Melissa

Je suis en train d'apprendre le français et je te sens plus ou moins confortable de communiquer en français, si vous le préférez!

** my rates are variable & customizable.

**I recently received Permanent Residence in Canada, so I've had my information/background checked by the US government, the Canadian government, and the Quebec government :)

**I don't have a lot of reviews here because I'm new to Pawshake and I was running my own dogsitting business in Massachusetts for several years. I can provide some recent references from people in the Verdun area though! 

**Note: my apartment does not allow dogs, so I cannot do dog boarding or daycare in my own home. I can either watch your dog in your home, or arrange something where I go to your place multiple times during the day for feeding, walking, playing, etc. If this is something that sounds like a good option for you, message me and we can talk about possible plans/rates.

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I am an American ex-pat who lives in Verdun. I did in-home dog-boarding in Massachusetts for eight years, caring for over 150 different dogs during that time.

When I started dogsitting in 2014, I figured I'd keep going as long as I was enjoying it and doing a good job of it. Now after 10 years and 190+ dogs and dozens of cats I still get excited about every animal I meet, and I'm proud of how well I'm able to care for each one of them. I've found that I'm especially skilled at understanding animals and their individual needs. I am a very patient/gentle person - with 3 kids plus pets, this has been tested & proven frequently, so I can claim that with confidence. 

My husband, Marc, is also wonderful with animals (one of the reasons I fell in love with him) and he often gives me a helping hand because he enjoys it too!

I also feel lucky to be able to get to know the wonderful owners of all these sweet dogs and cats.

Although I am extremely experienced with dog boarding in my home in Massachusetts, in mainly the Verdun area I am providing dog walking and drop-in services (for any type of pet), as well as house-sitting.

I have completed a Pet CPR/First Aid course & am certified. I renewed my certification in November, 2023.

I always send photo and/or video updates - I love being able to make sure both pets and owners feel comfortable, and being able to show an owner that their pet is doing well is important to me.

I can handle short-notice requests easily. I can also respond to requests promptly so that you don't have to waste time trying to make your own plans!

House-sitting: I'll be your live-in nanny while you're away! I'll take in your mail, care for your plants, give medication, scoop kitty litter, feed/play with pets, walk dogs, take/send photos and videos, stay overnight with your pet, etc. I will need to occasionally leave your home for various errands and small jobs, but it's possible to set up an arrangement in which I am with your dog exclusively, full time, at an adjusted pay rate.

Drop-in visits: 20 to 30 minutes each visit, though the timing and pay rate is negotiable. I can check on your pet, take in your mail, check your plants, give medication, scoop kitty litter, feed pets, play with pets, take/send photos and videos, etc.

Dog-walking: once I have your dog on a leash and we are out the door, we'll take a 30+ minute walk with plenty of time to pee and poop and check out the neighborhood.

As a parent and as I work here running my own business, I'm extremely responsible, reliable, and attentive to the needs of children and animals, and my clients as well.