Melissa M.
Melissa M.
Contact for Boarding
from $60 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
Vet Tech & Certified Dog Trainer
With a decade of veterinary technician experience followed by six years as a certified professional dog trainer, I bring a level of knowledge to pet care that goes well beyond the average sitter. I'm CPDT-KA certified, Fear Free professional, and deeply familiar with medical needs, special care requirements, and dogs of all temperaments including anxious, shy, and sensitive dogs. When your dog stays with me they have access to a fully fenced yard, a dog door for independent comings and goings, daily enrichment activities, and a calm home environment supported by Adaptil calming pheromone diffusers. I'm home all day, so your dog is never left alone wondering where their people went. My main goal is simple: every dog that comes through my door feels safe and comfortable. I know how hard it is to leave a family member, and I take the time to learn what each dog enjoys and what helps them feel at ease. You're not just dropping your dog off with a sitter. You're leaving them with someone who genuinely understands them, medically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
Gus was in the best of care! He really enjoyed his stay with Melissa, and we were very pleased with the care provided, the pictures, etc. will definitely continue to contact her for future visits!
Awesome care of our dog, Would love to have her watch our dog again in the future
Melissa and her family were such a great place for Harper. She was able to spend time outside and off leash, as well as cozy up to the boys on the sofa - all of her favorite things.
Had a tough experience with a medical emergency for one of our dogs, Melissa handled it perfectly and communicated well. Highly recommend.
Our 1.5yr old puppy, Birdie, was in the very best hands with Melissa during a recent boarding! Melissa is thorough in her intake, noting Birdie's food allergies and current schedule, and is warm and gentle in helping pups acclimate to a new environment. Melissa maintained Birdie's schedule, giving her plenty of outdoor and play time, and administered Birdie's medication, giving us peace of mind to focus on family. We enjoyed the handful of photos Melissa sent along the way and always appreciate her responsive communication. Melissa is deeply professional and the most thorough and warm caretaker and our expectations are always surpassed when Birdie is with Melissa!
We found Melissa as we were looking to get our 2 German Shepherd sister pups trained. We were so impressed with her right from the initial consult and our girls Luna and Iris just loved her. At the time we enrolled both girls in her stay and train program. She didn’t just train the pups, she teaches you as well. We also used her for boarding on multiple occasions. She is fantastic. We are so grateful that she is part of our girls lives. We can not speak highly enough of her and her abilities.
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I'm home the vast majority of the day and structure my routine around the dogs in my care. I'm available any day of the week and take no more than three dogs at a time to ensure every guest gets individualized attention. Short errands aside, your dog will rarely be without company, and never for long.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
Your dog's safety and comfort are my top priorities. My home features a large fully fenced yard with a privacy fence and a dog door, which is a wonderful bonus for dogs who can safely enjoy independent outdoor time at their own pace. For dogs who need closer supervision outside, the dog door can easily be closed off so every dog's individual needs are always respected. I use Adaptil calming pheromone diffusers throughout the home to create a low stress environment from the moment they arrive. Your dog will also have the company of my Rough Coat Collie Maverick, who has been my training partner and helped me raise puppies since he was six months old. He has a gentle, easy nature with other dogs and a gift for helping new guests feel at home. I have crates in all sizes available and can easily section off separate areas of the home when a dog needs extra space or quiet time to decompress. I never force crating unless it is medically necessary or already part of your dog's current training and comfort level. Every dog is treated as an individual here. With my background as a veterinary technician and certified dog trainer I'm also equipped to recognize and respond to both medical and behavioral needs, giving you peace of mind while you're away.
Pets
A typical day
We are very outdoorsy and love spending a lot of time with the dogs in the backyard. We routinely set up the agility course and doggie pools, and provide plenty of feeding-enrichment toys as needed. We enjoy hiking with the dogs, weather permitting, and are happy to bring your furry friend along.