Melissa A.
New Haven, CT
TLC for your pets!
Pet care experience
I've had a great love for pets my entire life. I've had dogs from the time I was 5 years old and since have had play dates with and pet-sat animals from dogs and cats to chickens and ducks. I know that each pet has their quirks as well as daily patterns that ensure their wellness; for this reason I will follow the owner's directions exactly with regards to toys, food and feeding schedules, and allotted treats (no matter how much they tell me they're allowed more!). I am especially familiar with puppies (I've cared for many little teething cuties), big dogs, and cats (I have two myself, named Frida and Hugo). Please do reach out to me if you have any questions; my pets are family and I know that I always like to know about who is taking care of them!
Reviews
Melissa is so kind and sweet, Margaux loves her!
Melissa was incredibly kind and sweet, working with me to change keys because we were currently without our spare. She followed up with lots of photos and oversaw an impromptu puppy play time. Highly recommend.
Melissa is a gentle, patient, and intuitive pet-sitter. She worked wonders with my very anxious dog! She was careful to let Charlee warm up to her and seemed to know just the right things to do to gain her trust. Melissa is responsible and dependable, putting my mind at ease about leaving my pet in her care. I will definitely continue to use her as a pet sitter! Highly recommended.
Melissa is one of the biggest animal lovers I have ever met. She loves animals of all sizes, and is a dedicated and devoted pet parent. She has helped me and my family care for our cats, chickens, ducks, and dogs and is available for whatever we needed, always putting the needs of the animals before anything else. She also has a huge soft spot for big dogs, having grown up with labradoodles and a weimaraner and knows how to play and get their energy out, and then how to calm them down when it is time to settle in. Your pets could not be in better hands than with Melissa and I would trust her to take care of any and all of my animals.
About Melissa A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I offer sitting in client's homes rather than my own as I find pets thrive the most in environments they are comfortable with. I tend to play or take pets for walks after eating as this is when they have the most energy, though this absolutely depends on the established routines that the owner and pet follow. I like to slowly build trust with a pet (as I do with my own) by approaching them on their own terms and by offering alternative toys or activities rather than scolding. I discourage destructive behaviors my providing plenty of play and encourage good behaviors such as not jumping on me or walking in pace with me with training treats (which treats will be discussed with owners ahead of time!). If your pet responds to certain types of pets or approaches I'll use them to make sure that they feel comfortable and cared for!
Information Melissa A. would like to know about your pet
I love to know a little bit about the personality of the pet before pet-sitting! It helps me prepare activities and determine whether shorter/longer walks are best; it also just gives me a little idea of the cutie I'm meeting! Some essential information I need to know about your pet is if they are special needs or require any type of medications. It's also helpful for me to know if they're timid, if there are any things that make them get really excited or nervous, what their favorite toys are, and feeding routines/schedules. Please let me know if your pet gets along with other pets as I may be walking another dog simultaneously. If not, I can arrange to walk your dog on their own!
A typical day
I love to play with pets to help them get out their energy. I'll ask for their favorite toys and we can play with something they love and are comfortable with! There are also some nice green spaces in the area such as east rock park, Wooster square park, areas of Yale campus, and even a grassy terrace space in my apartment complex, so I love to take the pets I care for to explore and get some fresh air. I also love to play fetch with pets, use puzzle toys to provide some mental stimulation, and provide loads of belly rubs!
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I am currently taking a virtual class as well as interviewing for jobs, so my schedule is very flexible. I can do most times during the weekdays and weekends, though I do prefer to do check-ins and dog walks before the sun sets!
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About Melissa A.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I offer sitting in client's homes rather than my own as I find pets thrive the most in environments they are comfortable with. I tend to play or take pets for walks after eating as this is when they have the most energy, though this absolutely depends on the established routines that the owner and pet follow. I like to slowly build trust with a pet (as I do with my own) by approaching them on their own terms and by offering alternative toys or activities rather than scolding. I discourage destructive behaviors my providing plenty of play and encourage good behaviors such as not jumping on me or walking in pace with me with training treats (which treats will be discussed with owners ahead of time!). If your pet responds to certain types of pets or approaches I'll use them to make sure that they feel comfortable and cared for!
Information Melissa A. would like to know about your pet
I love to know a little bit about the personality of the pet before pet-sitting! It helps me prepare activities and determine whether shorter/longer walks are best; it also just gives me a little idea of the cutie I'm meeting! Some essential information I need to know about your pet is if they are special needs or require any type of medications. It's also helpful for me to know if they're timid, if there are any things that make them get really excited or nervous, what their favorite toys are, and feeding routines/schedules. Please let me know if your pet gets along with other pets as I may be walking another dog simultaneously. If not, I can arrange to walk your dog on their own!
A typical day
I love to play with pets to help them get out their energy. I'll ask for their favorite toys and we can play with something they love and are comfortable with! There are also some nice green spaces in the area such as east rock park, Wooster square park, areas of Yale campus, and even a grassy terrace space in my apartment complex, so I love to take the pets I care for to explore and get some fresh air. I also love to play fetch with pets, use puzzle toys to provide some mental stimulation, and provide loads of belly rubs!
Location
New Haven, CT
Pets
Melissa A.
New Haven, CT