Melinda W.
Columbia City, Seattle, WA
Services
Melinda can care for
Availability
**Please note that a 20% additional charge will be applied to requests less than 48 hours before the desired booking time.** I work full-time as a research scientist, but have a fairly flexible schedule. I am available in the mornings for feeding and quick playtime, and more available in the afternoon/evenings for longer walks, focused play/training, and dinner routines. I am also very available on the weekends and over holidays.
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About Melinda W.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I always keep pets on a leash when leaving for a walk. I would prefer if dogs have a well-fitting harness for walks, but can work without one if needed. I want to minimize my impact on a pet's environment when I enter a client's home - I clean up pet messes, wash any dishes or utensils used to dole out food and/or medication, and try to leave things as I found them (aside from the pet messes!).
Information Melinda W. would like to know about your pet
If your dog has special dietary or activity needs (e.x. no jumping, can only do certain activities, or prefers certain activities), please let me know. I am able to handle dogs of any size, and can adapt to what your dog needs. Please also let me know if you have specific training activities you would like to be continued while your pet is in my care - this can be practicing sit/stay, walking without pulling, or any other training goals!
A typical day
A typical day will depend on your pet's individual needs. I want to keep your pet's routine as consistent as possible while they're in my care. For drop-ins, I will change water, refill food, administer medications (if needed), and clean litter boxes (cats) or let them out for a potty break (dogs) before settling in for some dedicated play/attention/training time. I will double-check that water is topped up and everything looks good before I leave. For walks, we'll go for a walk in the neighborhood, with lots of time for sniffing. I like to go at the dog's pace, so if your dog needs to meet a certain level of activity on a walk (e.g. 1-2 miles per walk), or if you've been working on certain behaviors (e.g. pulling) please let me know beforehand. If you have suggestions or favorite routes for your dog, I'd love to hear them!
Location
Seattle, WA
Pets
Melinda W. has Star Sitter status
The Star Sitter program highlights responsive sitters who deliver highly rated care and have a history of listing accurate availability and preferences, making it easier for pet parents to find the best care for their pets.
Dog lover, lots of pets!
Pet care experience
**Please note that a 20% additional charge will be applied to requests less than 48 hours before the desired booking time.** I grew up with dogs in our family - as a child my best friend was our black lab, who loved wandering around the backyard with me. I helped to train our second family dog, who we adopted as a puppy. Currently, I am guarded by a (large) sweet, energetic Great Pyrenees mix. I absolutely love meeting new dogs. I have taken care of dogs of all sizes, from Chihuahuas to Great Pyrenees, and loved learning about their individual personalities and play styles. I aim to give every pet the level of attention and care they need and deserve, whether it's cuddling for a while, going for long sniff walks, or playing a lot of fetch. As a dog mom, I understand how important routines are for a dog's well-being. I strive to match routines as closely as possible when I care for someone else's fur baby, and try to adapt to their needs for attention and play time. I have the patience to help reinforce a puppy's new training, and can also handle headstrong pups on a walk - just ask my stubborn boy! I also have experience giving medications, eye/ear drops, and ointments, as well as caring for pets with special dietary or activity needs.
Reviews
We've had Melinda care for our cat several times now because she is reliable and dependable. She is responsive and takes great care in making sure my kitty is looked after!
Melinda is great! She includes lots of photos in her updates and Mimi loves her.
Melinda is the best, she came highly recommended from our last cat sitter and our two cats adore her. Melinda always takes such good care of our two senior cats who need medications and have chronic conditions.
Melinda is a wonderful sitter! She is communicative and treats our cat Mojo with love and care.
About Melinda W.
Communication
Dog skills
Safety, trust & environment
I always keep pets on a leash when leaving for a walk. I would prefer if dogs have a well-fitting harness for walks, but can work without one if needed. I want to minimize my impact on a pet's environment when I enter a client's home - I clean up pet messes, wash any dishes or utensils used to dole out food and/or medication, and try to leave things as I found them (aside from the pet messes!).
Information Melinda W. would like to know about your pet
If your dog has special dietary or activity needs (e.x. no jumping, can only do certain activities, or prefers certain activities), please let me know. I am able to handle dogs of any size, and can adapt to what your dog needs. Please also let me know if you have specific training activities you would like to be continued while your pet is in my care - this can be practicing sit/stay, walking without pulling, or any other training goals!
A typical day
A typical day will depend on your pet's individual needs. I want to keep your pet's routine as consistent as possible while they're in my care. For drop-ins, I will change water, refill food, administer medications (if needed), and clean litter boxes (cats) or let them out for a potty break (dogs) before settling in for some dedicated play/attention/training time. I will double-check that water is topped up and everything looks good before I leave. For walks, we'll go for a walk in the neighborhood, with lots of time for sniffing. I like to go at the dog's pace, so if your dog needs to meet a certain level of activity on a walk (e.g. 1-2 miles per walk), or if you've been working on certain behaviors (e.g. pulling) please let me know beforehand. If you have suggestions or favorite routes for your dog, I'd love to hear them!
Melinda W.
Columbia City, Seattle, WA