Disaster planning with pets in mind

For the first time, the Red Cross will hold a disaster-planning workshop this weekend that includes preparations for family pets.

``We learned from the incidents during Katrina that we needed to come up with a plan that educates families on how to deal with pets,'' said Elizabeth Leslie, spokeswoman for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, which is sponsoring the San Jose event.

Pet owners are encouraged to attend -- without their pets.

Disaster planning with pets in mind