Melanie P.
Vcu, VA
Pet CPR Certified Sitter+ Trainer
Pet care experience
Please contact me for a full list of services (I train dogs as well) and (less confusing) rates. I was recently recognized by PETA for outstanding commitment to animals, their care, and their rights. I have successfully trained my own therapy dog. I have taken accredited courses in pet nutrition, pet first aid and CPR, dog training and sitting, animal psychology, veterinary assisting, animal physical therapy, dog behavior and training, and pet grooming. I have 2 dogs of my own (though they live back in Virginia Beach with my parents and sisters) and I have over 2 years of experience working at an animal shelter. I have worked with a wide variety of dogs of all shapes, sizes, ages, and energy levels. I also can care for any other animals in the household. I have a car so I have reliable transportation. I currently attend VCU, but hope to one day earn a master's degree in both zoology and ethology (study of animal psychology and behavior). If you would like me to train your dog just let me know. In addition, I will write a training manual customized for your dog, for you to keep.
Reviews
Melanie was amazing! She sent us pictures during her stay with Tuesday and we felt so at ease having her at our house. We will definitely be booking her again!
Melanie kept our dog in constant company while we were gone for two weeks. We came back to a healthy, happy pup! And she took care of the house as well.
Melanie was amazing! Our dog was very well cared for and she went above and beyond in caring for him. Plus she sent photos of what they were up to. I will definitely hire her again.
Melanie is by far the best caretaker for my dog I have had! She was very responsive to my needs and would update me how my dog was doing throughout the time I was away. She was always there to calm my dog's separation anxiety and cared for my dog like it was her's. I am beyond pleased with her service and would recommend it to anyone!
About Melanie P.
Communication
Skills
Information Melanie P. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed preferences. I like to know all I can about an animal beforehand so I will ask many questions regarding health, routine, diet, and general quirks. Please feel free to gush about your animal- it helps me get to know them better. I am the type of person that will read an animal encyclopedia for fun, and I pride myself on being informed and knowledgeable (such as knowing breed-specific nutrition, history, common health problems, and general temperament). I train dogs as well, so I would be happy to either continue any training previously introduced, or design a new training regimen (I will include a customized training manual that I write myself, for you to keep and use when I'm not around). I would also be happy to talk about behavioral correction techniques if you would like to discuss a specific problem area. When hired, I will give you my number to call any time, for any reason, concern, or question.
A typical day
I will create a schedule that caters to your dog specifically. It just wouldn't be right for me to insist upon taking a 14 year old dog on a 2 mile run- or on the flip side- to spend hours on the couch with a 6 month old puppy. An outgoing, energetic dog will enjoy an afternoon in Monroe Park, while a quieter, more relaxed dog might just want to spend an afternoon being brushed and watching TV. I'm there to take care of your dog, so your dog will decide how my time will be spent. I'm currently taking a course on pet massage, and since practice makes perfect, it's on the house! Of course, if you hire me for training, we'll do that (plus some of the super fun stuff as well)!
Services
Melanie can watch in your home
About Melanie P.
Communication
Skills
Information Melanie P. would like to know about your pet
I have no breed preferences. I like to know all I can about an animal beforehand so I will ask many questions regarding health, routine, diet, and general quirks. Please feel free to gush about your animal- it helps me get to know them better. I am the type of person that will read an animal encyclopedia for fun, and I pride myself on being informed and knowledgeable (such as knowing breed-specific nutrition, history, common health problems, and general temperament). I train dogs as well, so I would be happy to either continue any training previously introduced, or design a new training regimen (I will include a customized training manual that I write myself, for you to keep and use when I'm not around). I would also be happy to talk about behavioral correction techniques if you would like to discuss a specific problem area. When hired, I will give you my number to call any time, for any reason, concern, or question.
A typical day
I will create a schedule that caters to your dog specifically. It just wouldn't be right for me to insist upon taking a 14 year old dog on a 2 mile run- or on the flip side- to spend hours on the couch with a 6 month old puppy. An outgoing, energetic dog will enjoy an afternoon in Monroe Park, while a quieter, more relaxed dog might just want to spend an afternoon being brushed and watching TV. I'm there to take care of your dog, so your dog will decide how my time will be spent. I'm currently taking a course on pet massage, and since practice makes perfect, it's on the house! Of course, if you hire me for training, we'll do that (plus some of the super fun stuff as well)!
Location
Richmond, VA
Melanie P.
Vcu, VA