Melissa H.
South, NC
Experienced Dog Mom and Sitter
Pet care experience
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a dog in the house. I have professionally cared for dogs of all ages and sizes since I was 14 years old. The first family pet I had responsibility over was a Pomeranian who unfortunately had some hip issues. This meant learning at an early age how to administer medication and home therapy for joint problems. In college I cared for a Great Pyrenees, which was definitely the biggest dog I’ve ever cared for, as well as a chihuahua, which was the smallest, and an older golden retriever . The golden retriever had medicine and anxiety chews that needed to be administered daily. While these are early examples of my experience, I’ve also been a rover sitter for a couple of years having cared for more than 3 years. I currently have an Australian Shepard and a Pit Mix who are my full time fur babies and are both very healthy and happy. All of these experiences have taught me to love all dogs regardless of their size, age, or health. I can promise that your dog will get tons of love and affection in our home.
Reviews
Having Melissa take care of my puppy Sandy for a week was great! She gave information on her previous work and has dog of her own. Her experience was great and she definitely provided top service. Everyday I received pictures of Sandy and a report of how she was. I also received information if I just wanted to check on her, ask for a picture. My puppy was great and comfortable with her and her other dogs. I truly appreciate her service and I will return to her in the future if I would need my puppy taken care of. Thank you Melissa!
Melissa was great and very forgiving for a last minute booking. I felt my dog was in good hands and was cared for with an above and beyond attitude. I would definitely recommend her to anyone.
Melissa is the best, she took my little girl last minute and she took amazing care. She sent me pictures and kept me updated constantly of my furry little girl. Melissa is an amazing dog sitter and keeps it 100% with you which is the best way to go at things.
Melissa is great! Tag always comes back tired and happy
About Melissa H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a 3-bedroom home with my husband and 15 year old sister in law. We have an untended yard which means we keep the dogs leashed for all walks just to stay on the safe side. We have a 5 year old Australian Shepard named Ali who loves to nap and will likely cuddle with your fur baby during the day. We also have a 3 year old pit mix named Nina who lovessss other dogs and will be happy to play with your pup when they're not napping with Ali. They have both been socialized heavily and will get introduced to your fur baby one at a time to ensure a safe and friendly environment. Both of our dogs frequent local dog parks in our community. Nina and Ali are up to date on Rabies, Bordetella, Flu, and Lime Disease Vaccinations and take Simparica Trio for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. I feed my Australian Shepard Rachel Ray's Nutrish Grain Free Dog Food. I am big on frequent walks to avoid potty accidents. My husband and I rotate for walks every 2-3 hours for our dogs and you can expect the same for your fur baby unless you specify other potty times that match your home environment. We do not have a fenced yar, but our home does have a spacious untended yard that we take our dogs to often along with some nearby dogs office, and we will be happy to do the same for your fur baby unless you would prefer that they don’t visit the dog park. I am very affectionate with my dogs (frequent pets, belly rubs, and cuddle time) and will show your fur baby the same attention unless you would prefer that I don't. I know every dog is different and some may not appreciate frequent petting. My dogs basically own our couch and your fur baby can join them if you allow your pet on the furniture. If not, please let me know so we can try to maintain some consistency for your pet. We have baby gate that prevents any pets from going upstairs to the carpeted areas of the house but everywhere else is free range. While we definitely have our own routine for our dogs, I want your dog to feel at home and can make adjustments or changes so that your fur baby has an experience that is as close to what they would have at home as possible to allow for a smooth transition.
Home
Information Melissa H. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? (You may be asked to provide proof of most recent vaccinations) What flea/tick prevention is your pet using? When was it last administered? Is your dog house-trained? If not, how frequently will they need walks ? Are they able to be left out around the house unattended for any period of time? Is your dog crate trained? Do they sleep in the crate or can they sleep on one of the dog beds or couch? Does your dog take medication? If yes, please provide instructions. Are they allowed on furniture? (We allow our dogs on furniture, and we want to make sure we have your pets on the same routine they should expect when home with you) Do you have any care preferences that I haven't mentioned?
A typical day
Our home has a pretty spacious yard where we typically take the dogs to for potty breaks but also for some fetch or to let out some zoomies. Ali and Nina go out for walks 3-4 times a day with two of those walks being longer ones so that they can roam and get some exercise. Both Ali and Nina eat 2x a day, once at 7am and again at 6pm. Ali and Nina have plenty of chew toys and tend to play with each other when they're not napping, but we also take them to the dog park a few times a month and at least 2 longer walks when weather allows-we avoid the long walks on the sidewalks on really hot days stick with the dog park or other grass areas for walks on those occasions.
Services
Melissa can host
Availability
I currently work from home on Mondays and Fridays making pickup and drop off on those days and weekends extremely flexible. I’ll be available for overnight sitting Thursday-Sunday and daycare services Friday-Monday.
About Melissa H.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I live in a 3-bedroom home with my husband and 15 year old sister in law. We have an untended yard which means we keep the dogs leashed for all walks just to stay on the safe side. We have a 5 year old Australian Shepard named Ali who loves to nap and will likely cuddle with your fur baby during the day. We also have a 3 year old pit mix named Nina who lovessss other dogs and will be happy to play with your pup when they're not napping with Ali. They have both been socialized heavily and will get introduced to your fur baby one at a time to ensure a safe and friendly environment. Both of our dogs frequent local dog parks in our community. Nina and Ali are up to date on Rabies, Bordetella, Flu, and Lime Disease Vaccinations and take Simparica Trio for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. I feed my Australian Shepard Rachel Ray's Nutrish Grain Free Dog Food. I am big on frequent walks to avoid potty accidents. My husband and I rotate for walks every 2-3 hours for our dogs and you can expect the same for your fur baby unless you specify other potty times that match your home environment. We do not have a fenced yar, but our home does have a spacious untended yard that we take our dogs to often along with some nearby dogs office, and we will be happy to do the same for your fur baby unless you would prefer that they don’t visit the dog park. I am very affectionate with my dogs (frequent pets, belly rubs, and cuddle time) and will show your fur baby the same attention unless you would prefer that I don't. I know every dog is different and some may not appreciate frequent petting. My dogs basically own our couch and your fur baby can join them if you allow your pet on the furniture. If not, please let me know so we can try to maintain some consistency for your pet. We have baby gate that prevents any pets from going upstairs to the carpeted areas of the house but everywhere else is free range. While we definitely have our own routine for our dogs, I want your dog to feel at home and can make adjustments or changes so that your fur baby has an experience that is as close to what they would have at home as possible to allow for a smooth transition.
Home
Information Melissa H. would like to know about your pet
Is your dog up to date on vaccinations? (You may be asked to provide proof of most recent vaccinations) What flea/tick prevention is your pet using? When was it last administered? Is your dog house-trained? If not, how frequently will they need walks ? Are they able to be left out around the house unattended for any period of time? Is your dog crate trained? Do they sleep in the crate or can they sleep on one of the dog beds or couch? Does your dog take medication? If yes, please provide instructions. Are they allowed on furniture? (We allow our dogs on furniture, and we want to make sure we have your pets on the same routine they should expect when home with you) Do you have any care preferences that I haven't mentioned?
A typical day
Our home has a pretty spacious yard where we typically take the dogs to for potty breaks but also for some fetch or to let out some zoomies. Ali and Nina go out for walks 3-4 times a day with two of those walks being longer ones so that they can roam and get some exercise. Both Ali and Nina eat 2x a day, once at 7am and again at 6pm. Ali and Nina have plenty of chew toys and tend to play with each other when they're not napping, but we also take them to the dog park a few times a month and at least 2 longer walks when weather allows-we avoid the long walks on the sidewalks on really hot days stick with the dog park or other grass areas for walks on those occasions.
Location
Raleigh, NC
Pets
Melissa H.
South, NC