Melissa A.
Woodside, NY
Caring FosterMom expanding services
Pet care experience
I had a Maltese for almost 17 years and have been fostering dogs (a lot of puppies) for almost 3 years now. With my dear Maltese Max, I had to learn how to give him insulin and administer medication, so I am familiar with giving dogs pills/medicine. When I moved to my current dog-friendly coop, I knew fostering was something that I wanted to do. Since I wfh, I have opened my home to numerous puppies and dogs. I try to train them and maintain a certain schedule. I have also petsat my friends dogs and taken them on numerous walks, fed them and of course, the best part, played and cuddled with them :)
Reviews
Melissa was amazing! She took good care of out frenchie while we were away. She asks question to know our dogs usual routine and she sticks with it. Very good updates and communication from her. She takes pictures to keep us updated with Blake. Will definitely recommend her!
Melissa is the best! I have a dog and a cat that Melissa has helped out with for years. From pet sitting and walking to even jumping in at the last minute - she has been the one person I can really rely on to take care of them the same way that I would. Melissa is a true animal lover and an extremely responsible individual. When I'm away for travel (work/personal), she always sends daily photos and updates on them. A few weeks after I got my cat, I needed to leave for a 3-day business trip. I was really anxious about leaving a kitten with my dog since they were still slightly feeling each other out, but they both shared the same excitement when Melissa would come to check in on them and they all formed this amazing bond while I was away. Four years later - it's still there! I know Melissa has fostered quite a few dogs and she's always so excited to care for them and, essentially, make a new friend. I consider her an extension of my crazy fur family and my pets absolutely adore her. I would recommend Melissa to anyone looking for a loving and reliable pet sitter/walker, etc. She's even helped keep a few of my plants alive while I'm away!
Stop your search!! Melissa is an absolute dog-loving blessing. I’ve distantly known her for 5+ years through a mutual friend and have seen her foster many dogs during that time via Instagram. I recently went on a large family vacation with quite literally everyone I trusted to watch my Frenchie, Maximus. Anyone who owns a French Bulldog knows they can be…..high maintenance. He absolutely does not get along with other dogs, which is why a doggie hotel was out of the question. He also has sensitivities to temperature, along with food allergies, and is needy for tons lovin and lots of cuddles. I reached out to Melissa and she took him on with a totally reassuring confidence. During their daily walks, she understood his boundaries and handled his aversion to other dogs like a pro. They only went out when it was cool enough (this was late June) so he wouldn’t overheat. She fed him his special kibble and didn’t cave to his manipulative puppy eyes for human treats. She sent updates throughout the day and photos of him playing and having fun. I was able to enjoy myself and be in the moment on vacation, knowing Max was safe with Melissa and being cared for with love and attentiveness. I will absolutely be going with her again on my next vaca.
About Melissa A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For pets in my home, I set up a baby gate in the kitchen and leave their food and water in there. I also have an adjustable crate for smaller dogs/puppies that can be adjusted to a medium sized dog. I like to ask a lot of questions and follow any detailed instructions on what/when the dogs like to eat, where they are allowed, where not allowed, how they walk on a leash, if there are any things to avoid.
Home
Information Melissa A. would like to know about your pet
Food restrictions, if they need any medications, if there are any types of things I should avoid walking the dog by if I see something (a bicyclist, another dog etc), what names/nicknames they respond to, how they are on a leash and any favorite treats.
A typical day
I have wide array of toys/bones for the pups and like to play games that’ll mentally stimulate them, by hiding treats in a towel or under cups or one of those food puzzles. I have a park near where I live that dogs love to go to and sniff around and can play fetch if the owner is ok with them being off lease.
Services
Melissa can host
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I wfh and have a pretty flexible schedule so am open to mid day walks and walks after work. I only have one upcoming vacation in September so more weekends are available as well.
About Melissa A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
For pets in my home, I set up a baby gate in the kitchen and leave their food and water in there. I also have an adjustable crate for smaller dogs/puppies that can be adjusted to a medium sized dog. I like to ask a lot of questions and follow any detailed instructions on what/when the dogs like to eat, where they are allowed, where not allowed, how they walk on a leash, if there are any things to avoid.
Home
Information Melissa A. would like to know about your pet
Food restrictions, if they need any medications, if there are any types of things I should avoid walking the dog by if I see something (a bicyclist, another dog etc), what names/nicknames they respond to, how they are on a leash and any favorite treats.
A typical day
I have wide array of toys/bones for the pups and like to play games that’ll mentally stimulate them, by hiding treats in a towel or under cups or one of those food puzzles. I have a park near where I live that dogs love to go to and sniff around and can play fetch if the owner is ok with them being off lease.
Location
Woodside, NY
Melissa A.
Woodside, NY