Pet Disaster Preparedness | Preparing to Protect Your Beloved Pet in Times of Disaster

Japan is a country that faces many natural disasters including earthquakes, typhoons, heavy rain, and volcanic eruptions. One of the greatest concerns during disasters is the safety of beloved pets. While the Ministry of the Environment recommends 'joint evacuation' in its 'Guidelines for Pet Relief Measures During Disasters,' whether evacuation centers actually accept pets varies by municipality and evacuation center, and there is no end to pet owners who suffer from insufficient preparation. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, approximately 150,000 pets were separated from their owners, and many of them perished without being rescued. To prevent this tragedy from repeating, I will share specific disaster prevention measures that you can begin implementing now, from the perspective of a pet disaster prevention advisor.

Understanding the Difference Between 'Joint Evacuation' and 'Accompanied Evacuation'

Let me first clarify the terminology that is most easily confused. 'Joint evacuation' refers to moving to an evacuation center together with your pet, and is the basic policy recommended by the Ministry of the Environment. However, this does not guarantee that you will be in the same space as your pet at the evacuation center. In many evacuation centers, pets are tethered in outdoor tents or designated spaces, while their owners stay inside buildings. On the other hand, 'accompanied evacuation' is a form where the owner and pet can spend evacuation life in the same space, though only a limited number of evacuation centers are equipped to handle this. It is extremely important to confirm in advance with your local municipality's disaster prevention department how evacuation centers in your area will handle pets. A growing number of municipalities are publishing lists of evacuation centers that can accept pets, so check these along with hazard maps. In case your nearest evacuation center does not accept pets, we recommend that you identify multiple pet-friendly evacuation alternatives in advance. Also simulate in advance whether staying in your car or tent evacuation might be options for you.

Pet Disaster Prevention Supplies Checklist—Stock at Least 7 Days' Worth

From when a disaster occurs until relief supplies arrive, you need to stock at least 3 days' worth, ideally 7 days' worth. Below is the essential checklist of pet disaster prevention supplies. Food and water: 7 or more days' worth (for dogs, approximately 500ml of water and 200–300g of food per day for a 10kg dog). If your pet is on regular medication, stock 2 weeks' worth. Carrier bag or crate (this becomes your pet's space at the evacuation center). Spare leashes and harnesses (2 sets in case of loss during disaster). Pet pads and waste bags (minimum 30 sheets). Food and water bowls (collapsible ones are convenient). 3–5 towels. Tape (for cage repairs and as a substitute for ID tags). Photos (ones showing you and your pet together, for identification if separated). Copies of vaccination certificates and health records. Gather all of these into a waterproof backpack and store it near your entrance. Manage food expiration dates using a rotating stock system and ideally replace it every six months. Also, including one favorite toy or blanket will help reduce your pet's stress at the evacuation site.

Daily Training and Health Management Preparation

The safety of your pet during a disaster depends on daily training and health management. First, 'crate training' is essential. By making your pet recognize the crate as 'a safe place of their own,' you can significantly reduce stress at evacuation centers. Practice regularly by feeding your pet inside the crate, giving treats, and having them take naps with the door open. For dogs, make sure they reliably respond to basic commands like 'wait,' 'come,' and 'kennel.' It's important to practice in various environments so they can follow commands even in a panic. For cats, getting them accustomed to carriers is the top priority. Keep the carrier visible in the room from day to day and let them move in and out freely to overcome fear. Regarding health management, keep vaccinations (rabies and combination vaccines) always up to date. In evacuation centers, multiple animals gather together, increasing the risk of infection. Flea and tick prevention is also important. Additionally, while microchip implantation and registration with your municipality became mandatory for sellers as of June 2022, we strongly recommend implantation even if you got your pet before that date.

Conduct Actual Evacuation Simulations

Beyond just acquiring knowledge, it is extremely important to actually simulate evacuation behavior. Try walking with your pet to the nearest evacuation center. For dogs, walk them on a leash; for cats, put them in a carrier and walk the actual evacuation route. Check the travel time, hazardous locations (block walls that might collapse, low-lying areas at risk of flooding), and your pet's reactions. For medium-sized dogs and larger, it's difficult for one owner to carry a crate. Consider investing in a crate with wheels or a pet stroller. If you have multiple pets, it's essential to decide role divisions within the family in advance. If you're considering car evacuation, prepare seatbelt-type harnesses or drive boxes so your pet can stay safe inside the vehicle. Conduct evacuation drills with your whole family once or twice a year, and review and update the procedures. If you have opportunities to participate in community disaster drills with your pet in tow, actively participate—this also helps your neighbors become aware of your pet's existence.

Information Gathering and Support Networks During Disasters

When a disaster occurs, quickly obtaining accurate information saves lives. In addition to your municipality's disaster prevention app, NHK's disaster prevention information, and the Japan Meteorological Agency's website, be sure to check pet-related information sources as well. Veterinary medical associations throughout the country share information about pet acceptance during disasters on SNS and their websites. Some animal welfare organizations organize temporary pet-sitting volunteer services during disasters. Register contact information for 'Pet Disaster Support Association' and local animal welfare centers in your smartphone. Also, building a network with nearby pet-owning households is important. If you have relationships where you can leave each other's pets with each other when needed, you can manage even if an owner is hospitalized or temporarily cannot evacuate with their pet. It's a point you want to confirm in advance—what kind of response your regular veterinary clinic can provide during a disaster. SOROU.JP also shares living information for each region and spot information related to disaster prevention. To protect your beloved pet's life, not neglecting preparations from day to day is the greatest responsibility as a pet owner.