Melina M.
Melina M.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
$43 total per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Experienced & attentive pet lover
With over two decades caring for animals, I understand the importance of consistency, structure, and heartfelt connection. I tailor care to their unique & individual energy level and temperament, making sure they feel safe, loved, and engaged. Skills include: • Providing daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation • Administering medication and special dietary care • Following training cues and behavioral guidelines • Handling puppies, seniors, and animals with special needs • Ensuring safety and comfort during solo time or socialization • Offering basic grooming and cleanliness maintenance I’m dedicated to creating a fun, secure space for pets to thrive while their humans are away.
Cat care experience
Melina also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
Whether I’m caring for your pet in your home or mine, my goal is always to provide a safe, loving, and stress-free environment tailored to their needs. In Your Home: I follow your routines closely — feeding schedules, exercise, medication, and any special instructions — so your pet experiences as little disruption as possible. I keep their space clean, respect their boundaries, and offer companionship and playtime based on their personality and energy level. I also ensure your home stays tidy and secure while you’re away. In My Home: If your pet stays with me, they’ll be welcomed into a calm, comfortable space where I prioritize consistency and care. I maintain a clean, pet-friendly environment with plenty of attention, exercise, and mental stimulation. I’m attentive to signs of stress or discomfort and adjust accordingly to keep them happy and relaxed. No matter the setting, I treat every animal like family — with patience, respect, and affection — ensuring they feel safe and loved throughout their stay.
Ratings and reviews
Melina did a great job watching our cat and dog while out of town. Lots of updates, photos and overall great attitude. Will happily book Melina again
Melina was super responsive to messaging and most importantly took excellent care of my two cats, Inca and Maya.
Melina came through for a last minute request to watch my dog Sequoia. She was extremely responsive. We did a meet and greet right away and she stayed at my house and watched Sequoia. She was totally fine with Sequoia's reactivity and they got along great. She left the house tidy.
Melina was very responsive via messaging and easy to work with. She had a genuine affection for my pup and wanted to know his routine and habits to ensure she could provide quality care. Thank you Melina!
Melina is fantastic with our dog and cat! She takes care of the house and I come home to a clean house.
Melina was great! Very flexible with my last minute drop in request. My dogs loved her and she took great care of them. Went above and beyond in a rain storm to make sure their paws were dry and the floors were not muddy. Checked in regularly and made me feel at ease knowing my dogs were taken care of.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I’m currently focused on getting a book published, which means my schedule can be flexible yet full—if you catch my drift. Working with animals not only keeps me inspired but also supports my growing business, which combines professional cleaning with attentive pet sitting. ⸻ Pet care is a meaningful and energizing part of my daily routine. Whether it’s morning walks, play sessions, feeding, or simply offering quiet companionship, I prioritize pets’ well-being and happiness every day. Because I’m currently working on publishing a book, I have the flexibility to dedicate focused, consistent time to each animal I care for. This means I can adapt my schedule to meet your pet’s specific needs—whether that’s extra playtime, medication administration, or simply being a calm presence while you’re away. Our family continues to heal from the loss of our beloved cat, Giraffe, last year. Caring for animals has been a vital source of comfort and strength as we embrace this new chapter. I’m dedicated to creating a clean, calm, and nurturing environment where pets feel safe and cherished. I look forward to providing thoughtful, reliable care for your furry family members while you’re away. Pet care is not just a job for me; it’s a source of inspiration and joy that fits naturally into my lifestyle and supports the balance I’m building in life here in the Santa Cruz Mountains.