TEXAS — June, which is Pet Preparedness Month, is a good time to check and make sure your pets are included in your disaster plan.

Here are some tips on planning for pets in case of a natural disaster:

• Stock your emergency kit. Include at least a three-day supply of pet food, water, and medications in your emergency kit. Be sure to pack a collar or harness with an ID tag, leash, crate, and sanitation items like litter and paper towels. Pets will also appreciate familiar items like, blankets or toys to help reduce stress.
• Identify shelters. Many shelters do not accept pets, so consider family and friends who can take your pets in instead. Also look into pet boarding facilities and hotels that allow pets.
• Know how to find your pets. In case you lose track of a pet, keep the phone numbers to your local human society, animal shelters, and animal welfare groups handy. You may also want to consider a permanent identification system such as microchipping.

For more information on preparing for natural disasters with pets visit ready.gov or listo.gov.