When the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck, many people wouldn't flee without their pets, which they consider part of their family.
When the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck, many people wouldn't flee without their pets, which they consider part of their family.
Unfortunately, most didn't take into account their pets' needs or prepare for an evacuation scenario.
So, experts are giving tips for pet owners if such an emergency arises again.
"You have to prepare so that your pets will feel it is normal," said Koji Masuda, a professor of veterinary medicine at Tokyo University of Agriculture at a symposium on disaster prevention for pets in late September.
Evacuation goods--pet food and a dish, water, medicine, leash and collar, blanket and items to dispose of waste--should be familiar ones they have used at least once, Masuda said.
Even if a pet owner is going to bring newly purchased items, they are advised to use them at least once with their pets, for the animals will be cautious about using strange items.
At evacuation centers, such familiar things will help pet owners lead their animals and keep them calm. Pet owners are also advised to prepare moist and easily eaten food, since their pet might refuse to eat dry food due to being in shock from the disaster.
In the March 11 quake, many people also failed to bring pet dishes along.
Masuda said it would be helpful if pet owners prepared extra food and brought extra pet dishes for those who do not have them.
Dog owners also need to train them in preparation for an emergency evacuation.
For example, a dog might fight getting placed into a carrier.
So, pet owners are advised to place the carrier near where their dog sleeps. Praise it when it enters it.
"Let the dog believe they are playing, and it is a game to enjoy," said Masuda, who has a miniature dachshund.
On March 11, he ordered his dog to "come here," whenever an earthquake alert sounded and aftershocks struck, in an effort to diminish his pet's uneasiness.
Now the dog comes close to him when a temblor occurs.
Yoko Abe, a dog trainer operating in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, teaches making a sling, or a pet carrier, using a "furoshiki," a square wrapping cloth.
Abe said she learned this from a woman who survived the tsunami along with her dog after they were swallowed up by the wave.
The woman held her dog tightly against her chest with a sling.
Why a furoshiki?
Abe said they are very handy and useful.
"Every home should have a furoshiki, and the sling keeps both hands free," she said.
Pet owners are advised to keep their dog's leash in the same place so they can find it easily in the dark and be able to instantly attach it to their pet's collar.
If they use a carrier, they should tie the leash to it in advance, she said.
Many people got separated from their pets while fleeing or were surprised when they ran away right after the temblor and went missing.
What should pet owners do if they are separated from their animals?
Akemi Saito, a 53-year-old resident of Ishinomaki, was fortunate to be reunited with her dog Gon in September, six months after the tsunami separated the two.
Saito reported Gon in May missing to the Ishinomiki Animal Rescue Center, which was set up after the March 11 quake in Ishinomaki. She also gave Gon's picture that was saved in her cellphone.
"I am glad he is back. We help each other as comrades who survived the tsunami," she said.
Even if pet owners want to report their pets as missing, searchers would find it difficult to identify a specific animal without a photo.
So they are advised to carry a photo of their pets and keep it in their purse or cellphone; a full-body picture is also more helpful.
It would also help if pet owners would carry a card that notes their possible evacuation destination along with the picture of their pets and notes on their characteristics and distinguishing features.