In Photos: Rescued Pets in Japan

Dr. Sasaki helping out Japanese pets

Japanese vet Dr. Sasaki treating dogs at one of the evacuation centres in Sendai City. He's already seen over 20 animals who need medical care in the past two days.

(Image credit: JEARS)

Japanese vet Dr. Sasaki treating dogs at one of the evacuation centres in Sendai City. He's already seen over 20 animals who need medical care in the past two days.

JEARS Volunteers

These volunteers with the Japanese Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support groups are making the rounds of tsunami-striken areas looking for lost and abandoned pets and handing out medicine, food and other supplies to those in need.

(Image credit: JEARS)

These volunteers with the Japanese Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support groups are making the rounds of tsunami-striken areas looking for lost and abandoned pets and handing out medicine, food and other supplies to those in need.

Woman with dog after tsunami

JEARS volunteers met up with this woman in Sendai, who had been living in her partially destroyed house because her dog wasn't allowed in the shelter.

(Image credit: JEARS)

JEARS volunteers met up with this woman in Sendai, who had been living in her partially destroyed house because her dog wasn't allowed in the shelter.

Dogs rescued by JEARS

These dogs were rescued from Tokyo by JEARS volunteers after their owner couldn't bring them with her.

(Image credit: JEARS and Japan Cat Network)

These dogs were rescued from Tokyo by JEARS volunteers after their owner couldn't bring them with her.

Man and dog, reunited

Kamata-san and his dog, Shane, were separated by the tsunami, only to be reunited when Shane showed up at the shelter where Kamata-san was staying.

(Image credit: JEARS)

Kamata-san and his dog, Shane, were separated by the tsunami, only to be reunited when Shane showed up at the shelter where Kamata-san was staying.

Every volunteer gets free kitty kisses

Cat thanks a JEARS volunteer during a visit to a damaged animal shelter.

(Image credit: JEARS)

Cat thanks a JEARS volunteer during a visit to a damaged animal shelter.

Rescued from rooftop

This Welsh Corgi was rescued by JEARS volunteers after spending three days on a roof.

(Image credit: JEARS)

This Welsh Corgi was rescued by JEARS volunteers after spending three days on a roof.

Radiation risks

JEARS volunteer rescuing a beagle in Fukushima City, 50 miles from nuclear reactor.

(Image credit: JEARS)

JEARS volunteer rescuing a beagle in Fukushima City, 50 miles from nuclear reactor.

Cats of Cat Island

Cat Island, known for having more cats than people, dealt with 20 foot high waves from the tsunami. Most residents and cats are fine, though they are in desprate need of supplies.

(Image credit: Hama House Inn)

Cat Island, known for having more cats than people, dealt with 20 foot high waves from the tsunami. Most residents and cats are fine, though they are in desprate need of supplies.

Tsunami survivor

This dog, named Poporo chan, was rescued from a demolished animal shelter in Ibaraki.

(Image credit: JEARS)

This dog, named Poporo chan, was rescued from a demolished animal shelter in Ibaraki.

Jennifer Welsh

Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor and a regular contributor to Live Science. She also has several years of bench work in cancer research and anti-viral drug discovery under her belt. She has previously written for Science News, VerywellHealth, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, WIRED Science, and Business Insider.