Melinda D.
Melinda D.
Contact for Drop-In Visits
from $20 per visit
Highlights
Pet care experience
Personalized care and attention
When I was young, I would visit my grandparents' farm and help my grandfather take care of his goats by preparing bottles of milk and feeding them to the kids. I also grew up with a dog named Merlin, but he unfortunately passed away too soon after eating a poisonous sago palm seed. His sudden death was one of the reasons why I decided to get a B.S. degree in Animal Sciences. Some other pets of mine included a pair of hamsters and guinea pigs. Throughout high school and college, I have helped my neighbors and friends by caring for their four-legged family members while they were out of town. I have even cared for some sheep and chickens during graduate school. Currently, I volunteer with Rescue Pals Inc., which is a nonprofit, foster-based animal rescue organization headquartered in Buford. With this organization, I get to help dogs of all ages, from playful and curious 8-week-old puppies to sweet and loyal seniors, find their "furever" homes.
Qualifications
Pets
Safety, trust & environment
Your Pet’s Safety is My Priority I make sure to follow all your instructions carefully, whether it’s about feeding, medication, or specific routines. I want your pet to feel as safe and comfortable as possible while you're away! I double-check doors, windows, and gates to ensure your pet stays safe and secure in your home. I’m also cautious about walks and outdoor time—always using a leash when needed and avoiding any risky situations. Respecting Your Home and Privacy Your home is your sanctuary, and I treat it with the same care I’d give my own. I always follow your guidelines on where I can go and what I can use. You’ll never have to worry about me leaving a mess! I keep everything tidy, and I’ll only use the spaces you’ve told me are okay. I believe communication is key, so I’ll send you regular updates, photos, and videos to help you feel connected to your pet while you’re away. Creating a Calm, Comfortable Environment Your pet’s routine is so important to me, so I stick to their usual schedule as much as possible to help them feel comfortable and secure. I’m a calm, patient presence, especially for pets that may be a little nervous or have special needs. I’ll give them plenty of love, playtime, and gentle care. Whether it’s extra snuggles, mental stimulation, or just quiet time, I’m all about making sure your pet feels at ease and loved.
Ratings and reviews
Melinda was a delight. My dogs fell in love with her right from the beginning! She sent pictures daily and it was obvious that my dogs were being well cared for. I highly recommend Melinda!
Mindi has watched our dogs several times, and we highly recommend her! She’s dependable, communicative, and genuinely loves animals. We always came home to happy pups and a tidy house, which gave us so much peace of mind while we were away. Any pet would be lucky to have her as a sitter!
I had the pleasure of meeting Mindi through her involvement with pet rescue I run and also from dog training that we each participated in with our own pups. Mindi has shown herself to be a true animal lover during the time I have known her, able to adeptly care for cats and dogs of all ages and sizes. From caring with puppies and the constant oversight and clean up needed while they learn potty-training, the gently handling, caring and watching over an older pup, the enjoyment in taking part in the everyday random playfulness of a pup in the prime of its life happy to go for a walk, throw a ball or chew on a bone or in helping to care for and feed the cats outside of her community which sadly were abandoned there, Mindi has the kind, gentle demeanor that is so important when dealing with animals, plus the ability to follow directions coupled with common sense, all of which make for the perfect pet sitter. Mindi cares for all animals as if they were her own and does so with confidence and ease. I would not hesitate to have Mindi care for my own personal pets and cannot recommend her more highly.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work full-time, but I make sure your pet receives personalized attention, consistent routines, and lots of enrichment throughout the day. I try to adapt to your pet’s specific schedule, medication needs, or energy level. Whether it’s long walks, playtime, or simply providing companionship and supervision, I’m fully available and dedicated to making your pet feel safe and loved.
- Cats0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsMelinda can host up to 2 drop-ins per day
- Before watching a pet for the first time, I like to gather key information to ensure their safety and comfort. First, I like to ask about the pet’s temperament and any medical needs, including medications or allergies. I like to understand their daily routine—feeding times, bathroom habits, exercise needs, and any specific commands they know. I always ask about any do’s and don’ts, such as forbidden foods, areas of the house that are off-limits, and potential triggers like loud noises or other animals. I need to know where essential supplies are kept, including food, toys, leashes, and cleaning materials. I like to clarify where the pet sleeps and how to secure the home, especially if I need to leave and return. As a precaution, I always get the owner’s contact information, the vet’s details, and instructions for handling emergencies. Finally, I ask whether the owner(s) would like updates while they’re away, such as daily photos or check-ins. Being well-prepared not only keeps the pet safe but also gives the owner(s) peace of mind.