A powerful earthquake struck southern Japan this week, rattling homes and causing power and water outages in the region.
Tomoko Takaoka, a 31-year-old factory worker, sought a safe place to stay with her dogs, Ku, a chihuahua, and Sheri, a chihuahua-poodle mix, after being unable to reach her parents.
Takaoka spent her first night in her car after a nearby evacuation center did not allow her dogs to enter. She chose to remain with her pets rather than seeking shelter without them.
After finding information via social media, Takaoka arrived at Ryunosuke Animal Hospital in downtown Kumamoto, Japan.
Ryunosuke Animal Hospital has opened to earthquake survivors and their pets, converting classrooms in its veterinary nurse training school into temporary housing. The facility provides separate rooms for owners of cats and dogs.
Addressing shelter limitations
Shelters often do not allow pets and their owners to stay together, as some evacuees may view animals negatively.
