Melissa B.
Central City, AZ
Experienced Vet Tech
Pet care experience
I am an experienced vet tech (10+ years), but left the field for grad school. I've just wrapped up my Master's, and am taking a little brain break in the Valley before heading back to school. :-) I really miss working with animals, but would rather enjoy them in happier circumstances than at the vet! I have worked with hundreds of dogs in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. I have seen and done it all, and am fully qualified to administer any medications, perform any one-woman grooming jobs, or cater to your canine's (or kitty's) special needs. Fluids, insulin, anal glands, nail trims, medicine cabinets, it's all good! Safety is my number one priority - I will always be careful about leashes/harnesses, hot weather, new people, and diet. I am a friend to all the animals, so I am also happy to give your kitties, bunnies, snakes, birds or whatevers some love, too! I have worked with a number of exotic critters, so you would have to have something really weird in your house to throw me for a loop!
Reviews
Melissa was great! Our dog can get a bit nervous with new people and surroundings, but Melissa made her feel right at home. She took the time to observe and understand our dogs behavior which made us feel a lot more at ease. Will definitely book again!
I've gotten to know Melissa very well over the past several years, and I can't recommend her enough as a caregiver for your pet. When you see how well she takes care of her own pets it is evident how much she loves them. Melissa has extensive experience working in the veterinary industry and is skilled in animal care. She has taken great care of my pug Donut and always showers him with love and affection! The most important thing for your peace of mind is that you can trust Melissa and feel confident that she will take care of your pets as if they were her own and there will be no need to worry about them while they're in her care.
Melissa is such a sweet heart! My dog lights up every time she walks in the door. She always gives him lots of pets and budgets time for a nice, long walk. My dog has some special medical conditions that Melissa is always willing to work with. She has many years of veterinary experience, in fact, I've even videoed her into a vet appointment before to help me understand my pup's services. Sometimes, I think she takes better care of my pets than I do! :D Thanks, Melissa!
Melissa is my #1 go-to when it comes to my animals. Her love for all animals is backed by 12 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician, which have equipped her with a breadth and depth of knowledge in animal care. Melissa's caregiving skills go beyond daily dog walking. In times of need, Melissa has administered our pets' medication and treated their wounds. Melissa has also helped with grooming tasks from clipping our dog's nails to shaving our cat who was suffering from matted fur. In the five years I've known her, Melissa has fostered an adult dog and an infant kitten, ensuring they were both in excellent health before finding them their forever homes. In addition to dogs and cats, Melissa has worked with exotic pets, reptiles, birds, small mammals, goats, chickens, and more. I whole-heartedly trust Melissa with any of my animals. Her expertise and passion make her a responsible and loving caregiver for any animal she meets!
About Melissa B.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Melissa B. would like to know about your pet
If your dog is territorial on the home turf with strangers, that would be good to know before I get there! I don't mind working with small! aggressive dogs, but biters/lungers/attackers over 20 pounds are gonna be a deal breaker! I can read doggy body language pretty expertly, however, and your pup has to be a real cujo to intimidate me. I understand that every dog has their own personality, and can usually understand their game pretty quickly! I have two cats that live with me, so if your doggy-dude is going to stay with me, they must be kind to kitties! I will always keep my cats and your dog seperate when I am not home to be safe.
A typical day
I'm mostly a cuddle-bug. I want lap sized dogs in my lap at all times, and bigger than lap sized dogs in my lap, too. With me your dog will get all the classics - fetch, whose-a-good-boy/girl?!, where did the ball go?, and other tried and true favorites. All the belly-rubs, and scritches - I am an expert at finding the right spot. I am of the opinion that a dog's walk is basically their time, so I let them tell me where they want to go. If they want to sniff a flower for an hour, that's their business! I live downtown near a number of dog (and otherwise) park.
Services
Melissa can host
Melissa can watch in your home
About Melissa B.
Communication
Skills
Home
Information Melissa B. would like to know about your pet
If your dog is territorial on the home turf with strangers, that would be good to know before I get there! I don't mind working with small! aggressive dogs, but biters/lungers/attackers over 20 pounds are gonna be a deal breaker! I can read doggy body language pretty expertly, however, and your pup has to be a real cujo to intimidate me. I understand that every dog has their own personality, and can usually understand their game pretty quickly! I have two cats that live with me, so if your doggy-dude is going to stay with me, they must be kind to kitties! I will always keep my cats and your dog seperate when I am not home to be safe.
A typical day
I'm mostly a cuddle-bug. I want lap sized dogs in my lap at all times, and bigger than lap sized dogs in my lap, too. With me your dog will get all the classics - fetch, whose-a-good-boy/girl?!, where did the ball go?, and other tried and true favorites. All the belly-rubs, and scritches - I am an expert at finding the right spot. I am of the opinion that a dog's walk is basically their time, so I let them tell me where they want to go. If they want to sniff a flower for an hour, that's their business! I live downtown near a number of dog (and otherwise) park.
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Melissa B.
Central City, AZ