After a powerful earthquake struck southern Japan, an animal hospital in Kumamoto opened its doors to evacuees who did not want to leave their pets behind. Ryunosuke Animal Hospital in downtown Kumamoto converted part of its space into temporary housing for people affected by the quake.
The facility created separate rooms for cat owners and dog owners, offering a rare option for families struggling to find safe shelter that also accepts animals. The move highlights a common problem after disasters, when evacuation spaces may not be set up to handle pets even though many residents see them as part of the family.
The earthquake shook homes and cut off water and electricity, forcing many people to leave quickly. According to the report, one resident, Tomoko Takaoka, gathered her dogs and went looking for a place where they could stay together after the tremor hit.
By adapting its building for both people and animals, the Kumamoto hospital became an important refuge during the emergency. Its response shows how pet-friendly shelter options can play a vital role for earthquake survivors trying to stay safe without being separated from their animals.
