Abstract
This study examines the significance of the countermeasure involving residents’ evacuation
with pets to designated emergency evacuation centers in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture,
during Typhoon No.14 in September 2022. The findings are based on interviews with
administrative officials in charge of the evacuation centers. In Nobeoka City, 55 of the 75
designated emergency evacuation centers have a “pet evacuation space,” which is separate from
the rooms for evacuees. During the 3 days around the time of Typhoon No.14, up to 1,088
households (2,148 people) evacuated to 67 evacuation sites. In 9 of these locations, 20 households
(49 people) evacuated with a total of 24 pets (20 dogs, 3 cats, and 1 small bird). Although for a
short period and on a small scale, evacuation with pets was implemented through environmental
improvements at the evacuation site, self-help by pet owners, and appropriate dialog and
collaboration between the government and citizens. In particular, it was suggested that
appropriate evacuation behavior by pet owners and their pets should be promoted, and staff
members pointed out various issues related to long-term disaster response. In the future, it will
be necessary to promote inclusive disaster preparedness for humans and pets based on the
knowledge gained from previous disaster experiences.
