Survey Reveals Nearly 60% of Pet Owners Unprepared for Disasters

Understanding Pet Disaster Preparedness

A recent survey conducted by Pet Medical Support Corporation, the provider of PS Insurance, focused on disaster preparedness among pet owners, revealing some alarming trends. With a sample size of 1,775 dog and cat owners across Japan, the results indicate a significant gap in emergency readiness concerning pets.

Survey Overview

The survey, conducted on August 3, 2026, targeted pet owners aged 20 to 69 years, ultimately receiving valid responses from 393 participants (approximately 22.1% response rate). The findings showed that a surprisingly high percentage of pet owners are not adequately preparing for disasters, which raises various concerns about the safety and well-being of pets during emergencies.

Key Findings on Disaster Preparedness

Low Preparedness Rates

Around 55.9% of dog owners and 61.1% of cat owners reported that they have made "little" or "no" preparations for their pets in the event of a disaster. This indicates that over half of the surveyed individuals feel unprepared for emergencies that could affect their beloved animals. While pet owners may acknowledge the importance of disaster preparedness, translating this awareness into actual plans and supplies remains an issue.

Essential Supplies for Pets

When it comes to what supplies are prioritized, 81.4% of dog owners and 87.2% of cat owners listed "food and water" as their primary concern. Other commonly prepared items include toilet necessities for dogs (71.0%) and carriers or cages for cats (80.5%). This demonstrates that while owners are investing in essential day-to-day items, there remains a lack of comprehensive planning for emergencies.

Reasons for Lack of Preparation

Over 44% of dog owners and 63.3% of cat owners cited not knowing what to prepare as the primary reason for their lack of emergency planning. This gap indicates a need for more accessible information and guidance tailored to the unique needs of different pets. The emphasis on understanding preparations is crucial, especially for cat owners who particularly struggle with the unknown aspects of what is necessary in emergencies.

Major Concerns During Evacuations

Pet owners expressed varying concerns regarding evacuating with their pets. For dogs, 39.5% indicated that the biggest worry was whether they could stay together in an evacuation center. In contrast, 41.9% of cat owners were primarily anxious about their pet's stress levels and overall health during such times. This difference underlines the distinct challenges faced when caring for dogs versus cats in stressful situations.

Information Pet Owners Seek

Both dog and cat owners are eager for more information, with 65.1% of dog owners and 63.6% of cat owners expressing interest in evacuation strategies and acceptance policies at shelters. This shows a strong demand for clearly articulated guidelines on how to adequately prepare for emergencies with pets, emphasizing understanding the requirements before such events occur.

Conclusion: The Importance of Preparedness

The survey underscores the necessity of proactive planning for pet owners. Disaster preparedness should not solely revolve around immediate concerns but should be incorporated into daily routines. Recognizing the specific needs of pets based on various factors like species, age, and health is vital. Regular assessments and family communication about evacuation plans can cultivate a sense of security and ensure pets remain safe during emergencies.

Maintaining pets' health underpins all aspects of their care, including emergency preparedness. The Pet Medical Support's PS Insurance offers 24/7 access to veterinarians, providing peace of mind when urgent questions arise outside regular clinic hours.

For more information about PS Insurance and its coverage options, you can visit Pet Medical Support.

Company Overview

Business Name: Pet Medical Support Corporation
CEO: Akihito Yonemitsu
Location: 8-4-14 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business Start Date: May 2, 2008
Registered Insurer: Kanto Finance Bureau
Capital: 330 million yen as of March 2026
Website: Pet Medical Support