While buying groceries, checking the generator and stocking up on batteries in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy, don't forget about making plans for the family pets.

Millers Island resident Georgia Melvin-Pohling said her parents, Betty and Larry Melvin, live in a mobile home on Cove Road in Dundalk. The Melvins have already made plans to ride the storm out in a hotel.

They've also made plans to board the family's cat at Dundalk Animal Hospital as they prepare to make plans to evacuate their home.

Melvin-Pohling, whose Hinton Avenue home was heavily damaged by Tropical Storm Isabel in 2003, encourages all coastal residents to make plans in advance for the care of their family pets.

Two local animal hospitals offer animal boarding.

The Dundalk Animal Hospital at 7810 Wise Ave. has two floors of boarding space and always has room, according to an employee who answered the phone Friday.

Regular rates apply for boarding services. Call 410-282-2250 to check on availability and costs.

Eastern Animal Hospital at 6404 Eastern Ave. also offers boarding services, according to Becky, who talked to Patch on Friday.

Call 410-633-8808 to check on availability and costs.