Profile image

Melinda C.

5.0 out of 5 stars
12 repeat clients
Profile image

Melinda C.

5.0 out of 5 stars
12 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $76 per night

Highlights

Basic background check
25 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Luxury 1-Acre Fenced, WFH couple

Note: We are currently training our new dog so best services to book are drop-in visits, walks, or sitting at your home. However, some exceptions may be possible for care at our home, feel free to message me to explore, thank you! 👋 Spoil your well-behaved pup in a lap of luxury with a HUGE 1-acre fenced yard that they can roam free in anytime they’d like. Conveniently located just off Route 17, we are a mature, responsible, and drama-free dog auntie and uncle who are both home full time — me as the primary caretaker, and my partner as a backup (if you’d like). It helps make coverage more reliable, and play time feel a lot more like family time for your pup (except no kids). We are not the types to be addicted to our phones because we believe in being present when spending time with fur friends. We also typically don’t take in too many so that we can provide more attention, and be available when you need us. It’s quality over quantity for us! :) Before requesting a stay, please read my “About” section to see if we are a good fit for each other! Ps. I don’t charge if you are late to pickup by a few hours, so don’t worry about that. New Rover Customers: Use my referral link to get $20 off your first service https://www.rover.com/sit/melindac23

Qualifications

12 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under an hour
50% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
25 years of experience
Oral medication administration
First aid/CPR

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
15 ratings
Janie C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Dec 28, 2025

We had a great experience with Melinda caring for our cat Ramen during our vacation. She communicated clearly and consistently, followed all instructions carefully, and kept our home clean and tidy. She provided wonderful company for our cat, which gave us peace of mind while we were away. We would definitely book her again.

Profile image
Lindsey P.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Oct 27, 2025

Melinda is amazing! She came to meet my pup ahead of time, developing a real rapport with her. During her time with my puppy, she communicated very well, took great care of my dog, and showed her real love. She also did a little dog training, which was very welcome. Love Melinda and our experience with her.

Profile image
Randi S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Oct 19, 2025

Melinda had her first visit with Gracie yesterday. She was so sweet with her, knowing that she just lost her fur sister. She sent videos and you could see how happy Gracie was to see and be with her. Thank you Melinda for taking such good care of Gracie!

Profile image
Matt B.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 28, 2025

Melinda C. Watched our dog for a week and was terrific. She kept us updated on how Kai was doing throughout the week with notes and pictures. Kai was well cared for and I would highly recommend Melinda.

Profile image
Leigh & Anna S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doggy Day Care • Jul 09, 2025

Charlie had a great day with Melinda! She sent lots of photos and fun updates. She made sure Charlie felt comfortable in her home. Her dog Tasha and Charlie got along well. Would highly recommend Melinda if you want a loving and safe space for your pup!

Profile image
Doggy Day Care • Oct 05, 2024

Melinda C. cancelled a booking within a day of the start date.

Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

I do sometimes get requests to watch pups in NYC but my spouse and I are both currently home in NJ full-time. I believe in mutual respect, gentle care, and transparency, and would treat your pup the same way I would want mine to be cared for. My friends’ furbabies affectionately call me “auntie” :)

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has 2 dogs
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs not allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 2-4 hours

Safety, trust & environment

I understand how being away from your loved one can cause stress or anxiety (unfortunately, we had a bad experience with a sitter once, so I personally relate to this feeling all too well). I can provide multiple updates a day (or less) if you’d like — photos, videos, and even video calls — whatever will help you feel comforted that they are safe and well cared for. We have a unique property, a huge, park-like fully-fenced yard on a cul-de-sac street (but the fence is only 4 ft high, please confirm that your dog cannot jump it). I have a medium size crate if your pups like them. Multiple dog beds throughout the house and no more than 5 stairs anywhere. I’m equipped to take in two dogs at a time, but I don’t have to if you prefer your pup to have a solo stay.

Pets

A typical day

Pups can explore all around the yard, play ball, frisbee, or just run freeeee! :) We can also take walks down our quiet cul-de-sac street. Our neighbors on the other side of the fence also have dogs, so they sometimes like to say hi to each other through the fence.

16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old
Spayed and neutered dogs only
No females in heat
Takes only 1 client at a time
Melinda can host up to 1 pet per night
It’s important for our furry guests to be clean, calm, and well behaved, e.g., does not jump on furniture unless allowed, chew, or drool excessively; is laid back, easygoing, not overly anxious or vocal*, and is non-aggressive. Barking when reacting to something such as a doorbell is OK, but we cannot have excessive barking, since unfortunately loud noises can trigger a headache for my spouse.
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.