Japan Pet Disaster Prevention Association Inaugural Press Conference Report: 'A Major Step Toward the Future of Pet Disaster Preparedness'

The Japan Pet Disaster Prevention Association (HQ: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hideki Nonaka) held its first press conference and inauguration event in Tokyo on May 20, 2026.

The event was well-attended by media, legislators, and pet industry professionals. Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama, Chairperson of the Parliamentary League for Pet Industry and Human Resource Development, offered congratulatory remarks, highlighting the growing social interest in pet disaster prevention.

The association reported that as of late April 2026, it had established contact with 135 municipalities nationwide through実態 surveys. These surveys revealed critical challenges and opportunities, such as the lack of clear departmental responsibility for pet disaster planning, insufficient infrastructure for pet-inclusive evacuation, and high expectations for new disaster hubs using abandoned school facilities. However, positive responses from many municipalities suggest that the time is ripe for the social implementation of pet disaster prevention through public-private partnerships.

During the event, the association unveiled its 'Pet Disaster Prevention Action Program,' which includes: - 'Paw Station' pet evacuation hubs - 'Animo-ba' pet ID platform - Pet Disaster Consultant qualification system - Association-certified recommended businesses - Awareness and donation activities

'Pets can be taught to stay home, but they cannot be taught to evacuate,' we keep this phrase in our hearts as we strive to create a society where people and pets can evacuate and live safely together during disasters.

The association is currently recruiting municipal, corporate, and individual members to join in these initiatives and contribute to building a new model connecting regional communities with the pet industry.