Pets & Jose: How To Prepare

JOHNSTON, RI—Pets like Nickle, the cat, made sure they're part of the family disaster plan. She wants pet owners to know the government has some tips, such as lining up places the animals can stay, if the people have to go to a shelter.

The experts also recommend taking a photo with the pet to establish ownership if you're separated. The pets should be wearing collars with id tags. (Microchips also help reunite pets and displaced people.)

Ideally, people should take the pets with them, if they have to leave home. But that's not always possible. Most Red Cross shelters will not allow animals. Some hotels and motels will accept pets; others refuse.

There are animal shelters where the pets can go, if there is no alternative. The RISPCA in East Providence is one; Potter in Middletown is another.

For more tips, click here.