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Melina D.

Centennial, Portland, OR

7 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Melina can care for

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

Availability

In addition to working with dogs, I'm also a part-time jewelry artist and I work out of my home studio. I make my own schedule and usually, always available. I can schedule around most everything.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Melina D.

Dog skills

32 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

At my home, I have three small rescue dogs that are a bonded pack. We utilize pet gates and dog run fencing in our fenced backyard. Open to small dogs for boarding and daycare.

Information Melina D. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your pet has special needs or preferences, so I can make any accommodations if needed. I always do my best to make sure each pet feels at home and comforted.

A typical day

Mental and physical stimulation is key. Games, exercise and lots of cuddles. Also, making sure they know they're cared for and loved, even if they're not in the presence of their person or family.

Location

Portland, OR

Melina D.'s Neighborhood

Pets

Experienced + Professional

Pet care experience

I may be new to Rover, but I'm not new to working with dogs. I run my own business, Hounds of Love PDX, and bring a lifetime of experience in all areas including rescue, handling, walking, daycare, sitting, fostering, transporting and volunteering with local rescue organizations, as well as for Oregon Dog Rescue and Dove Lewis. I'm a small dog and senior advocate, and work with dogs of all sizes and breeds. I’ve always had an affinity for sighthounds(Greyhounds, Italian Greyhounds, etc), and understand their unique and sensitive nature well. I always put dogs first in every aspect of life, and feel they’re all part of my extended pack, and treat every dog as such. Safety is top priority for me when working with pets. I’m always watching, listening and paying attention to their body language. I have a deep understanding of dog psychology and know that each dog has a unique personality and needs, and that not all dogs are extroverts. In fact, many are quite the opposite. I’m naturally hyper-vigilant, yet focus on remaining calm and assertive when working with dogs, especially when out in the world. I’ve completed a variety of trainings with dogs over my lifetime, from canine good citizen, to flyball, to advanced therapy dog training. I’m Pet CPR + First Aid certified and insured through Pet Sitters Associates. I always carry a well-stocked pet first aid kit in my vehicle, as well as water, bowls, treats, blankets and crates so as to always be as prepared. I’m professional, reliable, punctual, responsible, trustworthy and pride myself on practicing clear and transparent communication. I'm located in the east Portland area between Happy Valley and Gresham, and service most all surrounding areas.

Cat care experience

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Cats Are My Spirit Animals

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

Reviews

Bonny C.
Jun 02, 2026

I’ve known Melina for over a decade, and her love of animals is one of the things that stands out most about her. She has a passion for rescue dogs and cares for them the way I would want my dogs to be cared for. That’s why I know Melina as a trustworthy pet caregiver. She treats my animal companions, and all animal companions, as she does her own - with loving care and compassion.

Alexis N.
May 31, 2026

Melina is such a kind and loving dog human. She's also an Iggy mom and longtime Iggy rescue volunteer, so she puts my anxious mind at ease with ours, as they can be so sensitive and fragile! She has such a way with dogs, and cannot thank her enough for all she's helped us with.

Gisele F.
May 27, 2026

Melina is a loving pet parent that takes amazing care of pets - treating them like one of her own (if not better as she knows sometimes change is hard). She is kind and patient - I do not hesitate leaving pets in her care.

Maria D.
May 27, 2026

Melina has been our dog walker and sitter on and off, whenever we've needed her for several years. Our little pack loves her! Whenever we're working long hours or need to travel without our dogs, she is the only person we'll trust with them. She's punctual, communicative and makes sure everyone is safe, happy and cared for. Absolutely the best.

About Melina D.

Dog skills

32 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

At my home, I have three small rescue dogs that are a bonded pack. We utilize pet gates and dog run fencing in our fenced backyard. Open to small dogs for boarding and daycare.

Information Melina D. would like to know about your pet

Let me know if your pet has special needs or preferences, so I can make any accommodations if needed. I always do my best to make sure each pet feels at home and comforted.

A typical day

Mental and physical stimulation is key. Games, exercise and lots of cuddles. Also, making sure they know they're cared for and loved, even if they're not in the presence of their person or family.

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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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

Melina D.

Centennial, Portland, OR

7 reviews