Melissa T.
Pico-Robertson, CA
Animal Activist with a Loving Heart
Pet care experience
**If you’re a new client, please read my profile in full before submitting a booking request (thank you! 💕)** My family always had a unique mixture of pets — from chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs to multiple dogs and cats, so my love for animals runs deep. As an adult, I've consistently had pets of my own and find great reward in giving back to animals, be it pet sitting, fostering, volunteering, or making regular contributions to animal rescues. For nearly 20 years I've enjoyed pet sitting - initially starting with friends + coworkers and now I have an amazing base of repeat clients on and off of Rover. DOG BOARDING - If you're a new client, I can't wait to meet you and your pup(s)! 👉 Please note: I do not accept last-minute requests if you’re a new client. I require at least one week advance booking to allow time for a meet & greet (you and your pup will meet me and my two dogs, and it's a great opportunity for your pooch to get acquainted with my space before their stay) - I do not host more than 2 doggy guests at a time (I have 2 dogs of my own as well, check out their profiles below ♡) - Your dog(s) MUST be housetrained (however, I totally understand accidents can happen. So if there's any chance your dog may have an accident in my home, please let me know upfront so I can be prepared to have wee wee pads, diapers and/or belly bands on hand) - Your dog(s) MUST be spayed or neutered - Your dog(s) MUST be current on flea medication - We are a pretty chill household and are most fitting for low to medium energy doggies (sorry high-energy pups!) - Dogs are allowed on my furniture and the bed (sharing is caring! ❤️) - I send one update a day during your dog’s stay with photos + videos, but you're always welcome to check in more often if you’d like! WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING FOR YOUR DOG'S STAY - Enough of your dog's food (bringing their food bowl is up to you! I have plenty of bowls to feed them in) - Leash and enough poop bags for your dog's stay 👉 For safety purposes, I suggest providing a harness for your dog's walks and having a name tag with contact info on your dog at all times - Your dog's bed if they're accustomed to relaxing and sleeping on it (No need to bring dog toys, I have a really fun selection for them to choose from here!)
Reviews
Melissa is the best! So good with the pups and takes the best photos for the cutest “pupdates”. So grateful to know Maggie is in great hands when we are out of town. Thank you again so so much!
Melissa was amazing to work with and gave our dog, Duncan, an amazing stay. We got regular updates, lots of great photos, and lots of great peace of mind during our week long trip. Highly recommend her!
Melissa was absolutely the best. She sent lots of updates and photos and genuinely cared for Louie while he was with her. I could see from the photos and when I picked him that he was truly happy on his own little vacation. I would definitely rebook another stay with Melissa. Thanks!
Melissa took great care of Cranberry. Thank you!
About Melissa T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I treat our doggy guests as if they are my own — when my dogs stay at their sitter, I always hope they're shown a ton of love and fun, and I absolutely do the same for pups I watch. I will follow any instructions you provide, no matter how simple or complex — I just ask that all care instructions be outlined on your dog's Rover profile, messaged to me through Rover, shared by text, or printed out for me to follow. It’s certainly not required or expected in any way, but tips are so very appreciated (especially considering Rover takes 20% of the stay price). If I’ve gone above and beyond or stand out from other dog sitters you’ve had, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a tip 🥰
Home
Information Melissa T. would like to know about your pet
- Does your dog have separation anxiety? If/when I do need to step out, I need to be cognizant of behaviors that could disturb neighbors (I live in an apartment building) or cause damage to my unit - Anything I should be on alert for during our walks around the neighborhood? (e.g. fear of garbage trucks, skateboards, children, cats...) - Does your dog have any food allergies I should be aware of? (in case I'm giving out yummy treats!) - Any signs of toy or food aggression? - Does your dog take any medication? I'm open to administering all types of medication, including injectables (I've had to give my pug Jerry allergy shots in the past)
A typical day
I have two dogs of my own, Benson and Jerry — they love having doggie guests, as do I! - Benson is 8 years old and loves a good play sesh; if your dog needs a buddy for fetch, we've got you covered. - Jerry is 14 years old and much more laid back in his senior years; if your dog needs a cuddle buddy to watch the days go by with, we've also got you covered.
Services
Melissa can host
Availability
I aim to be flexible with drop-off and pick-up times between 8am-9pm — please note: I do work full time from home so there may be days we have to work around my virtual meeting schedule. I strive to be home 100% of the time during your dog(s) stay, especially with new clients. Of course, there will be times I need to step out to walk other pups that may be boarding with us or run errands (and in that case, I prefer to host pups that do not exhibit severe separation anxiety). When I do leave the house, my WiFi cam is connected so I can check in and speak to the dogs remotely, if needed.
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About Melissa T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I treat our doggy guests as if they are my own — when my dogs stay at their sitter, I always hope they're shown a ton of love and fun, and I absolutely do the same for pups I watch. I will follow any instructions you provide, no matter how simple or complex — I just ask that all care instructions be outlined on your dog's Rover profile, messaged to me through Rover, shared by text, or printed out for me to follow. It’s certainly not required or expected in any way, but tips are so very appreciated (especially considering Rover takes 20% of the stay price). If I’ve gone above and beyond or stand out from other dog sitters you’ve had, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a tip 🥰
Home
Information Melissa T. would like to know about your pet
- Does your dog have separation anxiety? If/when I do need to step out, I need to be cognizant of behaviors that could disturb neighbors (I live in an apartment building) or cause damage to my unit - Anything I should be on alert for during our walks around the neighborhood? (e.g. fear of garbage trucks, skateboards, children, cats...) - Does your dog have any food allergies I should be aware of? (in case I'm giving out yummy treats!) - Any signs of toy or food aggression? - Does your dog take any medication? I'm open to administering all types of medication, including injectables (I've had to give my pug Jerry allergy shots in the past)
A typical day
I have two dogs of my own, Benson and Jerry — they love having doggie guests, as do I! - Benson is 8 years old and loves a good play sesh; if your dog needs a buddy for fetch, we've got you covered. - Jerry is 14 years old and much more laid back in his senior years; if your dog needs a cuddle buddy to watch the days go by with, we've also got you covered.
Location
Los Angeles, CA
Pets
Melissa T.
Pico-Robertson, CA