DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Disasters & Emergencies

Japan animal hospital opens doors to earthquake survivors and their pets

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A veterinary hospital in Kumamoto, Japan, opened its doors to survivors of a recent earthquake and their pets.
  • The Ryunosuke Animal Hospital converted classrooms into temporary housing, offering separate spaces for owners with cats and dogs.
  • This initiative stems from the hospital's experience during the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when it learned the importance of allowing pets to stay with their families during disasters.

In the wake of a powerful earthquake that struck southern Japan, the Ryunosuke Animal Hospital in Kumamoto has provided a sanctuary for both human and animal survivors. The hospital has transformed classrooms within its veterinary nurse training school into temporary shelters, accommodating evacuees alongside their beloved pets.

Recognizing the distress of pet owners separated from their animals during disasters, the hospital offers distinct areas for those with cats and dogs. This inclusive approach contrasts with many standard evacuation centers, which often prohibit pets due to concerns about fleas, odors, allergies, and noise.

During disasters it’s only natural for dogs and cats to stay together with their families. But people who don’t own pets don’t necessarily want to be with them. They worry about fleas, odours, allergies, and noise. Pets are often viewed negatively, which is why many evacuation shelters often don’t allow people and pets to stay together.

— Ryunosuke TokudaThe hospital director explains the rationale behind allowing pets in the evacuation shelter.

Hospital director Ryunosuke Tokuda explained that allowing pets to stay with their families during crises is a natural response. The hospital's commitment to this policy was solidified after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, when they observed the profound bond between people and their animals. Since then, the hospital has consistently opened its doors to evacuees with pets during subsequent disasters.

Tomoko Takaoka, a 31-year-old factory worker, found refuge at the hospital with her two small dogs, Ku and Sheri. Initially unable to find pet-friendly accommodation, she spent the first night in her car. Takaoka expressed her gratitude for the hospital's policy, stating, "They're just like family to me. I'd like to stay with them as much as possible." She is among the 26 evacuees and their pets currently sheltering at the facility, finding comfort in being reunited with her canine companions.

They’re just like family to me. I’d like to stay with them as much as possible.

— Tomoko TakaokaAn earthquake survivor expresses her feelings about staying with her pet dogs at the animal hospital.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog