English guide

Japan Pet Disaster Guide

A practical starting point for people living with dogs or cats in Japan. Shelter rules and pet spaces differ by municipality and may change during an emergency. Use this page to prepare at home, then confirm the latest instructions from your local government and shelter.

Five things to do today

1. Find your local official page.
   Search your city or ward name with “pet evacuation” and save the official result. Japanese pages can be read with your browser’s translation feature.
2. Keep a carrier ready.
   Place the carrier where you can reach it quickly. Let your pet rest in it with the door open during normal days.
3. Update photos and contact details.
   Keep a recent full-body photo, a face photo, and any identifying marks on your phone. Check your ID tag and microchip registration details.
4. Check food, water and medicine.
   Store familiar food, water, necessary medicine and toilet supplies. The needed amount depends on your pet, weather and veterinary advice.
5. Choose more than one safe option.
   Discuss home evacuation, a designated shelter and a trusted temporary caregiver before an emergency happens.

Evacuating together and staying together are different

In Japan, “doko hinan” (evacuating together with a pet) usually means travelling to the shelter with your pet. It does not guarantee shared indoor living space. Many shelters use a separate pet area, and the exact arrangement depends on the site and the emergency.

Read the Japanese guide to the difference between evacuation together and staying together

Find your local guidance

Start with the regional guide below, then open the page for your prefecture and municipality. The linked pages are Japanese, and each page identifies the official source to check before you act.

Find your prefecture

Useful official resource

• Ministry of the Environment, Japan: Disaster preparedness for pets

Last checked: July 14, 2026. During an emergency, follow current instructions issued by your municipality and shelter.