Melissa L.
Melissa L.
Highlights
Pet care experience
Gentle care for your best friend.
As of January 2026, I have four years of experience as a dedicated Rover sitter and a lifetime of personal pet ownership. My background includes extensive hands-on experience through regular volunteering at the Taylor Animal Shelter and Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit in Dearborn. I am a lifelong animal lover who treats every guest with the same care as my own. My personal pack includes a 6-year-old Siberian Husky, a 2-year-old Pit Mix, and a 2-year-old Mini Aussie [1]. My dogs are well-socialized and friendly; while my Mini Aussie sometimes prefers a little space from larger breeds, they all generally coexist beautifully with new friends. My Home & Services: • Space: A large, fully fenced-in yard perfect for play. • Companionship: Your pet will have my three friendly dogs and my animal-loving 8-year-old to keep them company. • Safety & Customization: I am happy to accommodate crating needs or use a leash in the yard if that is your preference. • Philosophy: I understand that every animal has a unique personality. While not every pet hits it off immediately, I am committed to providing a patient, loving environment to ensure they feel at home. Availability (2026): • Monday – Friday: Available after 3:30 PM for walks, potty breaks, and drop-in visits. If I am boarding or doing in home sits please know I do work outside the home 7:30am to 3:30pm I do have a family member who lets them out if needed mid-day while I am at work. • Weekends: Fully open for all-day care, walks, and drop-ins. I look forward to treating your fur baby like a member of my own family!
Cat care experience
Melissa also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
This was my first time using this service, my first time leaving my baby for this long, and Melissa put me at ease. She took care of my cat Roary like he was her own. It was evident from the pictures and videos that he was being well pampered and looked after. Outside of caring for him, she even brought a package in for me and vacuumed my home. I would rebook with her in a heartbeat.
We travel quite a bit and this was our third time using Melissa within four months and we have since rebooked for our wedding next month. Melissa always arrives when she says and stays in constant communication throughout the stay. We will definitely continue to book with her!
Great overall experience. Communication. Photos. Everything was great. I’m pretty sure she left the house cleaner than when she got there. Thank you again. Couldn’t recommend high enough.
Melissa is great and commuicates well. She takes great care of my boys.
Outstanding. Will be using again.
Melissa was great and took good care of our cat while we were gone. We will definitely book her again!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
Availability (2026): • Monday – Friday: Available after 3:30 PM for walks, potty breaks, and drop-in visits. If I am boarding or doing in home sits please know I do work outside the home 7:30am to 3:30pm I do have a family member who lets them out if needed mid-day while I am at work. • Weekends: Fully open for all-day care, walks, and drop-ins.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I have a huge fenced yard and three friendly dogs as well as an 8 year old to keep your fur-baby occupied. Lot of toys, water fun and a leash outside if needed. Inside my home i have baby gates to separate in case anyone needs a break, dog bed, toys and crates if needed. In home sittings I keep to the pet parents wishes of how they run things.
Pets
A typical day
A typical day for your pet is designed around their specific energy levels and personality, blending structured care with plenty of fun. A Typical Day (2026 Schedule) Morning (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM): While I am at work, your pet will enjoy a peaceful morning in a safe, familiar environment. For boarding guests, I try to keep things as the owner does at home. Mid-day they will get a potty & water break. Late Afternoon (After 3:30 PM): The real fun begins! I focus on physical exercise and potty breaks. We’ll spend time in the yard for supervised play or head out for a neighborhood walk. Evening: This is dedicated to "calm enrichment"—cuddles, grooming, and mental games to help everyone wind down for the night. Weekends: My schedule is wide open for "Doggy Day Out" style adventures, including longer walks, local park visits, and extended playtime. Fun Activities Your Pet Will Enjoy Backyard Enrichment: We make the most of my large fenced yard with games of fetch, frisbee, or even "bobbing for treats" in a kiddie pool on warm days. Mental Challenges: I use puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, and "hide-and-seek" with treats to keep their minds sharp and reduce anxiety. Social Play: Your pet will have built-in playmates with my Siberian Husky, Pit Mix, and Mini Aussie. I supervise all interactions to ensure every dog feels safe and happy. Cat-Specific Fun: For my feline guests, I focus on the "prey sequence"—using wand toys for stalking and pouncing before mealtime to satisfy their natural instincts. Special Touches: With owner permission, we love to end a great day with a "pup cup" or a specialized frozen treat.
- 0 to 15 lbs16 to 40 lbs41 to 100 lbsover 101 lbsNo females in heatCrate-trained dogs onlyMelissa can host up to 3 pets per night
- To ensure the safest and most enjoyable experience for your pet in 2026, please share the following details during our initial meet-and-greet: Health & Safety Medical Needs: Please list any allergies, required medications (including dosages and administration tips), or existing physical conditions I should monitor. Vaccination Status: For the safety of my pack and yours, please confirm your pet is up to date on core vaccinations and flea/tick prevention. Emergency Contact: Provide the name of your preferred veterinarian and an emergency contact person if you are unavailable. Behavior & Personality Triggers: Does your pet have specific fears (e.g., thunder, vacuum cleaners, or cyclists)? Knowing what makes them nervous helps me keep them calm. Social Preferences: While my three dogs are friendly, I need to know how your pet typically reacts to high-energy dogs (like my Husky) or dogs that need space (like my Mini Aussie). Leash Manners: Let me know if your dog is a "puller" or if they have reactive tendencies toward other animals while on walks. Daily Routine Feeding Schedule: Provide specific meal times and portion sizes, as well as any "human foods" or treats that are strictly off-limits. Crate Training: Please confirm if your pet is crate-trained or if they prefer a specific sleeping arrangement at night. Energy Level: Is your pet a "couch potato" who prefers snuggles, or an athlete who needs multiple high-intensity play sessions per day? For Cats Hiding Spots: Does your cat have a favorite "safe space" when they are in a new environment? Handling Preferences: Are they okay with being picked up, or do they prefer to approach people on their own terms?