episodic, with each chapter highlighting a veterinary theme, animal behavior, or a humorous slice-of-life moment.

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Characters

Hamuteru (Masaki Nishine)

The protagonist. A calm, observant veterinary student who grows steadily through encounters with animals and the people around him.

Chobi

A Siberian Husky with a fearsome expression but a gentle personality.
He is central to Hamuteru’s daily life and a major emotional anchor of the series.

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Story Development

The manga progresses through Hamuteru’s university life: lectures, practical training, caring for animals, and interactions with quirky professors and classmates.
While the human characters are amusing and distinctive, the animals—dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, farm animals, and more—bring variety and depth to each episodic story.
Although comedic in tone, the series also addresses the weight of responsibility that comes with caring for living beings.
Toward the later volumes, Hamuteru’s path as a future veterinarian becomes clearer, gently guiding the series to its conclusion.

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Distinctive Features

1. Authentic Veterinary Perspective

The manga treats veterinary science seriously.
Animal diseases, biological explanations, and medical procedures appear frequently, helping readers understand a field rarely explored in mainstream entertainment.
This scientific grounding adds realism without overwhelming the reader.

2. Calm, Warm-Toned Humor

Although classified as a comedy, the pacing is relaxed.
Rather than fast gags, the humor emerges naturally from characters’ personalities and the unpredictability of animals.
This creates a soothing reading experience—light, steady, and emotionally gentle.

3. A Wide Range of Animals

From household pets to farm animals and wildlife, the series introduces many species with accurate and affectionate depictions.
Animal lovers will particularly enjoy the diversity and the careful observation that went into each portrayal.

4. Strong, Memorable Characters

Hamuteru’s understated charm, Chobi’s expressive presence, and the peculiar professors and senior students give the manga a unique tone.
Their interactions form the backbone of the narrative and keep the world lively.

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My Impressions

Although it is categorized as a comedy manga, Dōbutsu no Oisha-san is very different from the typical high-energy gag series.
Its slow, relaxed flow creates a peaceful atmosphere, allowing small humorous moments and warm emotional beats to shine.
It also separates itself from conventional “slice-of-life” works by grounding its stories firmly in the veterinary world.

What impressed me most is how veterinary knowledge is not used merely as a backdrop.
Even today, veterinary medicine feels unfamiliar to many readers, which makes its portrayal fresh and engaging.
Through the animals’ personalities—sometimes cute, sometimes unpredictable—and the protagonists’ sincere care for them, the manga naturally conveys the preciousness of life.

Though the series was completed decades ago, its charm has not faded at all.
The universality of animal care, curiosity about life sciences, and the gentle humor remain appealing to modern readers.
I am not sure how many foreign-language editions exist, but even readers who are not involved with animals or veterinary work will find something meaningful in this manga.
It is a work that quietly grows on you.

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Conclusion

• A gentle, humorous manga set in a veterinary school, balancing knowledge and warmth.

• Rich in animal characterization, scientific details, and understated comedy.

• Perfect for readers who love animals, enjoy calm storytelling, or want to peek into the world of veterinary medicine.

• Despite its age, the themes and emotions remain timeless.

If you are looking for a relaxing yet insightful read, Dōbutsu no Oisha-san is an excellent choice.