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Melissa Z.

Cathedral Park, Portland, OR

5.0 out of 5 stars
33 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices may vary based on your selections. A booking fee of 11% will apply.

Melissa can look after

Cats
0 to 15 lbs
Dogs over 1 year old

Availability

I have an open schedule, allowing me to provide flexible pet care that fits your needs. Whether it’s daily walks, playtime, or simply keeping your pets company, I’m here to ensure they receive the attention and care they deserve. I can adjust my availability to accommodate your routine, making it easy for you to feel confident in the care your pets will receive.

Available
Not available
MTWTFSS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Melissa Z.

Communication

11 repeat pet owners
88% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

20 years of experience

Safety, trust & environment

While providing pet care in a client’s home, safety and comfort are my top priorities. I ensure a welcoming and secure environment where pets feel at ease. I carefully follow the client’s routines and instructions to maintain consistency for their pets, helping them feel comfortable in their own space. I pay special attention to cleanliness, particularly in areas like litter boxes, to create a hygienic environment for the pets. I take the time to get to know each pet’s individual needs, ensuring they receive the attention and care they require. Building trust is essential, so I prioritize clear communication with pet parents. By being attentive, respectful, and caring, I aim to provide a positive and nurturing experience for every furry friend in my care.

Information Melissa Z. would like to know about your pet

Before caring for a pet, I like to know as much as possible to ensure they feel comfortable and secure while their owner is away. It’s important to know their routine, energy level, and favorite activities, as well as any quirks or triggers they might have. I also appreciate details about their feeding schedule, medication needs (if any), and how they typically behave around new people or other animals. Understanding their comfort level with walks, car rides, and different environments helps me provide the best care possible. Most importantly, I want to know what makes them happiest so I can make their time with me as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!

A typical day

A typical day with me as a pet sitter is all about ensuring pets feel happy, safe, and loved while their owners are away. I tailor each day to the pet’s needs, whether that means plenty of playtime, belly rubs, or a relaxing walk in their favorite spot. For energetic dogs, we’ll go on walks, play fetch, or engage in interactive games to keep them active and entertained. If a pet prefers a slower pace, I’ll provide gentle companionship, enrichment activities, and lots of affection. I also love incorporating mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or training reinforcement, to keep pets engaged. No matter their personality, every pet in my care gets individual attention, love, and plenty of cuddles (if they want them)!

Location

Portland, OR

Melissa Z.'s Local Area

Pets

Caring Cat Enthusiast Ready to Help

Pet care experience

Hello! I’m Melissa, a lifelong cat lover with extensive experience caring for feline friends. I’ve lived with cats all my life (except during college—definitely not by choice!). I cherish each cat I meet and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. Caring for your furbaby would be a rewarding experience for me! I currently share my home with my tabby, Fili, whom I've had for over 9 years and who requires a special diet. Growing up, I also cared for a tabby who lived to be 21 years old, giving me experience with both young and senior cats. I'm sensitive to the needs of kitties requiring special diets or treatments. I understand that some cats can be shy or intimidated by strangers in their territory, and I’m here to provide a calm and reassuring presence. Playful bites or scratches don’t faze me; I know that’s just part of their personality! In addition to my cat care experience, I’m also eager to start caring for dogs. I absolutely love dogs and am excited to expand my pet care services! Thank you for considering me as your cat sitter—I can't wait to meet your kitty (or pup) soon!

Cat care experience

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Experienced, Loving Cat Caretaker

Melissa also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Reviews

Drew l.
House Sitting • März 28, 2026
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Amazing!

Cameron S.
Drop-In Visits • März 15, 2026
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Thanks for taking such great care of our kitties! Melissa was so sweet, communicative, and left the best reports/photos for us to look at.

Jess N.
House Sitting • März 01, 2026
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Melissa. Was. Perfect. From the moment we left, we felt completely at ease. Even though we were only gone for two days, she instantly understood and captured the unique personalities of our two dogs and our cat. The tons of pictures and regular updates meant everything to us — it truly felt like we were right there with them. Melissa is warm, friendly, and incredibly flexible. She made the entire experience stress-free, and that peace of mind is priceless. We came home to happy, well-cared-for pups and a very content kitty, and couldn’t be more grateful. We would 100% request her again — especially for longer trips — with zero hesitation and complete confidence. She’s simply the best

Susan S.
Drop-In Visits • Dez. 16, 2025
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Melissa was very conscientious and easy to work with, highly recommended.

About Melissa Z.

Communication

11 repeat pet owners
88% response rate
Usually responds within a few hours
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards

Skills

20 years of experience

Safety, trust & environment

While providing pet care in a client’s home, safety and comfort are my top priorities. I ensure a welcoming and secure environment where pets feel at ease. I carefully follow the client’s routines and instructions to maintain consistency for their pets, helping them feel comfortable in their own space. I pay special attention to cleanliness, particularly in areas like litter boxes, to create a hygienic environment for the pets. I take the time to get to know each pet’s individual needs, ensuring they receive the attention and care they require. Building trust is essential, so I prioritize clear communication with pet parents. By being attentive, respectful, and caring, I aim to provide a positive and nurturing experience for every furry friend in my care.

Information Melissa Z. would like to know about your pet

Before caring for a pet, I like to know as much as possible to ensure they feel comfortable and secure while their owner is away. It’s important to know their routine, energy level, and favorite activities, as well as any quirks or triggers they might have. I also appreciate details about their feeding schedule, medication needs (if any), and how they typically behave around new people or other animals. Understanding their comfort level with walks, car rides, and different environments helps me provide the best care possible. Most importantly, I want to know what makes them happiest so I can make their time with me as stress-free and enjoyable as possible!

A typical day

A typical day with me as a pet sitter is all about ensuring pets feel happy, safe, and loved while their owners are away. I tailor each day to the pet’s needs, whether that means plenty of playtime, belly rubs, or a relaxing walk in their favorite spot. For energetic dogs, we’ll go on walks, play fetch, or engage in interactive games to keep them active and entertained. If a pet prefers a slower pace, I’ll provide gentle companionship, enrichment activities, and lots of affection. I also love incorporating mental stimulation, like puzzle toys or training reinforcement, to keep pets engaged. No matter their personality, every pet in my care gets individual attention, love, and plenty of cuddles (if they want them)!

Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass an identity verification. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support and reimbursement for eligible vet care.
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Verified Enhanced Background Check
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Verified Enhanced Background Check

Melissa Z.

Cathedral Park, Portland, OR

5.0 out of 5 stars
33 reviews