Hi, my name is Melissa and I have owned a dog for 11 years (he passed away in 2010) he was a Staffordshire/ lab mix. Now after volunteering at a no kill shelter in Etobicoke (from November 2014 to present) I adopted two sets of bonded cats two girls and two boys.The boys were at the shelter for over two years one needed meds and sprayed off and on. I fell in love with them and adopted them. I became a surrender coordinator at this shelter and helped a couple surrender two bonded cats they found on the streets. These girls (either, mother /daughter OR sisters- we aren't sure) were scared and nervous. One would run away and the other would hiss and swat. I fell in love with them as well and wanted to help them so I adopted them. So in one month, I became a cat parent to 4 amazing cats! I also foster a senior cat, she is part of the sanctuary program at the shelter. I continue to learn about them and watch them grow. I am now able to pet the "hisser" and the other nervous cat is now a lap cat and asks for pets and belly rubs. In March 2020, the shelter I volunteered at closed temporarily. Once they open again, I will continue my dog shift and walk them, providing basic training and TLC to the dogs.
I love my pets and would want the best for them. That's why I have chosen to set this up. I would love to help other families so they know their pets are in good hands. I don't shy away from nervous animals, I understand they need time. I "listen" to them and watch their body language. I will give the animals the space they need but also let them know that I am there for them by simply sitting with them and talking to them.
For Cats:
Up to 30 min at $15 per visit
I am able to come to your house to feed/ give fresh water, clean out litter, water plants, collect mail, trim nails (if they are willing), brush, play and administer meds. Visits: mornings, afternoons and evenings. I also provide picture and text / email updates daily. I know it is hard to leave your furbabies, I am committed to putting your mind at ease while you are away.
For Dogs:
I have 2 options.
***Sorry I DO NOT offer full day doggy daycare, There was no option for dog sitting as I charge a different fee for dogs.***
1. I dog sit in your home for 45 min at $20 per visit. ($5 extra if you require a walk) - please select Doggy Day care for this price.
2. Per walk: 30 minutes or 45 minutes walk at $25
What I provide for your dog(s) is feeding, give fresh water, collect mail, have backyard play or take them on a walk (see above), water planets. I play, teach basic commands, brush if needed. I am available during the day for midday walks. Visits: mornings, afternoons and evenings. I also provide picture and text / email updates daily. I know it is hard to leave your furbabies, I am committed to putting your mind at ease while you are away.
Full refund if canceled before 12:00 p.m. one day before the booking, 50% refund afterward.
No refund is payable if the booking is canceled on or after the start date.
Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone
We could not be more pleased with Melissa and how well she took care of our Cat while on vacation. We highly recommend Melissa as her attention to detail, professionalism and love for animals really shows. She is a true animal lover and takes pride in caring for not just your pets needs but well being overall by interacting and spending time making them feel safe and loved while family is away. Thank you Melissa
Melissa took great care of my cat. I appreciated the daily updates on how my cat was doing accompanied with photos and videos. My cat is an introvert and I was sure she would hide whenever Melissa came over to check on her. Even her first day she was able to put her at ease and have her come out of her hiding spot for some attention. I would definitely use her services again.
My dog needed medication and did not eat them from pill pockets at times, we had to open his mouth and drop it in. He was a gentle giant. I am comfortable administering medication (if needed and the pet will allow me).
Once I get to know your dog or cat they will understand I'm not trying to hurt them. My cat also needs pills, so I understand the difference between a BIG dog mouth and a small cat mouth, both equally powerful. Depending on how squirmy your cat is, I can trim their nails.
By volunteering at an animal shelter, especially with the dogs, they provided us with mandatory videos and a dog language course that needed to be completed in order to volunteer with the dogs. Again, I am not a professional, I only know the basics. Reading a dog's body language is very important.