Melissa T.
Monterey, CA
Canine Feline Equine Exotic Aquatic
Pet care experience
I speak fluent animal. 💚 I love all animals, and have knowledge and experience with more creatures than I can possibly list here! I have been called the horse, dog, cat, and chicken whisperer. I’ve cared for and trained exotics, domestics, and livestock of all kinds. Cockapoos to cockatoos, kittens to koi, show horses to show dogs, my experience is wide and varied. Dogs and horses have always been a part of my life, and with that foundation I have been blessed to get along great with all creatures. I had my first housesitting job at 9, for my neighbors, and I’ve been doing it ever since! I've owned, trained, cared for and rescued many different domestic and wild species: dogs, cats, horses, birds, fresh/saltwater fish, lizards, rodents, llamas, goats... the list goes on! I would love to take care of your animal family and give them the quality attention they deserve to make your time apart fly by!
Reviews
Melissa is very knowledgeable of animal behavior and training. She gave Lucy lots of attention and took excellent care of her. We we were pleased to receive messages and photos. Our home was neat and tidy when we returned. We highly recommend Melissa and would call on her again. Sincerely Shelly and Rich
Melissa was so helpful and extended her stay for house sitting. She is very knowledgeable about pets, took great care of our elderly pit bull symphony and kept us informed with any updates. She left the house in tip top condition and went above to add special touches. I highly recommend her!
Melissa was great! Easy to communicate with and very laid back. Thank you Melissa!
Melissa stayed almost a month in our home caring for our 2 dogs and 1 cat. The dogs loved her! (Hard to tell what the cat thought since she is a cat.) The house was spotless on our return and all 3 animals looked well cared for, calm and content.
About Melissa T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I care for my clients pets as if they are my own (spoiled!) and I always leave a clients home cleaner than I found it. I know there’s nothing better than coming home to a clean house and happy animals 😊
Information Melissa T. would like to know about your pet
I typically like to meet the dog first with the owner present and interacting with me and the dog before taking them on in my home. It's an opportunity to assess the dog's personality, and discuss any special needs the dog may have. Do they have special feeding needs or a schedule? How often do you typically take them out? How are they with car rides? Are they housebroken? I usually come to your home for this or have you bring her to mine. I don't have a breed preference, but I would want to know any behavior issues or habits to be aware of. I'd want to know what the dog enjoys for playtime, and any health concerns. I'd want to know any training that was in progress or what needed work, so I could keep consistency with what you are teaching them. Perhaps even teach them something new!
A typical day
Training: I've trained and been around most types of dogs, from teacup to (is that a horse!?) large breed. I also train horses, my cat, and even my friends (don't tell them, though!). If you'd like me to work with your dog, or cat, or horses, I'm happy to! Just ask me for details when you book your stay. Grooming: I can also offer basic grooming services. Bathing with a shampoo tailored to their skin needs, a good brush out, or nail filing. I have a professional groomer available by appointment as well, or if you have a preferred groomer, I can take them there.
Services
Melissa can watch in your home
Availability
I’m a full-time student, and my classes are predominantly remote (online) for the time being. My schedule is pretty flexible. I can travel anywhere in and around the Monterey Peninsula, Seaside, Carmel Valley, and Monterey Bay Area. I am available to travel further for longer term stays, so just ask! I’ve watched people’s homes all over California, remote to urban.
About Melissa T.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I care for my clients pets as if they are my own (spoiled!) and I always leave a clients home cleaner than I found it. I know there’s nothing better than coming home to a clean house and happy animals 😊
Information Melissa T. would like to know about your pet
I typically like to meet the dog first with the owner present and interacting with me and the dog before taking them on in my home. It's an opportunity to assess the dog's personality, and discuss any special needs the dog may have. Do they have special feeding needs or a schedule? How often do you typically take them out? How are they with car rides? Are they housebroken? I usually come to your home for this or have you bring her to mine. I don't have a breed preference, but I would want to know any behavior issues or habits to be aware of. I'd want to know what the dog enjoys for playtime, and any health concerns. I'd want to know any training that was in progress or what needed work, so I could keep consistency with what you are teaching them. Perhaps even teach them something new!
A typical day
Training: I've trained and been around most types of dogs, from teacup to (is that a horse!?) large breed. I also train horses, my cat, and even my friends (don't tell them, though!). If you'd like me to work with your dog, or cat, or horses, I'm happy to! Just ask me for details when you book your stay. Grooming: I can also offer basic grooming services. Bathing with a shampoo tailored to their skin needs, a good brush out, or nail filing. I have a professional groomer available by appointment as well, or if you have a preferred groomer, I can take them there.
Location
Monterey, CA
Pets
Melissa T.
Monterey, CA