Melinda R.
Courtenay, BC






Services
These prices are for 1 dog.Prices include all fees.
Melinda can care for
Availability
I'm working on some entrepreneurial and writing projects (WFM) so I'm happy to take pups out in the morning and evening for walks, and longer hikes on the weekend too! I love to hike and explore rural and forested areas. Exercise is an essential part of each of my days and I'm happy to continue the exercise routines that you have in place for your pets :). Breaks for 'play' time are great for pets and for humans too!
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About Melinda R.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a detail oriented person with a healthcare background, I understand the importance of providing the highest level of care to your pets. My reviews on Canada House Sitters & THS are consistently 5 star. I believe in the importance of leaving a place better than you found it. I've got fantastic personal & local references also. I'm happy to provide consistent, reliable and loving care with your detailed guidance and instructions. As a former health-care worker, I understand the importance of detailed, compassionate care and supporting your pets needs and regular routines.
Information Melinda R. would like to know about your pet
It's super helpful to give me a general idea of 'a day in the life' of your pets. What's their usual schedule like? Do your pets have any health concerns or require meds, recent injuries? Does your dog have formal training? Do they tend to be reactive? Any quirks or things of note that would be helpful for the pet-sitter to know?
A typical day
Early rise between 7& 7:30, take pups out for pee break and feed them/fill water dish. Take dog(s) out for a good long walk 30+mins. Take dogs with me on a hike if permitted several times a week. Return home have breakfast, do a yoga practice and settle in to do some computer work. Take pets out for mid-day pee. Have lunch, more work. Feed pets dinner and take them out for a walk again. Play with dog toys and take dogs to dog park as requested. Evening relaxation, reading or TV, cuddle with pets. Bedtime between 10 & 11pm.
Location
Courtenay, BC
Friendly, experienced Van Isle
Pet care experience
Animals are wonderful beings! They have a way of reminding us to slow down, be present and get outside. *Offering pet care in your home, I'm not available to host pets atm. Having been without pets for quite a number of years, I am missing their presence in my life. I grew up with poodles, springer spaniels and terriers. I had two cats of my own (Ruth and Monica) for 17 yrs and loved them dearly. I live in the Comox Valley, so Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Campbell River, Nanaimo and nearby communities work well. I love having access to nature (forest hikes and lakes and the ocean.) I'm a devoted, reliable, dedicated animal lover and I take pride in doing any project to the best of my ability. I have a care-giver background, having worked in dental health and as a yoga teacher for many years. I have a solid green-thumb and can tend to some garden care. I love building connections with people & animals. I am 'trauma-informed' and am familiar with 'Force Free' training principles. I'm comfortable with older pets and giving some meds as needed also. I really appreciate dogs with some formal training and can take care of dogs up to 70 pounds. I've recently received a refresher with chicken coop care. Let's touch base with a phone or video call first to get a sense of each other. I'm proud of my 5 star reviews on House-sitters Canada, THS and 99% of clients ask me back to sit again. I'm confident that I can provide top-notch care for your pets and plants and return your home in excellent condition. Looking forward to caring for your precious animal friends.
Cat care experience

Melinda also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Reviews
Melinda was great and convinced me she has the confidence and dependability to take care of my dog. Because I am new to the Rover experience, I much appreciated that she wanted me to share all about my dog and our activities before we agreed that she would take care of him for about a week in my home. She was confident and calm with my dog and took on some yard care tasks in my absence. She reported to me every couple of days (as requested) documenting things were going well. I was away for an extended time and Melinda had to hand over dog sitting to a friend of mine, who confirmed that the dog was in great spirits and my house was left tidy and clean. I greatly appreciate her help, and I will hire her again when the need arises. Thanks Melinda!!
Melinda looked after our dog Benny for a week while we were away for our winter holidays . She was reliable, very diligent in reporting to us and sending us pictures daily . Benny seemed to have more activity with her than he usually has while we are home ! She took him on frequent walks and drove him to a dog park couple times as well! Our house was left clean and as immaculate as when we left . We will most definitely ask her to dogsit for us again
I met Melinda when she volunteered to come help with my silent disco beach-dances & we became friends. Melinda adores my cat & dog and lavishes lot of love & attention on them. She is very health-conscious and outdoorsy. She loves nature walks & hiking and I’m sure would keep your dogs active and engaged in fun outings. Melinda is a very caring & responsible person and a great choice for entrusting the care of your beloved pets and your home to. Mary, Victoria BC Canada
About Melinda R.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
As a detail oriented person with a healthcare background, I understand the importance of providing the highest level of care to your pets. My reviews on Canada House Sitters & THS are consistently 5 star. I believe in the importance of leaving a place better than you found it. I've got fantastic personal & local references also. I'm happy to provide consistent, reliable and loving care with your detailed guidance and instructions. As a former health-care worker, I understand the importance of detailed, compassionate care and supporting your pets needs and regular routines.
Information Melinda R. would like to know about your pet
It's super helpful to give me a general idea of 'a day in the life' of your pets. What's their usual schedule like? Do your pets have any health concerns or require meds, recent injuries? Does your dog have formal training? Do they tend to be reactive? Any quirks or things of note that would be helpful for the pet-sitter to know?
A typical day
Early rise between 7& 7:30, take pups out for pee break and feed them/fill water dish. Take dog(s) out for a good long walk 30+mins. Take dogs with me on a hike if permitted several times a week. Return home have breakfast, do a yoga practice and settle in to do some computer work. Take pets out for mid-day pee. Have lunch, more work. Feed pets dinner and take them out for a walk again. Play with dog toys and take dogs to dog park as requested. Evening relaxation, reading or TV, cuddle with pets. Bedtime between 10 & 11pm.
Melinda R.
Courtenay, BC
