Profile image
Profile image

Melanie R.

Star Sitter

Midland, ON

5.0 out of 5 stars
76 reviews
Image 1 of 25
Image 1 of 25
Image 2 of 25
Image 3 of 25
Image 4 of 25
Image 5 of 25
48PhotosView All
These prices are for 1 dog, including a booking fee of 11%.

Services

Melanie can host

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

Melanie can care for

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

Availability

My K9 partner recently retired from Explosive Detection so I decided to retire from that career too. As a result, I can dedicate full time personal attention to your dog(s). Also, I only accept a maximum of 5 dogs per day. By keeping the numbers low I can devote more time to each one and ensure a happy, healthy vacation for them.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Boarding Cancellation Policy:

About Melanie R.

Communication

36 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

24 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I commit to staying active with active dogs and will cater to absolute pampering for seniors and toys. I have separate areas in my home for smaller dogs, senior dogs, and bigger dogs. That way each pet can feel comfortable and at ease here, like one of the family.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Melanie R. would like to know about your pet

It is important for me to know their age and if males are intact or not. If you have concerns about specific behaviours (unreliable recall, chases cars) then you could mention those to me as well.

A typical day

My home has different levels both inside and outside. This allows for smaller dogs or seniors to have fun together or observe the bigger dogs from a safe space without being trampled by larger, running dogs. After frequent visits, if I feel your pet has excellent recall, I will take them to off-leash green spaces near my home to allow for lots of running in a much larger area. For dogs with intermittent recall, I also have access to large, fenced in areas that are perfect for running and exploring as well. Going for leisurely walks after a long run as a cool-off period is one of my favourite things and then back at home we have some quiet time. The dogs lay down together and sleep. For this I have lots of large and small dog beds for snoozing and relaxing. Constant stimulus without a period of calm is just as stressful to a dog as it is for us. A good balance is exercise and then quiet time. And who doesn’t enjoy a short nap?!

Location

Midland, ON

Melanie R.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Melanie R. has Star Sitter status

The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.

I know why your dog does that!

Pet care experience

My 24 years of experience includes behaviour training of numerous breeds both big and small, rescues and abandoned, aggressive, nervous, or insecure, I’ve worked with them all and then trained their owners. I’ve trained dogs for work at Pearson Airport and I’ve been fortunate enough to train dogs for people with seen and unseen disabilities. I’ve worked with bomb detection dogs, organized goose and duck control with border collies for large business properties and am very knowledgeable with puppy and senior care as well. I am experienced with large dogs, canine aggression, mental health issues including separation anxiety and shut downs. I speak an excellent canine! In other words, I am very familiar with canine body language and how to correctly interpret their vocal and physical communication. I’ve also graduated from a college program on Canine Massage Therapy so I can get an accurate overall understanding of your pet friend during their stay with me. If you have any questions about their behaviour I will include a professional behaviour analysis that will help you better understand your dog, along with training tips using Positive Reinforcement that will encourage the results you want. Dogs have emotional highs and lows like we do, as well as fears and traumatic experiences that linger, stay in their body, and are hard to overcome. I will earn their trust as well as yours, help bring them into a balanced emotional state which will ease everyone’s mind and bring peace to your household. Your dog is a treasure that will be protected in my home, and treated like my own.

Reviews

Bryan I.
Boarding • Apr 13, 2026
Profile image
Profile image

My dogs love coming here. They are well taken care of well exercised and given lots of love. Lots of regular updates so that I know they’re doing well. Five stars.

Sara S.
Doggy Day Care • Apr 02, 2026
Profile image

I cannot thank Melanie enough for the work she’s doing with my pups! An absolute lifesaver and an amazing support between pet parent and sitter!!! I look forward to working with you more!

Tammy B.
Boarding • Mar 22, 2026
Profile image

It was such a good feeling to know that our baby girl was so well taken care of while we were gone and made some new friends. The videos and pictures made us still feel connected. Will definitely be using Melanie again in the future.

Tammy B.
Boarding • Mar 08, 2026
Profile image

This is our first time using such a service. Took Serenity for an overnight stay just to get her used to it before we go on our trip. Was amazed with how quickly she became comfortable and with the videos and pictures showing me she was fitting right in. Thank you so much for putting me at ease that she will be well taken care of while we are away.

About Melanie R.

Communication

36 repeat pet parents
96% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
80% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

24 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration
First aid/CPR
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

I commit to staying active with active dogs and will cater to absolute pampering for seniors and toys. I have separate areas in my home for smaller dogs, senior dogs, and bigger dogs. That way each pet can feel comfortable and at ease here, like one of the family.

Home

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 1 dog
No children present
Dogs allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Information Melanie R. would like to know about your pet

It is important for me to know their age and if males are intact or not. If you have concerns about specific behaviours (unreliable recall, chases cars) then you could mention those to me as well.

A typical day

My home has different levels both inside and outside. This allows for smaller dogs or seniors to have fun together or observe the bigger dogs from a safe space without being trampled by larger, running dogs. After frequent visits, if I feel your pet has excellent recall, I will take them to off-leash green spaces near my home to allow for lots of running in a much larger area. For dogs with intermittent recall, I also have access to large, fenced in areas that are perfect for running and exploring as well. Going for leisurely walks after a long run as a cool-off period is one of my favourite things and then back at home we have some quiet time. The dogs lay down together and sleep. For this I have lots of large and small dog beds for snoozing and relaxing. Constant stimulus without a period of calm is just as stressful to a dog as it is for us. A good balance is exercise and then quiet time. And who doesn’t enjoy a short nap?!

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.
Profile image
Verified Background Check
Profile image
Verified Background Check

Melanie R.

Star Sitter

Midland, ON

5.0 out of 5 stars
76 reviews