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Melissa U.

4.9 out of 5 stars
140 repeat clients
Profile image

Melissa U.

4.9 out of 5 stars
140 repeat clients

Contact for Drop-In Visits

from $20 per visit

Highlights

Melissa has Star Sitter status!
Basic background check
10 years of experience
Can administer medication
Special needs experience
Senior dog experience

Pet care experience

Insulin & Special Needs Experience

Hurricane season is June 1-November 30th with the majority of storms from mid-August to late October. If you require services during this time, it is mandatory that you have a backup care evacuation plan; I recommend boarding with your vet because they have the means to transport and/or shelter your pet should evacuation become mandatory. During this time I can transport your pet(s) to your backup location, but unfortunately I CANNOT take them with me for evacuation. I've had pets for most of my life, though only started caring for them around 9 or 10. Since then I've taken care of my own dogs as well as those of neighbors who have gone away. I've also volunteered for many years at animal shelters taking care of both cats and dogs. I began my journey with Rover in October of 2015. I welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and needs though I do specialize in large breed, special need, and senior care. I’ve worked with animals as old as 22 years to as young as 9 weeks. I currently own an American Staffordshire, and before that owned a Great Dane, so I’m very comfortable with Large and Giant breeds. A majority of my clientele are special needs such as blindness, deafness, heat prone, long-term prescribed medications, insulin dependency, and incontinence. I am skilled in giving oral, suppository, topical, and injected medications. I book on a first come, first served basis. Your dates cannot be held until we both confirm on Rover. I require a meet and greet with every new client, for the safety of both parties. All walks and drop-ins are 30 minute appointments unless discussed and agreed upon otherwise. In the case of inclement weather (such as extreme heat, rain, or cold) outside time will be kept to 10-15 minutes and the other 15-20 minutes of the appointment will be used for playing, feeding, or whatever else your pet may need. I WILL walk in the rain if your pet likes or wants to, no matter how hard it’s raining; this is Florida and I’m very used to it haha. I don’t use an umbrella because I find them cumbersome while juggling a dog and poop bags, so I just ask that you have a towel available so I can dry off your furry friend when we get home. Not potty trained puppies are $75-100 per night depending on severity (this price is not listed in my services as it’s not a common need). Some personal facts: I have an 9yo dog and a 6yo step-dog, a Scottish Terrier. My husband is also a sitter on Rover UK. I finished school at Southern New Hampshire University with an AA in Liberal Arts. I pet sit full time again, after a partial closure due to Covid. I’m also a makeup artist and pet enrichment toy creator. A lot of my clients also refer to me as the dog whisperer because I can (almost) always get a photo of your dog smiling!

Qualifications

140 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in a few minutes
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
10 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Injected medication administration

Pets

Safety, trust & environment

We will discuss all of your pets needs and habits to make sure they are safe and adequately cared for while you are away. All stays include a free meet and greet, as well as pictures and multiple daily updates.

Ratings and reviews

4.9
stars
342 ratings
Chris C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jul 14, 2026

The best in the business. The peace of mind I have knowing Melissa is watching after my cat is indescribable. Very very much appreciated

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Renee C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • Jul 10, 2026

Melissa is fantastic. She took amazing care of all 3 of our dogs including two elderly dogs with some special needs. All 3 absolutely loved her. She sent great pictures and kept us updated every day. Thank you so much Melissa!!!

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Nina G.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Jul 05, 2026

Every time we go away I know Melissa is here taking such good care of our kitties. I highly recommend her.

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Sandra C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
House Sitting • May 13, 2026

Melissa was amazing while we were out of town! Our pups need eyedrops twice a day and she notified us after every dose so that we knew they were staying on schedule. Loved the frequent photos and updates! Our return flight was majorly delayed and she was so helpful through that as well! We will absolutely use her services in the future!

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Sara V.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • May 11, 2026

Melissa is reliable and has great communication, we’ve used her every time we’ve went out of town and we are confident that our high maintenance kitties are always cared for while we’re away.

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Chris C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Apr 13, 2026

Incredible feedback/communication. Pics each day. My cat came out of her shell and made a new friend! Amazing peace of mind. Will definitely book with Melissa again in the future. Thanks!!

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Calendar and availability

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
SMTWTFS

Schedule

Hours of operation are as follows: ⭐️ Monday-Saturday: 8A-9P ⭐️ Sunday: CLOSED I am closed Sundays for single visits and meets. Stays including a Sunday will still receive service.

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
over 101 lbs
Melissa can host up to 4 drop-ins per day
I have no breed preferences. I would like to know if they're house trained and if they have a tendency to bite/attack new people, especially if I need to administer an oral medication. If you have a schedule for them, I'd like to know that as well, also if you have treats and if I have permission to give them. I would also like to know if your neighborhood has sidewalks, and if not, if there’s a designated area to take your dog(s).
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.