[Kumamoto Earthquake 10 Years] 90% of Pet Owners "Don't Know Evacuation Sites" or "Unsure How to Use Them." Challenges in Evacuating with Dogs Revealed. [Kenko Inu Seikatsu Survey]

Ritafoods Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Shinya Inomoto), which operates the dog food brand "Kenko Inu Seikatsu" (https://kenko-dog.com/) that supports the health of beloved dogs through food, including "Baniku Shizen Zukuri" (Natural Horse Meat Dog Food), conducted a "Questionnaire Survey on Disaster Preparedness and Evacuation with Dogs" targeting dog owners.

This survey revealed that 64.9% of dog owners do not know the designated evacuation sites for accompanying their dogs. Furthermore, the results showed that "the usual food safety and security" is sought after, especially during emergencies.

Ahead of the 10-year milestone since the Kumamoto Earthquake, to understand the current state of preparedness and awareness among pet owners, questions were set for the following items, and the results were compiled:
* Recognition of the importance of evacuating with dogs.
* Reasons for hesitating to move to an evacuation shelter with a dog (multiple answers allowed).
* Specific concerns regarding food (pet food) during a disaster (multiple answers allowed).
* Awareness of "co-evacuation sites" in the residential area and understanding of their usage.
* Willingness to participate in and experience with "co-evacuation drills" with dogs.
We are publishing the survey results, focusing on the trends in the choices for each question.
Additionally, the charts and data materials can be utilized as citation materials for news reports and article production.

■ Q1. Types of disasters likely to occur in your residential area, or experienced in the past (multiple selections allowed)
The most common answer was "earthquake," followed by "typhoon/heavy rain."
Earthquake: 90.4%
Typhoon/Heavy Rain: 33%
Tsunami: 10.6%
Other: 20.2%

■ Q2. Importance of evacuating with your dog in the event of a disaster
Almost all respondents gave the highest rating, indicating that the importance of co-evacuation is extremely highly recognized.
Very Important: 94.7%
Important: 2.7%
Normal: 1.1%
Low: 1.1%

■ Q3. Reasons for hesitating to go to an evacuation shelter with your dog during a large-scale disaster (multiple selections allowed)
"Trouble for other evacuees (barking, shedding, etc.)" was the most frequent answer, revealing that owners' consideration for others is a psychological barrier to evacuation.
Trouble for other evacuees: 83.5%
Anxiety about the dog getting sick in an unfamiliar environment: 75.5%
Insufficient stock of food and water: 60.1%
Sanitary conditions of the evacuation shelter: 40.4%

■ Q4. The biggest concern regarding your dog's "food" during evacuation life
"Physical illness due to unfamiliar food" was the most common concern, indicating that "the usual food safety and security" is sought after, especially during emergencies.
Diarrhea/vomiting due to unfamiliar food: 42%
Loss of appetite due to stress: 28.7%
Availability of allergy-friendly food: 12.8%

■ Q5. "Most desired elements" for emergency dog food
Beyond shelf life, functionalities such as "palatability (eagerness to eat)" and "high nutritional value" are emphasized.
High palatability (eagerness to eat): 33.5%
Can also serve as hydration: 29.8%
High nutrition/high protein: 16%

■ Q6. Awareness of dog co-evacuation sites
While the importance is highly recognized, answers like "don't know the location" and "know the location but unsure how to use it" combined exceeded 90%, suggesting that information dissemination is insufficient. This reality was exposed.
Don't know the location: 64.9%
Know the location but unsure how to use it: 27.7%
Have specific knowledge: 7.4%

■ Q7. Experience participating in drills or simulations for co-evacuation
Only a few percent of respondents had experience with drills, while the willingness to "participate if there's an opportunity" was extremely high.
Have not participated (but want to participate): 67%
Have participated: 2.7%

This survey confirmed the following results:
* 94.7% of owners answered "important" regarding the importance of evacuating with their dogs.
* During large-scale disasters, owners' consideration for others becomes a psychological barrier, causing hesitation to evacuate with their dogs.
* "The usual food safety and security" is sought after, especially during emergencies.
* For emergency dog food, functionalities such as "palatability" and "high nutritional value" are desired.
* 64.9% of owners do not know the designated co-evacuation sites for dogs.
* The participation rate in co-evacuation drills is extremely low at 2.7%.

Detailed data and chart materials from this survey are available on the special page below.
They can also be used as citation materials for news reports and article production.

▼Survey Results Special Page (Kenko Inu Dayori)
https://kenko-dog.com/yomimono/bousaitaisakuanketo/

[Survey Overview]
Survey method: Internet questionnaire
Target audience: Adult men and women who own dogs
Number of respondents: 194 men and women
Date of implementation: March 9, 2026
Survey conducted by: Ritafoods Co., Ltd. "Kenko Inu Seikatsu" (https://kenko-dog.com/)
Kenko Inu Seikatsu Information Site: https://kenko-dog.com/yomimono/

[What is Kenko Inu Seikatsu?]
A brand operating under the concept "Always with your beloved dog at the center of your life," offering a wide range of products from horse meat-based dog food, treats, care products, to walking accessories, designed to enrich every aspect of life with your dog.

・Our flagship product, additive-free premium dog food "Baniku Shizen Zukuri"
　https://kenko-dog.com/products/dryfood/shizenzukuri/

・100% horse thigh meat "Baniku Healthy Jerky"
　https://kenko-dog.com/products/oyatsu/baniku-jerky/
"Kenko Inu Seikatsu" supports pet owners' wish to "always be with their beloved dog" by delivering reliable health information and carefully selected, high-quality products.
We go beyond mere sales, valuing the heartfelt response of our staff to each individual's small concerns.
By providing support in both "food" and "lifestyle," we help protect the health of your precious family dog and make your daily life with your dog richer and happier.

▼Kenko Inu Seikatsu Information Site:
https://kenko-dog.com/yomimono/

[Company Profile]
Company name: Ritafoods Co., Ltd.
Location: SDK Kumamoto Building 5F, 2-1-42 Tsuboi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
Business activities: Mail-order sales of premium dog food

[Contact for this matter]
RITA Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
Management Planning, Public Relations Department
TEL: 096-274-1001
MAIL: media_promotion_unit@ritagroup.co.jp

RITA Group Holdings Co., Ltd.
The RITA Group, headquartered in Kumamoto City, is a holding company strong in web marketing. Ritafoods Co., Ltd. is one of its subsidiaries.