Peace Winds Opens Pet Day Care in Kurashiki City

In early July, heavy rains struck western Japan causing damage to hundreds of thousands of homes and forcing millions to evacuate.  At the end of July evacuation centers are housing over 4,000 people, many of whom have pets.  Peace Winds Japan in collaboration with the Veterinary Association and related organizations has opened an animal day care and clinic for pets in Mura-cho, Kurashiki City.

After the floods, many evacuation centers refused to accept pets.  Shelters are often cramped and pets can bring additional burdens.  The shelters must follow specific guidelines and regulations in order to house pets. These systems can be difficult to implement quickly after disasters.   Many evacuation centers do not have the time or resources to begin the process of accommodating pets, meaning pet owners either must give up their animals, or find other solutions.

Yet pets are often a source of hope and comfort to those who have survived such tragedy.  In some cases, these animals are all the survivors have left.  Even at the few centers where pets are allowed, many evacuees return to clean up their affected homes for the day and need a safe place for their pets to stay. Rather than force people to give up their beloved pets, the Veterinary Association of Okayama Prefecture requested Peace Winds to set up a pet shelter and day care to accommodate the owner’s pets.

Peace Winds has opened a pet care center managed by an animal specialist.  A veterinarian is at the animal center on the weekends.

READ MORE about Peace Winds’ response in Japan.

DONATE HERE to support victims of the Western Japan Floods.