Melissa L.
Studio City, CA
Around full-time for your dog
Pet care experience
*IF IT’S HELPFUL WE ARE A COVID-19 VACCINATED HOUSEHOLD 🙂* ABOUT ME AND MY DOG: Hi! I have been a dog walker and sitter for 15+ years. I've worked with many breeds, dog personalities and special needs. In 2019, I adopted a dog of my own. Elmo is an 11 year old Lhasa/Dandie mix. He is the host with the most 🐶 and good with other pups. He doesn’t play much, but he’s an excellent nap time buddy. He may even let your baby cuddle up with him if they become pals. His calm energy is reassuring and often puts first-time furry guests at ease. (I only accept requests from owners with friendly pups that get along with my dog, so I typically suggest a meet and greet first to see if your baby and my baby are a good fit.) WHAT TO EXPECT: My full-time job offers the flexibility to be around for your pet whether for doggy day care or boarding. That means that your pup is rarely left alone, giving you peace of mind if you're working or taking a much-needed vacation. I usually only watch one dog (or dogs from the same household if they have more than one) at a time from a single family (exceptions may apply if, say, two friends go on the same vacation and need their friendly dogs from their separate households boarded together). I can accommodate any need. Does your pup need exercise? I enjoy walking and it's an even better experience when you do it alongside a cheerful pup. Is your fur baby a sleeping beauty? Great! I have plenty of puppy beds and couch space for them to choose from. If you choose me and my Elmo 🐶, rest easy knowing you’ll get updates and photos about your baby throughout the day. I look forward to getting to know your dog. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. MY RATE: For context, what is factored into my rate is the amount of walks/potty times your dog gets throughout the day (4), the fact that your dog gets lots of attention since I only take one dog at a time (and not several) and being around 24/7 for your pup and their needs. My rate is set for quality care and not quantity. Rest easy knowing your pup will get be in great and caring hands. Please check out my reviews to learn more about the quality of experience your pup will have in my care. Thank you for considering me and my dog as hosts for your baby. *FLEXIBLE COVID-19 CANCELLATION POLICY* (If you get sick or are exposed to COVID-19 and have to cancel your plans, I keep a flexible cancellation policy. Read terms for more information.)
Reviews
Melissa is the best dog sitter! I am so very grateful that I can leave Moby with her and not worry about him at all. Moby adores her & Elmo!! 💗💗
I am so grateful for Melissa’a amazing care of our dog, Moby! He enjoyed his stay with Melissa & Elmo. We hope Moby can stay with her any time we go out of town. Thanks a million!!!! ?
Melissa is a very accommodating, trustworthy, and caring sitter! Our pup, Kiwi, was recently injured and has activity limitations, so we were specifically looking for someone who is patient, understanding, and willing to work with her restrictions. This was our first time leaving Kiwi with a sitter and even though she had a hard time with separation anxiety, Melissa was able to help Kiwi relax with hugs, treats, and walks. Kiwi also got along with Melissa’s sweet pup, Elmo, who is incredibly calm, well behaved, and a great role model for Kiwi. It’s safe to say we completely trust Melissa with the care of our pup. We received updates, photos, and videos, all of which we very much appreciated! Thank you, Melissa!
Melissa did an amazing job taking care of my dog and checked in regularly with feedback and photos. It's hard to find a sitter you trust, but I can recommend Melissa 100%.
About Melissa L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
SAFETY: A gate keeps them away from the front door and stairs. I also keep doors closed when upstairs. I’m used to having my dog, so we’re always cautious. I also live down the street from a great vet (my Elmo goes there), so if God forbid there is ever an emergency, it’s close within reach and they are open every day. Thankfully, I’ve never had to use it for any guests and I hope it stays that way!
Home
Information Melissa L. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know: -About your dog's history -Whether your pup gets along with other pups (I have a dog of my own) -Whether your dog is okay with being picked up -What they like/don’t like -If they are food/toy aggressive -If they have allergies -If they have special needs Does your dog have a hard time trusting humans? Are they a rescue or have they been abused in the past? I can work with that. It helps to know their past so that I'm aware of any triggers and can approach them differently. It will make their stay more pleasant when I can bond with them in a way that feels comfortable for them. Is your pup okay with being picked up? I have stairs (I also have a gate to keep him or her safe). If your dog is big enough and strong enough to take the stairs, it's not a factor. If your pup is an oldie but goodie or has short legs, I can pick them up to take them up and down the stairs. Are they a rescue? Do they have a hard time trusting? Sometimes we have to work up to the trust so that I can pick them up. I've managed to do this with other pups who don't trust easily. Can your dog be left alone for a few hours? If they can't, I can work with that too (depending on the request). I am home most of the time when your pup is in my care, but depending on the length of their stay, I may need to leave to go to the grocery store, a dinner or other task that takes a few hours. It helps to know what your dog is comfortable with in their everyday routine.
A typical day
We will walk and play! I have a box of toys that is a favorite among the pups. If your baby is a cuddler, I’ll also take cuddle breaks throughout the day.
Services
Melissa can host
Availability
OUR SCHEDULE: I can work from home and I care for my pup daily, so I’m used to food, quality time and walking schedules at home.
About Melissa L.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
SAFETY: A gate keeps them away from the front door and stairs. I also keep doors closed when upstairs. I’m used to having my dog, so we’re always cautious. I also live down the street from a great vet (my Elmo goes there), so if God forbid there is ever an emergency, it’s close within reach and they are open every day. Thankfully, I’ve never had to use it for any guests and I hope it stays that way!
Home
Information Melissa L. would like to know about your pet
I would like to know: -About your dog's history -Whether your pup gets along with other pups (I have a dog of my own) -Whether your dog is okay with being picked up -What they like/don’t like -If they are food/toy aggressive -If they have allergies -If they have special needs Does your dog have a hard time trusting humans? Are they a rescue or have they been abused in the past? I can work with that. It helps to know their past so that I'm aware of any triggers and can approach them differently. It will make their stay more pleasant when I can bond with them in a way that feels comfortable for them. Is your pup okay with being picked up? I have stairs (I also have a gate to keep him or her safe). If your dog is big enough and strong enough to take the stairs, it's not a factor. If your pup is an oldie but goodie or has short legs, I can pick them up to take them up and down the stairs. Are they a rescue? Do they have a hard time trusting? Sometimes we have to work up to the trust so that I can pick them up. I've managed to do this with other pups who don't trust easily. Can your dog be left alone for a few hours? If they can't, I can work with that too (depending on the request). I am home most of the time when your pup is in my care, but depending on the length of their stay, I may need to leave to go to the grocery store, a dinner or other task that takes a few hours. It helps to know what your dog is comfortable with in their everyday routine.
A typical day
We will walk and play! I have a box of toys that is a favorite among the pups. If your baby is a cuddler, I’ll also take cuddle breaks throughout the day.
Location
Sherman Oaks, CA
Pets
Melissa L.
Studio City, CA