Many evacuation centers do not accept pets, forcing some people to take shelter in their homes or cars, raising concerns about health risks. A non-profit organization is now working with the city to find facilities, like the Iida Community Center, that are open to pet-owners.
The community center offers pet food and cardboard cages so pets can sleep next to their owners. Dogs and cats are allowed, while other animals can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.
Yagi Kazuko and her family are staying at the community center with their dog. They were initially sheltering at a local elementary school, but some of the other evacuees were made uneasy by the dog's barking.
"I'm grateful to be at a place where I don't have to worry about my surroundings," Yagi says.
Tsujimoto Ikumi, a member of the non-profit Japan Rescue Association, says she is happy her organization could find a place for evacuees with pets.
"Many people thought they could not enter shelters with their pets," Tsujimoto says. "We hope people will feel free to come and visit us."
