
Melina D.

Melina D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $20 per visit
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced + Professional
I may be new to Rover, but I'm not new to working with dogs. My life revolves around dogs and has for many, many years. I run my own pet services 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. 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 absolutely the top priority for me when working with pets. I’m always watching, listening and paying attention to their body language. I have a thorough understanding of dog behavior 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 kind, calm and confident 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, as well as bonded 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 travel 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/SE Portland area, also near Happy Valley and Gresham, and I service most all surrounding areas.
Cat care experience

Melina also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
At my home, I have three small rescue dogs that are a bonded pack. We utilize pet gates in our one level, ranch style home, and dog run fencing in our large, fenced backyard. Open to small to small/medium dogs for boarding and daycare.
Ratings and reviews
Working with Melina has been great, I highly recommend her! Easy, clear communication, and a flexible schedule has been a definite plus.. and Albondiga, our chihuahua mix loves her!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whenever I leave town I rest easy knowing my chihuahua fur babies Avocado and Taco are in good hands with Melina! Having someone sometimes even on short notice has been invaluable!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
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.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsMelina can host up to 2 drop-ins per day
- 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.
- These prices are for 1 dog.
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.
