Meet the MLC Team: Melissa Poole

This month’s Sitter Spotlight is on our Chief Boop Giver, Melissa (me!)! Enjoy a few fun facts and background insights about how I got here and why pet sitting is so important to me:

Tell us about your background: I started off my career in public health and worked for a non-profit healthcare provider for almost 10 years, first doing customer service then eventually moving into HR and training. I got stir crazy during COVID (didn’t we all?) and quit my comfy HR Manager position to backpack the Pacific Crest Trail, about 2,600 miles across California, Oregon, and Washington. I’d always loved hiking and camping, but never put them together until my first night on the trail. Although that could have been disastrous, it was amazing and am so thankful I could take the time “off” from life for a few months. I returned to Chicago in the fall of 2021 and was lucky enough to get a full time administrative position with REI, helping coordinate and plan for outdoor hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, backpacking, and climbing adventures. Around that time I decided to start professionally pet sitting part time. I loved meeting new friends (both human and furry!) in and around my neighborhood, getting outside for dog walks on my lunch break, and getting to know the ins and outs of the business. In 2025, after a series of events (and another long backpacking trip, this time in Arizona!) I decided to jump into pet sitting full time. I opened Mint Leash Club and have been happily enjoying the animals and the ups and downs of entrepreneurship ever since!

Favorite thing to do while pet sitting: Walk and relax! I love getting a long morning walk in on a pet sit if the pup is up for it. That gets some energy out and sets us up for a good day. When I’m at home I don’t like to “sit still” for too long, but when on a pet sit I love winding down the day cooking dinner, catching up on a show, or making some progress on a good book or puzzle.

What are you doing when not engaged with a client for MLC? If its nice out I like to get outside. Go on an urban hike, spend some time in the sun at Montrose Harbor, or hit up my favorite beer gardens. In the summer I volunteer for Urban Rivers, helping out at events or kayaking the Chicago River to help clean up trash. Year round whenever I have a few extra hours I like to volunteer at PAWS Chicago. I walk a lot of dogs so I spend my time there playing with the cats and doing laundry and dishes!

What inspired you to start MLC?: Pet sitting was my first job! I pet sat for a family friend in high school, and did it every now and then for friends and family through my 20’s and 30’s. When my husband and I started hiring pet sitters for our dog Hannah and cat Lily (both have since crossed the rainbow bridge), I honestly was not impressed. People not following our directions was my biggest concern. Hannah was a dog reactive pit bull, so it really worried me when people did not heed our instructions when it came to where to walk her, avoiding interactions with other dogs, etc. We would sometimes come back to our house in disarray, empty water bowls, and even missing alcohol. I really saw a need to do it better. So really, it was Hannah who inspired me! When I was a part of a large lay off at REI in 2025 I knew this was my chance to turn my “side hustle” into a full time LLC and I haven’t looked back!

What’s the quirkiest pet personality you’ve ever encountered? I’ve interacted with so many fun, quirky dog and cat personalities its hard to pick just one! I’ve seen it all, from cats who need you to watch them eat, dogs that freak out when you kill a bug with a paper towel, to pet parents leaving 15-page instruction manuals (but really, I actually love that!).

What’s something most people don’t think about with pet sitting/walking?: That you don’t ever want to expect anything to go wrong, but you need to be prepared for any scenario. We have spent a lot of time putting together emergency contacts, standard operating procedures, doing pet first aid and other trainings. On top of that we have many years of experience in the field. Most “hobby” sitters do not have these trainings or procedures in place in case something goes wrong. We are fully licensed and insured business, its so important to us to provide quality services and have all of our ducks in a row when it comes to reporting, insurance, and all other aspects that come with running a successful and reputable business!

How do you help nervous or shy pets feel safe? Always go at their pace. If I’m walking a nervous dog for the first time, that might mean sitting with the dog 10-20 minutes allowing them to get comfortable with me before attempting to leash up. If I’m doing cat drop ins for a nervous or shy cat, I’ll offer some treats and sit by them. If they enthusiastically “ask” for pets I’m all for it, but if not I do not attempt or invade their space. It is 100% up to them! I always follow the Fear Free 3 Second Rule (2 Second Rule for cats). If a dog does not seem to be tolerating something (getting boots on, leashing up, etc) I only attempt for 3 seconds, then give them a break. Meet and Greets are so important, I’ll discuss any fear or anxiety with you as the owner, and make sure to avoid triggers and be patient during my first few visits as needed. Nothing is more rewarding than earning the love and trust of a shy or fearful pet and becoming a part of their pack!

What’s your favorite thing about pet sitting?: There are so many things, I can’t pick one! Every new pet we add to the club is a new personality I get to know, love, and snuggle with! I love that dog walking and pet sitting gets me outside and active even on the worst weather days when I’d otherwise never leave the house. I have also loved getting to know our human clients. I have always loved making new animal friends, and getting to know their humans is such a great bonus!

What’s your go-to song, podcast, or vibe while commuting to/from visits? My favorite road trip vibe is bluegrass/outlaw country (think Tyler Childers, Billy Strings). I like science-y podcasts talking about space, the environment, geography, anything nerdy 🤓

What is a fun fact about you not pet-related? Well if you couldn’t tell from my intro question, I love to be outdoors! My favorite hobby/passion is backpacking. I love nerding out over gear, planning the route, travel logistics, meal planning, etc. There is no better feeling than relaxing at a beautiful campsite that you had to work your butt off to get to! Oh and that post-hike beer is probably the 2nd best feeling!