Correctly Understand the Difference Between "Evacuating Together" and "Companion Evacuation" to Protect Your Precious Family

Are you prepared to protect your pet's life in the event of a disaster?

Japan is a country prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy rains. In recent years, due to climate change, the scale and frequency of disasters have been on the rise.

While "protecting your own life" is naturally the top priority,
protecting the life of your pet, who is an important member of your family, is also a vital responsibility as a pet owner.

In fact, past large-scale disasters such as the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Kumamoto Earthquake, and the Noto Peninsula Earthquake have reported numerous cases where pets became separated from their owners or suffered health issues due to the stress of evacuation life.

Pets, with whom we spend ordinary daily lives without a second thought, are also greatly affected by disasters.
To avoid standing still and wondering "What should I do...?" in such times, everyday preparation and understanding the right knowledge are extremely important.

What is the difference between "Evacuating Together (Doukou Hinan)" and "Companion Evacuation (Douhan Hinan)"?

When preparing for disasters with your pet, the first thing you should know is
the difference between "Evacuating Together" and "Companion Evacuation".
The words sound similar, but their meanings are quite different.

✅ What is Evacuating Together?

"Evacuating Together" means that the owner travels together with their pet to the evacuation center during a disaster.
The Ministry of the Environment also recommends this type of evacuation.
Source: "Ministry of the Environment: Disaster Preparedness for Pets"

• Not leaving your pet behind when leaving home and taking evacuation actions together
• Moving to the evacuation center while ensuring the safety of your pet

✅ What is Companion Evacuation?

On the other hand, "Companion Evacuation" refers to spending time together with your pet in the same space at the evacuation center.
This refers to living conditions inside the evacuation center.

• A state where the owner and pet can live in the same space
• The current reality is that many evacuation centers are not yet ready to accept them because consideration for hygiene and allergies is required

As a result, pets often end up spending time outdoors in dedicated tents or separate rooms.

Evacuating Together = Means of transportation
Companion Evacuation = Way of living at the evacuation center

Correctly understanding this difference is extremely important in advancing your preparations in advance.

Preparation List for "Evacuating Together" That You Can Start Today!

To evacuate safely with your pet, advance preparation is essential.
Let's check the following points.

✅ Prepare disaster prevention goods for pets

• Food and drinking water (at least 5 days' supply, preferably 7 days' supply or more)
• Regular medications and health care supplies
• Leash, harness, cage, or carrier bag
• Dog shoes (dog boots): It is important to use them regularly and get your dog accustomed to them in advance

✅ Clarification of identity (anti-lost measures)

• ID tag on collar (with name and contact information)
• Microchip installation is also recommended
• Listing multiple contact numbers provides even greater peace of mind

✅ "Training" so you won't have trouble at evacuation sites

• Preventing unnecessary barking
• Toilet training
• Being able to perform basic commands (stay, sit, etc.)

✅ Consult with veterinary hospitals regarding disasters

• Check emergency procedures and contact information in advance
• Make copies of vaccination certificates and medical information

What you can do now to protect the future of your pets and yourself

Disasters can happen anytime, anywhere.
However, daily preparation, correct knowledge, and high awareness will protect you and your pets.

• Participate in local disaster prevention drills with your pet
• Share evacuation information among pet owners
• Request local governments to expand pet-friendly evacuation shelters

Start small with what you can do, step by step.

And above all, never forget the feeling that
**"Pets are cherished family members."**

Summary: "Pet Disaster Preparedness" to Review Today

• "Doko Hinan (Evacuating together)" means evacuating with your pet during a disaster
• "Douhan Hinan (Living together)" means living together with your pet at an evacuation shelter
• Daily preparation (disaster goods, training, information sharing) is the key to saving lives
• Dog shoes to protect dogs' paws are also gaining attention as a disaster preparedness item
• Let's aim for a society where we can evacuate with pets safely by cooperating with local communities and governments

Your actions protect the future of your pets.
Why not start doing what you can today in preparation for "just in case"?

🐾 What are "Dog Shoes" to Protect Dogs' Paws?

Rubble, glass fragments, hot asphalt, and other hazards fill the ground during an evacuation.
Dog shoes are a reliable item to protect your beloved dog's paws and ensure a safe evacuation.
The key is to get them used to wearing them during daily walks!

Find PETs ADVANCE dog shoes [here]!