What animal did Domino's Japan train to deliver pizzas?

Domino's Japan trained reindeer to deliver pizzas. In December 2016, the company announced a holiday promotion at a restaurant in northern Japan, where reindeer were fitted with special delivery equipment and filmed carrying pizzas through the snow.

The idea played on the traditional association between reindeer and Santa Claus while also reflecting the practical challenge of delivering in snowy Hokkaido. It was primarily a publicity stunt and training exercise, not a permanent replacement for Domino's motorbike delivery fleet. The pizzas were monitored closely, and human staff remained involved.

A common mix-up is assuming that dogs, cats, or another domestic animal handled regular deliveries. Domino's has experimented with unusual delivery concepts in different markets, but this Japanese Christmas promotion specifically featured reindeer. The story became popular internationally because it combined a familiar fast-food brand with an unusually literal take on Santa's transportation.