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Melanie K.

Hickory, NC

5.0 out of 5 stars
82 reviews
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Services

Melanie can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs

Availability

I moved to the area to start my career as an attorney, but after 5 months without Rover, I have been desperately missing petsitting. I used Rover during law school and was absolutely heartbroken to leave behind my pet families when I moved away from the triangle area. Although I thought my Rover days had come to an end, I just can’t stay away!

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Melanie K.

Communication

25 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

15 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Pets are a part of the family just as much as we are, and I believe in taking the time not just to meet their needs, but to give them the compassionate, patient, individualized care and respect they deserve. In my house, the pets have free range of all the rooms and furniture, so I take necessary safety measures to keep them from reaching/getting into anything potentially dangerous. In your space, I will follow your systems and steps to maintain your usual routine to the best of my ability. I will do whatever I can to make your pet feel comfortable and cared for, and will ensure all of your (and your pets) specific needs and preferences are satisfied. My long term partner Max lives with me and also cares for our three pets, so if you choose to have your pet stay overnight in my home they will also be around Max. He has a similar background of caring for animals, and has lived with dogs and cats his whole life. While Max may occasionally accompany me on drop-in/dogwalking visits that occur when it’s dark outside for safety reasons, I am the only caretaker for drop-in/dogwalking visits and he will not enter your home. If this is at all a concern for you, do not hesitate to let me know and I will be happy to accommodate. See the end of my profile for pictures of Max with some cutie pets!

Information Melanie K. would like to know about your pet

For all pets, it would be great to know what their normal personality is when they’re comfortable/relaxed. Additionally, what is their personality like around new people. This will help me recognize whether your pet hiding or sleeping a lot is normal for them, or if it is something unusual. For dogs, it would be helpful to know how they react when they see other dogs (I.e, when out on a walk) and if there are any specific concerns you have about your dog around strangers. If there is anything I can do to make your pet feel more comfortable in my care, please let me know. My cats and dog are the greatest joys in my life and I would do anything for them. I promise to provide the same care and concern for your pets and do everything I can to make them feel loved while you’re away.

A typical day

I aim to provide the consistency of doing whatever you and your fur baby do on a typical day. I have found routine and a sense of familiarity in terms of schedule and rituals is incredibly helpful in making pets feel comfortable and relaxed while their family is away. To the greatest extent possible I will make sure your pet gets the same amount of play time, walk time, cuddle time, etc. that you give them. If your baby is less anxious and it is your preference, I would be happy to switch up their schedule by exploring a new walk route or generally increasing their exercise/play time. I provide pet care that aligns with your personal preferences, whether that’s acting as (1) an overly cautious babysitter who mimics the parents caretaking style as closely as possible, or (2) a grandma spoiling while the parents are out of town (dog park, new walk routes, extra treats, extra play time, etc.). Most often, pet parents prefer somewhere in between the two approaches in order to make their pet feel comfortable and happy while they are away. You can expect frequent text check-ins including pictures and updates on how your baby is doing while you’re away. My goal is to communicate as much (or as little) as you’d like so you can have peace of mind and rest assured that your pet is happy and healthy.

Location

Hickory, NC

Melanie K.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Trustworthy, reliable pet care

Pet care experience

I’m a lifelong animal lover who has always lived with cats and dogs (currently two cats and a very high energy dog, but growing up always had at least 4 cats and 2 dogs in the house). I have a lifetime of experience caring for cats and dogs, and am always the first person a friend will call if they need someone to walk their dog or spend some time with their cat while they’re out of town. A lifetime of caring for pets of course means lots of litter box cleaning, long walks, feeding, playing, and the occasional medical condition and medication. I have cared for elderly pets and pets too young to spay/neuter, so I am familiar with the unique needs of animals at every age.

Cat care experience

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Cat lady since birth

Melanie also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Reviews

Michelle B.
House Sitting • Jun 02, 2026
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I have had the pleasure of Melanie’s loving care for my dogs and cats in the past and this time was no different. She is absolutely wonderful with our pets, sends pictures and updates daily, and they just love her. She was also exceptionally flexible as my plans were changing due to a family emergency. I cannot say enough good things about her.

Michelle B.
House Sitting • Sep 06, 2025
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I would give Melanie 10 stars if I could. We have 2 cats and 3 dogs, 2 of the dogs are recent rescues, and they just loved her. Everyone was well cared for and we received photos and updates every single day. Excellent care!

Nicole W.
House Sitting • Jun 22, 2025
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Amazing - sat for 3 large dogs in an Air BnB (we are not locals). Glad I chose her. Will recommend to others! The dogs fought over who loved her more!

Kathryn M.
House Sitting • Jun 18, 2025
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Melanie was amazing and the dogs love spending time with her. She is detail-oriented and so caring for our pups. If you get the chance, we highly recommend working with Melanie!

About Melanie K.

Communication

25 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
90% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

15 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Pets are a part of the family just as much as we are, and I believe in taking the time not just to meet their needs, but to give them the compassionate, patient, individualized care and respect they deserve. In my house, the pets have free range of all the rooms and furniture, so I take necessary safety measures to keep them from reaching/getting into anything potentially dangerous. In your space, I will follow your systems and steps to maintain your usual routine to the best of my ability. I will do whatever I can to make your pet feel comfortable and cared for, and will ensure all of your (and your pets) specific needs and preferences are satisfied. My long term partner Max lives with me and also cares for our three pets, so if you choose to have your pet stay overnight in my home they will also be around Max. He has a similar background of caring for animals, and has lived with dogs and cats his whole life. While Max may occasionally accompany me on drop-in/dogwalking visits that occur when it’s dark outside for safety reasons, I am the only caretaker for drop-in/dogwalking visits and he will not enter your home. If this is at all a concern for you, do not hesitate to let me know and I will be happy to accommodate. See the end of my profile for pictures of Max with some cutie pets!

Information Melanie K. would like to know about your pet

For all pets, it would be great to know what their normal personality is when they’re comfortable/relaxed. Additionally, what is their personality like around new people. This will help me recognize whether your pet hiding or sleeping a lot is normal for them, or if it is something unusual. For dogs, it would be helpful to know how they react when they see other dogs (I.e, when out on a walk) and if there are any specific concerns you have about your dog around strangers. If there is anything I can do to make your pet feel more comfortable in my care, please let me know. My cats and dog are the greatest joys in my life and I would do anything for them. I promise to provide the same care and concern for your pets and do everything I can to make them feel loved while you’re away.

A typical day

I aim to provide the consistency of doing whatever you and your fur baby do on a typical day. I have found routine and a sense of familiarity in terms of schedule and rituals is incredibly helpful in making pets feel comfortable and relaxed while their family is away. To the greatest extent possible I will make sure your pet gets the same amount of play time, walk time, cuddle time, etc. that you give them. If your baby is less anxious and it is your preference, I would be happy to switch up their schedule by exploring a new walk route or generally increasing their exercise/play time. I provide pet care that aligns with your personal preferences, whether that’s acting as (1) an overly cautious babysitter who mimics the parents caretaking style as closely as possible, or (2) a grandma spoiling while the parents are out of town (dog park, new walk routes, extra treats, extra play time, etc.). Most often, pet parents prefer somewhere in between the two approaches in order to make their pet feel comfortable and happy while they are away. You can expect frequent text check-ins including pictures and updates on how your baby is doing while you’re away. My goal is to communicate as much (or as little) as you’d like so you can have peace of mind and rest assured that your pet is happy and healthy.

Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.
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Melanie K.

Hickory, NC

5.0 out of 5 stars
82 reviews