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Melanie R.

Palatine, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
42 reviews
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Services

Melanie can care for

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs

Availability

I’m currently searching for a new career which leaves me with extra time for enriching opportunities. Caring for animals has been the most rewarding work I’ve experienced and I’m grateful for every animal I’ve been able to care for.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Drop-In Visits Cancellation Policy:

About Melanie R.

Communication

12 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

While we aren’t able to host pets in our home, I’m a great dog walker who can match pace to any animal- from jogs to joyous sprints to patiently waiting while sniffs and scents are investigated.

Information Melanie R. would like to know about your pet

When caring for other people’s pets I prioritize safety and don’t allow interaction with other dogs we encounter on walks. Please tell me if there are special requests so I can provide the best care.

A typical day

I love playing outside with dogs, playing fetch, or just providing cuddles on inside days. In nice days, walks are great. I will follow owners guidance and try to match whatever the dogs are used to or seem to enjoy- with safety being my number one priority.

Location

Palatine, IL

Melanie R.'s Neighborhood

Animal lover with time to spare!

Pet care experience

I’ve loved caring for animals since I was young. We recently moved and can’t host any pets in our home anymore but would love the opportunity to care for your beloved animal family member with walks and check ins. From our experience in boarding animals at our previous home, we have learned how to care for all sorts of special needs pets including injections, helping with mobility, and providing the genuine connection all forms of life require. My priorities in caring for animals are safety, communication with the owner, and connection with the pet. It’s truly the most rewarding responsibility and I treat every animal I’m entrusted with as though they are my family.

Reviews

Jenn Q.
Drop-In Visits • May 09, 2026
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Very helpful and flexible! Great communication. My dog was very shy at first but Melanie was very patient!

Mary-Kate K.
Drop-In Visits • Jun 15, 2025
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Melanie was absolutely incredible, went above and beyond to care for my pup. Will definitely be rebooking, so thankful

Brian L.
Drop-In Visits • Jun 10, 2024
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Melanie was excellent, very good with my two cats and very communicative. I highly recommend her if you are looking for quality care for your animals!

Naina Z.
Boarding • Oct 30, 2023
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Melanie and her family took care of our elderly dog B with lots of love and care for a month! He was happy, content and received lots of exercise with scenic views. Without disappointment, just like the first time we left B with Melanie and family, we received daily pictures throughout the day of B’s activities and felt at ease and at peace knowing that B was in a secure environment. B was surely treated like family and we’ll be returning for their services for again! Thank you Melanie!

About Melanie R.

Communication

12 repeat pet parents
88% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

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

Safety, trust & environment

While we aren’t able to host pets in our home, I’m a great dog walker who can match pace to any animal- from jogs to joyous sprints to patiently waiting while sniffs and scents are investigated.

Information Melanie R. would like to know about your pet

When caring for other people’s pets I prioritize safety and don’t allow interaction with other dogs we encounter on walks. Please tell me if there are special requests so I can provide the best care.

A typical day

I love playing outside with dogs, playing fetch, or just providing cuddles on inside days. In nice days, walks are great. I will follow owners guidance and try to match whatever the dogs are used to or seem to enjoy- with safety being my number one priority.

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 R.

Palatine, IL

5.0 out of 5 stars
42 reviews