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Melinda M.

Murrieta, CA

4.9 out of 5 stars
32 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices include all fees.

Melinda can care for

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

Availability

Pet care is my focus, which means your pets receive 100% of my attention and dedication. As a full-time pet caregiver, I’m able to provide flexible, reliable care tailored to your pet’s needs—whether that’s during the week, on weekends, or even over holidays. My schedule is built around caring for pets, so I’m available when you need me most, and your furry family members always come first.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Melinda M.

Communication

12 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

11 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

As a pet sitter, I prioritize keeping your pet’s daily routine as consistent as possible to help reduce separation anxiety while you're away. I follow your instructions closely when it comes to feeding schedules, medication administration, walks, playtime, and any other specific needs your pet may have. I also make sure your pet receives plenty of attention, affection, and love—just like they would if you were home. My goal is to provide a calm, comforting presence and maintain a familiar environment so your pet feels secure, happy, and cared for every step of the way.

Information Melinda M. would like to know about your pet

Before I offer care for your dog, I like to get a full picture of who they are and what makes them feel safe and happy. I want to know what your dog likes and dislikes, the funny little quirks that make them unique, and what brings them the most comfort. I also need important details like your contact information, emergency contacts, one neighbor’s phone number, and your dog’s veterinarian and emergency vet info. Please let me know if your dog has any allergies, is on medication (and the best way to give it), their health history, age, and whether they’re up to date on vaccinations and properly licensed. It’s also essential for me to know if your dog is altered or unaltered, if they’ve shown any aggression or have a bite history, and what commands they respond to. I don’t have a specific breed preference—what matters most to me is how the dog has been loved and raised. I genuinely enjoy all types of dogs: the slobbery, snorty goofballs, the couch potatoes, the fetch fanatics, the huggers, the high-energy pups and the chill companions. Whether your dog is a purebred show dog, a lovable rescue, or a “we’re not quite sure what he is,” I’m here for them. I understand that rescues can come with “embarrassing” habits, and that’s totally okay. I simply like good dogs raised by good people—and I can't wait to meet yours.

A typical day

The price is ALL INCLUSIVE of the following services: • Stick to schedule including wake up, and bed time, walks, meals, snacks, naps, etc. • Keep pets as happy and comfortable as possible by keeping routine consistent • Send progress photos, videos, and texts so that the pet parent can rest assured that their pet is safe, happy, and healthy • Spoil pets with plenty of playtime, exercise, and attention • Provide enrichment and basic training practice • Care for animals with short notice due to family emergencies • Put dogs in crate at instructed time • Bring deliveries under 50 lbs in from porch to avoid theft or damage by rain • Enrichment Walks/exercise • Potty breaks • Home security check • Oral medication administration • Fluid therapy as prescribed by a Veterinarian • Subcutaneous injections • Prepare meals as directed • Pay close attention to detail to pet’s well-being including appetite, behavior, activity level • Open communication with vet as needed • Preoperative or post-op care • Administer supplements as directed • Pour out and refill water daily • Clean kennels and food dishes for a sanitary enclosure • Let dogs in and out of house • Clean up pet messes • Walk for instructed duration and route • Clean pet’s eyes with moist paper towel • Brush hair • Dry dogs off with a towel when it rains • Assure that gate is shut and secure at all times • Water plants around home • Bring in and put out garbage cans on specific days • Communicate with lawn maintenance workers about dogs and property • Lift 45 pound bag of dog food to refill container • Use same commands as pet parent to communicate effectively with dogs • Reinforce training through practice • Provide mental stimulation through play • Give pre-approved treats as directed by client • Love, affection, petting, cuddling, scratching • Talk to, sing to, play music for, turn on/off tv • Clean home to same state as arrival • Home presence for house maintenance workers such as pool cleaner, exterminator, gardener, house keeper, etc. • Use of natural remedies to alleviate anxiety such as cbd treats, Rescue Remedy, and essential oils

Location

Murrieta, CA

Melinda M.'s Neighborhood

Pets

In-Your-Home Compassionate Care

Pet care experience

Hello! My name is Melinda Meltzer, owner and operator of Stay and Play Pet Sitting, Inc. I started pet sitting professionally in June 2014 and have committed myself to ensuring that my animal care expertise is brought to the homes of my clients. My goal as a pet sitter is to make the process of finding a trustworthy, reliable caregiver for your pets easy for you by providing an exceptional experience that makes you feel like I am a part of your family. My goal is to be the best pet sitter I can be by utilizing my knowledge, training, experience, network, and heart. I am here to provide all my client’s pets with the personalized one-on-one attention they deserve. I am here as a fear, anxiety, and stress free alternative to boarding. I am insured through Pet Care Insurance to provide peace of mind while you’re away. I am a live-in your home overnight pet caretaker who will keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe. I am meticulously attentive to detail, and sensitive to your needs when it comes to your pets. I look forward to meeting you and your pets and developing a bond that will last a lifetime. What makes me stand out as a professional pet caretaker: Insured- Prepared for accidents or emergencies Professional- Stay and Play Pet Sitting is a licensed business in Riverside County Medically Trained- 3 years as a Veterinary Assistant! Cat and Dog CPR and First Aid Certified Experienced – Professional pet sitter since 2014 Qualified- I have earned the Elite Fear Free certification for gentle handling and care of pet's mental and physical needs Highly Recommended- Over 30 reviews at www.rover.com/sit/petfanatic References- Wonderful repeat clients who want to share their positive experiences with you Variety- Experience with a wide range of companion and farm animals Detail Oriented- Cautious and present while performing duties Animal Reiki Practitioner- Reiki energy can reduce stress, calm, relax, and heal animals mentally, physically, and spiritually Generous- For each person that you refer that books an overnight stay, you receive a $20 thank you gift card My services and rates: Overnight: in your home care, noon to noon (I may leave to do some drop in visits, 16 hrs min) (The prices are after Rover Fees) Up to 2 dogs: $135 $60 each additional dog Special needs dogs: $75 each 1-3 cats overnight: $135 Each additional indoor only cat: $40 Each additional indoor/ outdoor cat: $30 Each additional outdoor only cat: $20 Exotic animals such as parrot, tortoise, chickens, ducks, quail, turkey: $15 per group Fish tank $5 Ranch Animal Care: $50 per 1 hr Holiday fees are an additional $40 per overnight for the day of, the day before, and the day after. For other services there is a 30% fee. There are no discounts applicable for holidays. Drop in Visits: 1-2 Dogs: ½ hour $30, 1 hour $45 $5 each additional dog 1-2 Cats: ½ hour $30, 1 hour $45 $5 each additional cat A few consecutive hours of pet sitting: First hour same as above $25 each additional hour Discounts: If the stay exceeds 7 consecutive days, the price is reduced by 10% No discounts applicable on holidays, day before holidays, or day after holidays 10% discount for current members of the Temecula Chamber of Commerce or Heartlink Networking 10% Discount for Military Veterans Only one discount, coupon, or special can be used at a time, no combined offers. - I will travel up to 15 miles from my home to sit for you (if you are just out of my range and need me, message me). *My services are applicable for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, rats, chickens, tortoises, fish, turtles, and most other companion animals.

Cat care experience

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Feline great with my caregiver

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

Reviews

Laurie B.
Jun 28, 2025

I can’t say enough wonderful things about Stay and Play Pet Sitting! From the moment I connected with Melinda, I knew my pets were in the best hands. She and her well trained crew are incredible! Their level of care is truly exceptional — they go above and beyond in every possible way. Whether it’s taking the time to give extra snuggles, keeping me updated with photos and notes, or ensuring my cats are getting their medication, they treat my furry family members like their own. What sets them apart is not just their professionalism, but their genuine love for animals. It’s rare to find such a trustworthy and compassionate service. I always have peace of mind knowing my pets are being loved and cared for while I’m away. I highly recommend Stay and Play Pet Sitting to anyone looking for reliable, kind, and attentive care!

Trinity K.
House Sitting • Jun 14, 2022
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Melinda did such an amazing job with my four cats! I’ve been wanting to hire a pet sitter for years but have been nervous about leaving my cats with someone because they’re quite high maintenance. I couldn’t be happy with my experience from start to finish. She messaged me back almost immediately and we scheduled a consultation. She was incredibly thorough and made sure she knew their routine and personalities before we booked the overnight visit. Throughout the visit she was very communicative and sent lots of pictures of the kitties. She was very respectful of our house and left everything clean behind her. I will absolutely continue to work with her! My cats loved her and I loved working with her :)

Max M.
House Sitting • Apr 03, 2022
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Melinda treated our pups like her own - we have been postponing trips and vacations due to not finding someone to care for our Po & Riri. Then we met Melinda - and our lives will be forever changed, we now know someone that will care for our pups like we would. Melinda keep us informed every day of how our pups were doing and she was super affectionate with them (like we are). If you are looking for someone to watch your extended family and house sit (dogs) - look no further.

Ruth D.
House Sitting • Nov 26, 2018
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Melinda did an excellent job with two difficult dogs. She was completely thorough in getting all the information about the dogs and our home, since she was spending the night. Her resume is outstanding and she has a wealth of information and education about the safety and health of animals. She truly cares about our animals. She kept us up-to-date about the dogs, sending texts and pics. When we arrived home, Melinda had cleared the bedding and sheets. I would highly recommend Melinda. I can't think that anyone else could have done a better job. She is truly a Professional.

About Melinda M.

Communication

12 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Dog skills

11 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

As a pet sitter, I prioritize keeping your pet’s daily routine as consistent as possible to help reduce separation anxiety while you're away. I follow your instructions closely when it comes to feeding schedules, medication administration, walks, playtime, and any other specific needs your pet may have. I also make sure your pet receives plenty of attention, affection, and love—just like they would if you were home. My goal is to provide a calm, comforting presence and maintain a familiar environment so your pet feels secure, happy, and cared for every step of the way.

Information Melinda M. would like to know about your pet

Before I offer care for your dog, I like to get a full picture of who they are and what makes them feel safe and happy. I want to know what your dog likes and dislikes, the funny little quirks that make them unique, and what brings them the most comfort. I also need important details like your contact information, emergency contacts, one neighbor’s phone number, and your dog’s veterinarian and emergency vet info. Please let me know if your dog has any allergies, is on medication (and the best way to give it), their health history, age, and whether they’re up to date on vaccinations and properly licensed. It’s also essential for me to know if your dog is altered or unaltered, if they’ve shown any aggression or have a bite history, and what commands they respond to. I don’t have a specific breed preference—what matters most to me is how the dog has been loved and raised. I genuinely enjoy all types of dogs: the slobbery, snorty goofballs, the couch potatoes, the fetch fanatics, the huggers, the high-energy pups and the chill companions. Whether your dog is a purebred show dog, a lovable rescue, or a “we’re not quite sure what he is,” I’m here for them. I understand that rescues can come with “embarrassing” habits, and that’s totally okay. I simply like good dogs raised by good people—and I can't wait to meet yours.

A typical day

The price is ALL INCLUSIVE of the following services: • Stick to schedule including wake up, and bed time, walks, meals, snacks, naps, etc. • Keep pets as happy and comfortable as possible by keeping routine consistent • Send progress photos, videos, and texts so that the pet parent can rest assured that their pet is safe, happy, and healthy • Spoil pets with plenty of playtime, exercise, and attention • Provide enrichment and basic training practice • Care for animals with short notice due to family emergencies • Put dogs in crate at instructed time • Bring deliveries under 50 lbs in from porch to avoid theft or damage by rain • Enrichment Walks/exercise • Potty breaks • Home security check • Oral medication administration • Fluid therapy as prescribed by a Veterinarian • Subcutaneous injections • Prepare meals as directed • Pay close attention to detail to pet’s well-being including appetite, behavior, activity level • Open communication with vet as needed • Preoperative or post-op care • Administer supplements as directed • Pour out and refill water daily • Clean kennels and food dishes for a sanitary enclosure • Let dogs in and out of house • Clean up pet messes • Walk for instructed duration and route • Clean pet’s eyes with moist paper towel • Brush hair • Dry dogs off with a towel when it rains • Assure that gate is shut and secure at all times • Water plants around home • Bring in and put out garbage cans on specific days • Communicate with lawn maintenance workers about dogs and property • Lift 45 pound bag of dog food to refill container • Use same commands as pet parent to communicate effectively with dogs • Reinforce training through practice • Provide mental stimulation through play • Give pre-approved treats as directed by client • Love, affection, petting, cuddling, scratching • Talk to, sing to, play music for, turn on/off tv • Clean home to same state as arrival • Home presence for house maintenance workers such as pool cleaner, exterminator, gardener, house keeper, etc. • Use of natural remedies to alleviate anxiety such as cbd treats, Rescue Remedy, and essential oils

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

Melinda M.

Murrieta, CA

4.9 out of 5 stars
32 reviews