Melissa's Menagerie
Overland Park
(142)
Overland Park
(142)
142 customer reviews
Terri A
I have used Melissa's Menagerie for my dog's daycare since November, 2022. The new owner, Christy Lincoln, has made it incredibly difficult for me to bring my dog to daycare and refuses to give me a refund of daycare credits I purchased in good faith that I would continue to use Melissa's Menagerie for my dog's daycare needs.
I paid for 30 days in advance last September; I always pay in advance so I can have peace of mind that my dog's daycare slot is saved and paid for. There should be no reason to turn me away due to "understaffing" or "too many dogs" because the expectation is that I paid for service and will use the service. Plus, the discount helps save money in the long run.
I am not sure if this payment was made before or after the ownership transition. Initially, I was unaware that the business had even changed ownership and I have no idea how long Christy had owned the business before she finally told me that she was the owner, not the new manager. I asked Christy if any changes would be made. She replied that, other than getting all new staff, nothing would change.
That didn't last long. Her first change, was dropping half days from 5 hours to 4 hours (and I believe it was an employee who informed me of this change, verbally, as I was dropping off or picking up my dog, not Christy, not in advance, and certainly not in writing). When I told Christy that was not going to work for me due to my work hours, the fact that my availability changes throughout the day, every day, and that I cannot leave my dog all day because she gets way too over stimulated, Christy agreed to keeping my half days to 5 hours. However, she has made additional changes that have made it impossible for me to continue using her business. She never gave advance notice, never communicated in writing, and no choice was ever given to stay or leave for someone who paid in advance (before all of her changes). Her changes include (not necessarily in order):
- - No weekend hours (this lasted for a month or more before she finally reopened for weekends)
- - No pick up or drop off between 12:00pm and 1:00pm
- - Owners are required to "schedule" daycare visits ahead of time
To date, I've only used 12 (approximately 24 daycare days) of my 30 credits.
Since Christy has changed her operating hours and has even turned me away when I tried to drop off my dog on a Saturday (this was in February and she said it was because I did not "schedule" in advance and Christy was leaving and didn't want to leave my dog with her staff because "you know how she is"), I still have 18 credits left that I'm never going to use because she has made it way too much of a hassle. I finally asked for a refund, saying,
"It does not look like I'm going to be coming back since your schedule no longer accommodates my needs; the change in hours open for drop off, the change in days available, and the fact that you need to be there when I bring Harley has just made it entirely inconvenient for me to continue using your business. I would like a refund of my remaining credits."
She refused, saying,
"We have a very normal schedule and are able to accommodate the majority of our customers' schedules. Showing up whenever you wanted, doesn't work for the small business that we are. We do need notice so that we're prepared for the day/dogs. I also never said I HAD to be there when Harley was there. It was that one saturday I had to leave early and you just showed up without notice or an appt and we were not equipped with enough staff. I have always been nice and accommodating to you and Harley. Despite her behavior, I always welcomed her and did my best to keep you in the loop on how we handled her. We do not give refunds for credits."
- - That's a little over $400 she is refusing to give back.
- - Other than allowing me to continue with 5 hours for a half day, there have been no accomodations to my needs.
- - None of her changes were communicated ahead of time.
- - And, apparently, my dog has undesirable behavior (because she is a high energy dog) and Christy's been doing me a favor by allowing her to attend daycare...
Even if Christy changed everything back, I definitely DO NOT want to take my dog to a place where she is not wanted.
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Danielle Mousley
In the 41 years of living on this earth, I don’t think I have ever been spoken to and treated with such attitude and rudeness from a human being.
The new owner came completely unhinged on me, as I showed up to leave my dog in her care before directly heading to the airport to catch a flight. I was informed upon arrival that she needed current paperwork on my dog’s shots and immunizations to board him. I told her that I would have gladly provided this paperwork had that been communicated to me prior to arriving. She stated that it is common procedure that ANYWHERE you board your pets, you need to bring their paperwork EVERY SINGLE TIME they are boarded. I had stated that I had been bringing my dog to Melissa’s Menagerie from when the first owner started 7 years ago and that was never the case and if she expected things to run differently, then she needed to communicate her rules and expectations clearly to her customers. The previous owner, communicated prior when current paperwork was needed and it was brought and all was fine. I had also brought my dog a month prior to board him and her rules were not communicated to me at that time, nor when I picked him up after he stayed there for 6 days. It was not indicated when I booked his appointment online. There was no communication after my appointment was confirmed that I needed current paperwork. There is nowhere on her website that states this expectation. She huffed, laughed, and belittled me for not understanding that this is commonplace in this industry. She begrudgingly called my vet and said she was making the phone call that I should have made. I once again told her I would have gladly made that phone call and gotten all the appropriate information and paperwork if there had been communication that I needed to bring them. The time to spring this on someone is not the day they are headed out of town and catching a flight. This is when she completely became unhinged and said how she just loves how people tell her how to run her business and people know nothing about running this tough business. I told her the rumors that I had heard are apparently true; that this establishment has gone downhill ever since the ownership changed hands. She laughed and belittled the previous owner and stated how her place is better and cleaner than it ever has been, and she is the best thing that ever happened to this place. I thanked her for being such a kind and delightful person and for making me miss my flight and weekend plans. I walked out with my dog and got in my car, shaking, and had to quickly problem-solve if I could find a friend to watch my dog on a dime’s notice and if I could make my flight. While in crisis mode, she called me twice and left a voicemail sternly telling me to bring my dog back, that she talked to my vet, and they got all the appropriate paperwork sent over. I will NEVER EVER bring my dog back through those doors again and I will share my experience to anyone who has pets and is in the community to stay clear of this angry, belittling woman and the so-called business that she runs. Shortly after I left, she posted on Facebook a “friendly reminder” about making sure to bring appropriate paperwork EVERY YEAR after your pet’s annual vet visit and they will help to remind their customers to bring the appropriate paperwork prior to boarding. Funny timing. Nothing about this woman is friendly and her messaging doesn’t sync up with what she had just told me were her rules and expectations. She will gaslight you and quickly escalate and make things up in her response. Just watch.
My parents were business owners and as this woman was belittling and yelling at me, the paper that was tacked up in the back of their business came into focus. These quotes were on there. “Exceed your customers’ expectations. Give them what they want — and a little more. Make good on all your mistakes, and don't make excuses — apologize. Stand behind everything you do.” “There is only one boss: the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” – both Sam Walton quotes
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Ariane D
I worked for Melissa for 6 days. The place is ran by 14 and 15 year olds. Melissa does not receive any form of identification from her workers as you are supposed to.
The dogs have no grass area and use the bathroom and run around in a concrete room all day. They stay in the kennels on weekends from the time they close at 5, until the time they open the next day. Everything in the business is in disarray. I would never bring my dogs or recommend ANYONE to bring their dogs here. Melissa is hugely disrespectful to her employees and micromanages everything.
When I began, I was trained by a 15 year old and was not trained appropriately. Many times during the day, we were just sitting because there was "nothing else to do" or the dogs were napping. Melissa was mad that I decided to quit and never reached out to me to ask why because she doesn't know how to receive criticism or feedback. While working, she proceeded to text another employee about me and expected to me have no reaction to it.
She then, of course, proceeded to say that she was going to call the police even though she was not there and was in no danger or harm. I was questioning her disrespectful antics and because she is not used to an adult questioning her, she ran to that cliche defense mechanism. Using the police when you are being questioned from someone about your antics is not the appropriate use for police.
Please bring your dogs to a better facility where they will be loved and appropriately cared for because this place is a LAWSUIT WAITING TO HAPPEN!
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Cathi Phillips
I took a hospice foster and had a few health concerns, as always on the weekend. They responded immediately and gave me the power to decide if he needed emergency vetting. I foster for many rescues and this was the first that responded with complete support so quickly. I adopted my foster and they were wonderful and positive through the entire experience. Dogs nor fosters are treated as a number or a nuisance. They are kind and involved with those that foster and adopt from them. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Julie Griswold
Our first time boarding our sweet 2 year old cat was a great experience with the staff here. They were very patient with all of our concerns, and our kitty came home happy, calm, and well taken care of.
Reviewed on Facebook
Molly Pennington Myers
Melissa was wonderful about caring for my older dog. He loved her, and I do, too. She is professional and very pleasant to work with.
Reviewed on Facebook
Kerry Santillan Juarez
Rated highly for: Quality
Reviewed on Google Maps
catghost7
I love my doggie I adopted through them. Everyone was super friendly and great to work with. I subtracted a star because they never answer the phone and are slow to call you back.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Karen Bicak
Had a great experience with our puppy. First time being boarded. Play yard and everything. Awesome service. Thank you Melissa's Menagerie!
Reviewed on Facebook
Samantha Gooch
What a wonderful service. My Hubert is old, blind and has early dementia, so I was hesitant to have anyone come in. Melissa was amazing with him. Sends me photos and updates. Wouldn’t trust anyone else. We are customers for life. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Beatrice Bernal
I wouldn't trust my dogs with anyone else. Melissa's Menagerie is very professional and clean. The staff is friendly and I know I don't have to worry when I leave my dogs, Gracie and Maverick there. They go out of their way to make sure we're accommodated. You can't beat the taxi service and home visits. I used to go one of the local chains but I'm so happy I found Melissa's and can support a local business. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Glenna Menard
My dogs always have a great time and come home tired and happy. The staff takes really good care of my small dogs and I feel better knowing they didn’t spend all day locked inside a crate.
Reviewed on Facebook
Carol Hays
The people are the best! Very loving with all the pets.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Zachary Kasper
Great staff. My yorkie can barely contain his excitement when we enter the parking lot. He always comes home and zonks out from his fun time.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mike Kitchens
Fantastic place to keep your fur babies. They took amazing care of my dogs for a month while I was in between houses. Staff is very friendly and caring.
Reviewed on Facebook
Joe Gilman
Great place
Reviewed on Google Maps
Kimberly Sinclair
Love the genuine caring and respect for animals the group has. We are now fostering-to-adopt our own puppy!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mike Ryan
Love this place! Been bringing our dogs there for almost a year now.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jasper Mirabile
Such a great place. A very clean facility, wonderful and caring staff. Seriously the best service and so attentive to our needs. The only place I let take care of our “fur” family. Can’t say enough good tithings about Melissas’s. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ryan Combs
Friendly staff, reasonable rates. Our dog seems to enjoy his stays there when he can't come with us.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Valerie Mackey
Best place in the world for your dogs!!
Reviewed on Facebook
Elaina Dove
They always take great care of my pups when I am away. I wouldnt trust them with anyone else.
Reviewed on Google Maps
rottilou
Melissa is the voice of the voiceless! She loves EVERY animal as if it were her own!!!! Honest, hardworking small business! Dogs are treated like royalty!!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Beverly Oakes
Great experience! My dog had so much fun with the other dogs and petsitters that he didn't have any separation anxiety. He came out calm when I picked him up. So grateful for that.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Andrew Sandage
We had our dog stay at Melissa's Menagerie over the 4th of July weekend and our dog came back better looking and happier than ever. I would recommend Melissa's Menagerie to anyone. Not only was he taking care of great but they gave him a bath and clipped him. I will definitely be coming back. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Debbie Dominguez
Wonderful place
Reviewed on Google Maps
Anna Maria Nikopoulos
They are an amazing, wonderful, caring beautiful people that care for these precious babies lives. I never been here. They are truly heroes for all they do for the lives they give to these babies each and everyday. God Blessed each and everyone of you for all you do. More...
Reviewed on Facebook
Kimberly Sievert
The most loving, compassionate, kind and professional caregivers to our fur babies! Highly recommend Melissa and her team....
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lindsey Koenig
I love that their place smells clean even with a lot of dogs. It's nice seeing a clean organized facility that I know my pups will be taken care of. I also am happy my money is going to support a local rescue. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Natalie Scala
I take my dog to daycare almost everyday and he LOVES it. He is always worn out when we come home and I know he makes tons of friends everyday! Very clean facility and you can tell everyone there has a love for animals. I absolutely love Melissa's Menagerie! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
cindy bolfeta
My fur babies LOVE this place! Incredible loving staff, clean, honest, dependable,compassionate.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Stacey Hsu
Melissa is a fabulous pet sitter! She takes great care of our fur kids when we are away and always texts me with photos and updates that put me at ease. She truly gets pet people, because she is the ultimate pet person, with a great big heart and attention to all of the little things that mean so much. ❤️ More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Angela Lamb Real Estate
I am very particular about who watches my dogs. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable with the staff at Melissa’s. Not only did my Rusty seem to have a good time, they even sent me home with a photo and report about how his first day went. I love seeing the pictures they share of the dogs playing outside. Every time I am there, the place is clean and everyone is very friendly and helpful. I would not take my babies anywhere else!! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Claire Allen
I have been familiar with Melissa’s Menagerie for several years. They take fantastic care of the dogs, especially those that need special accommodations. The new facility is spacious, clean, and perfect for our furry friends. I will always board my dogs at Melissa’s! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
K G
If you want a place that has owners truly in love with what they do, this is the place for your pet. There is much thought and love put into every aspect of caring for your fur baby. Highly recommend.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rock Dude
Caring and thoughtful staff! Treated our furbabies like family, we will be using them again next time we go out of town!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ashley Corbett
Absolutely love the customer support and doggy care here! Melissa and her staff are fun, professional, and total dog lovers! Highly recommend to anyone!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Stacey Vierra
Melissa and her team are fantastic! The most compassionate, loving, caring folks that want nothing but to love and help animals. We take one of our dogs here for daycare and he loves it! We have also used the boarding services, which was also fantastic! I support Melissa and her team 100%! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Lily J
I am very impressed with Melissa’s Menagerie! Great staff, wonderful facility and best part... my dog loved it!! We will only use this place from now on!!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Gracey Routh
The menagerie is wonderful! We typically just have someone come stay with our pets when we go out of town but our regular sitter was’t available. Our dogs both get very anxious when going anywhere so I had stopped boarding them a while back. I wish I would have tried Melissa’s Menagerie sooner! I was initially drawn by the competitive pricing, but I will be a return customer because of the kind and attentive staff. Everyone there cares so much about all pets and it really shows. Not to mention our dogs seemed to have a blast! We were able to see pictures of them playing through the Facebook page and they were worn out when I picked them up! All signs of an enjoyable stay, well worth the 30 minute drive for me to get them there. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Pat Gilling
I am a Home Pet Sitter for Melissa’s Menagerie. I absolutely know how much love and attention she gives to the animals in her care. She will not tolerate employees who do not feel the same way. Her clients and employees and the animals (most importantly the animals) are family to her and she cares deeply for all of them. I have NO hesitation about recommending Melissa’s Menagerie to anyone who needs/wants boarding, day care, or pet sitters. I would completely trust my animals to her care whether boarding or home sitting. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Beatrice Bernal
I wouldn't trust my dog with anyone else. Melissa's Menagerie is very professional and clean. The staff is friendly and I know I don't have to worry when I leave my dog, Gracie there.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Marianne Perie
Melissa cares about these animals so much. She hires great staff and your dog gets so much personalized attention. They have lots of time to run and come home tired. I can’t say enough good things!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Megan Costa
Melissa and her team are amazing. I had 3 dogs & 2 cats at the time Melissa pet sat for us. We opted for in home visits as mine get stressed out when they are boarded. My youngest dog barks at EVERYONE she meets and takes forever to warm up to people. Within 2 minutes of Melissa entering our house for the first time, she was sitting on our stairs and my dog was letting her pet her! She kept me updated on my pets while we were out of town (Which gave me peace of mind since I’m always worrying about them when I’m not around). I would highly recommend her as well as use them again anytime!! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mark Knopke
The day care is amazing. The people are great with dogs and our dog Doc loves coming here. Definite Yes on boarding. Great place.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Carly Crockett
Melissa and her team watched my two dogs for 2 weeks while we were in England. The facility is very nice and my dogs had a great time. The staff members are friendly and you can tell they care about the animals. I felt comfortable leaving my dogs here and would return again. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Sylvia Hall
No one cares about animals more than this place. Thank you for all the work you do!!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Tara Tooley
I have used Melissa’s services for a few years now. I have used her dog walking, pet boarding as well as her pet taxi services. I have never had a bad experience. She cares so much for animals that she even started a non profit animal rescue as well! She has a big heart for all animals. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Aubrey Picco
Melissa is AMAZING. She pet sat for our animals when we went out of town and drove about 45 minutes everyday to come visit them at the house and take care of them. My dogs are also “trickier” when it comes to strangers and she had 0 problems driving to us a few times to meet them before officially pet sitting. She was patient, caring and understanding. She did a great job and all the animals loved her. She also posted photos of them on the business page which always warms your heart to see while away from your babies. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Sara Yates
Melissa and her staff are fabulous and go out of their way to assist local rescues and others in the community. Thankful to have them and be using their boarding facility.
Reviewed on Google Maps
