Melissa I.
Hamilton, ON
4-legged Friend Finder
Pet care experience
I am an animal lover through and through where I find deep connections with 4-legged friends. I am a passionate vegan who has given up a retail career to focus on my love for animal care/welfare. I am a weekly volunteer at the 'Hamilton/Burlington SPCA' as a Cat Kennel Assistant. On-top of that, I am a casual Transport Volunteer with 'Bark at the Moon Animal Rescue' where I help with vet visits, donation pickups, and initial intakes from other countries. My whole life has been spent living with and caring for animals of all sizes, breeds, temperaments, and species (dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, turtles, fish, horses). I currently live with 2 rescue dogs (Large & Medium) named Isaac and Emma. I have completed online training which consisted of a balanced approach - reward based with fair corrections as needed. I still currently partake in online courses to enhance my overall skill set when handling different temperaments and behavioural issues. I have experience dealing with reactivity with one of my current dogs; I understand how to navigate triggers and stay within the their threshold for overall mental health. I have been walking dogs professionally since the end of October 2023. I now service 7 regular clients weekly but take check-ins and sitting stays with new clients. My priority is the safety and well-being of your 4-legged (or 3-legged, etc.) friends and the public which surrounds us.
Reviews
Melissa was fantastic with our pup. We really appreciated the daily updates. She clearly cares a lot about our dog and was so considerate of his needs. I’m sure he had a fantastic week!
Melissa did such a great job in caring for our 3 kitties. We are very happy with the level of care and love she showed in caring for them. She even left a gift bag of toys and goodies for them!
Melissa is truly the most gentle, positive and loving soul. My dogs adore her, especially my sweet boy who loves her like she is family. She is always punctual, energetic and authentically happy to spend time with our fur family members!!
Melissa is energetic, intelligent and kind. What a beautiful soul. We were privileged to have her watch our 3 family members, all with different needs. She adapts so easily. Love her! Great person.
About Melissa I.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am a very caring and compassionate person. I love spending time with animals whether that is in a yard playing ball, going on a hike, cuddling on a couch, or flinging around a flirt pole for a cat friend. I treat all animals as if they were my family. I enjoy making special treats with the best ingredients or preparing frozen kongs for mental enrichment. Health and safety is my #1 priority regardless of location and species. When providing a sitting stay at a clients home, I take care of it like it was my own. Respecting the house rules at all times and cleaning up after myself is always my priority along with caring for the needs of all animals it holds. I like to keep all routines the same to ensure the best experience for your furry babies in your absence.
Information Melissa I. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your 4-legged has any special requirements, specifically behavioural issues, triggers, dislikes and likes. Knowing their current routine (feeding times, medications, allergies, exercise requirements, how long they can be left alone), is also a must as I try to stick to that as much as possible when they are in my care. I do my best to ensure they have a great time and get lots of love when they are away from their family.
A typical day
I enjoy taking dogs on "sniffaries" where they can fully engage with their environment. I let them lead as long as it is safe, and they do not eat anything they shouldn't. If they are more active, I love throwing a ball or frisbee! A game of tug is always on the menu. If you are a cat friend we can play with toys, flirt poles, or a cardboard box! I love using lick mats, kongs, treat dispensing toys etc. for mental and physical enrichment. A good hike is always welcome. Cuddling is essential, unless they do not like it, then that’s ok!
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
Currently, my mornings are pretty full with recurring clients and volunteer work, but some afternoons are open to take on new clients for walks/check-ins or one time services. I do not accept recurring services on weekends but will on the occasion a client is in need of one. I can accept 2 sitting stays a month, no more than 1 week, as I have 2 dogs of my own that want their momma home, plus a husband too! :)
About Melissa I.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I am a very caring and compassionate person. I love spending time with animals whether that is in a yard playing ball, going on a hike, cuddling on a couch, or flinging around a flirt pole for a cat friend. I treat all animals as if they were my family. I enjoy making special treats with the best ingredients or preparing frozen kongs for mental enrichment. Health and safety is my #1 priority regardless of location and species. When providing a sitting stay at a clients home, I take care of it like it was my own. Respecting the house rules at all times and cleaning up after myself is always my priority along with caring for the needs of all animals it holds. I like to keep all routines the same to ensure the best experience for your furry babies in your absence.
Information Melissa I. would like to know about your pet
Please let me know if your 4-legged has any special requirements, specifically behavioural issues, triggers, dislikes and likes. Knowing their current routine (feeding times, medications, allergies, exercise requirements, how long they can be left alone), is also a must as I try to stick to that as much as possible when they are in my care. I do my best to ensure they have a great time and get lots of love when they are away from their family.
A typical day
I enjoy taking dogs on "sniffaries" where they can fully engage with their environment. I let them lead as long as it is safe, and they do not eat anything they shouldn't. If they are more active, I love throwing a ball or frisbee! A game of tug is always on the menu. If you are a cat friend we can play with toys, flirt poles, or a cardboard box! I love using lick mats, kongs, treat dispensing toys etc. for mental and physical enrichment. A good hike is always welcome. Cuddling is essential, unless they do not like it, then that’s ok!
Location
Hamilton, ON
Pets
Melissa I.
Hamilton, ON