Known for its frequent occurrence of natural disasters, Japan follows an exceedingly proactive approach in most areas of its disaster management protocols. They include comprehensive disaster response plans at the national, prefectural, and local levels. Utilizing document analysis, participant observation, and informal interviews, the book chapter “Disaster Preparedness and Response for Companion Animals in Japan” by DIJ sociologist Barbara Holthus explores laws, directives, and preparatory work in place to aid companion animals (pets) during disasters. The study focuses on animal welfare, barriers to successful evacuation, and international best practices. While disaster awareness and preparation are considered as a regular focus of public life in Japan, urban-rural disparities are seen to have considerable impacts on the preparedness of pet owners in disaster settings. The chapter is published in The Palgrave Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions in the Global Context of Climate Change, Disasters, and Other Crises, edited by H. Wu, K. Breen, and S. E. DeYoung (Springer Nature 2026).