Mel D.
Mel D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $19 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
💖 scales, fins, feathers, fur 💖
Always had pets (cats, dogs, rodents) growing up, one year of horse barn experience and dog training apprenticehood at Summit K9 in Rochester NY! My dog training consisted of... - consistent feedback from two licensed trainers - leash walking skills - reactivity reduction (barking at other dogs, the door, people) - managing doggy daycare including half a day of one on one training and half a day of social groups - creating groups, managing consistent training across multiple employees - assessing the training and social level of any particular dog - crating skills - taking crate sensitive/aggressive dogs in and out of crates - walking people sensitive/stranger aggressive dogs - teaching cue recognition (place, sit, down, yes, no) - caring for boarding dog's needs - walking multiple dogs at once, training dogs to walk together With cats I am comfortable and knowledgeable about... - providing appropriate play - basic training using food incentive and luring - picking up a cat appropriately by supporting the spine and reducing tension on the scruff - responding to stomach issues and puke - reading body language for anxiety and aggression With horses I am familiar and comfortable with all daily care including stable cleaning and fetching skiddish horses from pasture. As for my pets.. My first cat was a stray found at 4 weeks that I learned how to teach to groom and care for himself. I also know how to manage ear mites, or any other kind of skin or tick care. Our dog was a breeder who also has needed a lot of specialized care. I am most experienced with rodents (have owned over 8 rats, 4 guinea pigs and a rabbit)! I've never personally owned a bird or a lizard, but have cared for friends and I always commit to accurate research. If you have any questions or worries regarding my experience and competency I would love to hear from you!
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
I love going above and beyond for my pets. Our cats are indoor and outdoor but I am always checking on them and keep a consistent feeding schedule to prevent overeating (they have sensitive stomachs). Our dog is also very needy, as she has some anxiety from her last owner so she needs to always be accompanied while outside and will not do certain things alone. I keep my rats in my room where they get frequent engagement with the whole family, and I enjoy making homemade puzzles and toys for them. Overall, all of our animals live active, healthy lives!
Ratings and reviews
Roxie and Mel became fast friends. I trust my girl is in safe, competent hands with Mel. Thanks, Mel!

Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I am very available right now, and I intend to make pet care my biggest priority. I am happy to discuss all kinds of scheduling.
