Matt A.
Matt A.
Contact for Boarding
from $45 per night
Highlights
Pet care experience
22 Year Vizsla and Labrador Dog Dad
NOTE: I am often not able to schedule bookings more than 1-2 weeks out. I won't know my schedule that far out most months. But, feel free to send me a message ahead of time so I have an idea of times when I may be able to dog sit for you. I have 22+ years of taking care of dogs. I had a Labrador from a 8 week old puppy to 12 years old with health issues; he passed in January of 2016. I had a Vizsla from 8 weeks to 9.5 years old; he sadly passed from cancer in March of 2026. I have dog sat for several people and dogs of all sizes and ages. I currently have no dogs of my own (taking a break after losing my Vizsla). (No pets of any kind in my home.) My home is also non smoking. I work from home so am able to watch your dog(s) most of the day. If I need to run a short errand I would put them in your kennel you supply. They will also need to sleep in their kennel/crate at night. For past clients I have taken pictures of their dog(s) when walking them or outside with them in the back lawn so they can both see how they are doing and also to confirm potty breaks and meal times and walks etc. I will plan to do that for your dog(s) as well, so you get updates with photos to see how your dog(s) are doing. Past clients have expressed how much they enjoyed getting the photos, and seeing how their dog(s) were doing during their stay. If you wish to have fewer photos sent, feel free to let me know at any time, by default I will send photos to keep you updated on how they are doing, etc. My aim is to help your time apart from your dog(s) be as smooth and easy as can be for you both. I traveled very little the last 9 years as my Vizsla was pretty clingy! So I know how much the right dog sitter who can accommodate dogs with extra love to give can be such a big help! Please read my tips and FAQs below to make sure your dog's stay is great. I have a very detailed list of steps below I ask you please read so we can be sure your dog has a great stay.
Qualifications
Ratings and reviews
We are very grateful to Matt for taking care of our big boy Max while we were away for a few days. I appreciated Matt taking the time to get a good feel for Max ahead of time. The kiddos loved seeing the photo updates. I appreciated Matt’s communication throughout. If he is willing and available to watch Max again, we will definitely re-book
Matt took great care of Myah, and he was extremely prompt and dependable!
Matt did a great job. He met us and our dogs prior to the booking. He did what he said he would do on time. He enabled us to be away for a funeral, with the peace of mind that our pets were well-tended.
Mali had a wonderful stay with Matt. He took her for walks, which she really loves, and hung out with her. She was very happy when we got home. Matt also sent us pics every day so that we could see that Mali was doing fine. The daily pics were very reassuring to us. We will definitely book with Matt again!
Nelson had a great time with Matt. Appreciated the photo updates and attention to details to make sure Nelson's stay was without any problems or issues. I will bring Nelson back again the next time I am out of town.
Matt was a great caregiver to Lucy. He was attentive and sent me pictures of their adventures throughout her stay. Lucy loved staying with Matt and had no problems adjusting to him. 10/10 would recommend!
Calendar and availability
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Schedule
I work from home so am able to watch your dog and they can sit on the floor or sofa on a blanket during the day. I can take them on potty breaks in the back lawn as needed and walk them during the day. If I need to run an errand during the day then I would put them in the kennel/crate you supply until I get back. It is unlikely I would be gone more than 1-2 hours tops, likely less than a hour. They will need to sleep in their kennel/crate at night you supply.
Where your pet will stay
Home characteristics
Safety, trust & environment
I would only sit your dog(s) during the time scheduled and not with other dogs. I currently do not have a dog as my last dog passed from cancer in March of 2026, so am able to give your dog(s) a lot of love and attention during this time. I have a fenced in backyard and can put in the dog door during good weather so they could come in and out or stay inside if they'd like. I have dog sat for others in between the dog before my last. Almost all of the dogs I have watched, seem to want to stay inside, but if your dog liked being on the deck I can put in the doggy door so they can come in and out as they'd like. I would have your dog come meet me before you leave him for the stay later to be sure that they feel safe here with me and make sure they will feel comfortable here with me. I do not book stays until the meet and greet has concluded and then you would be able to confirm the stay. Rover handles that part once I click to confirm, they will notify you how to accept the confirmation if you would like to. I do not charge for the meet and greet.
A typical day
There are trails to walk on near by. I have a route I take that is about 1.25 miles, if your dog is socialized for other dogs (as we may meet them walking). For older dogs or on hot days we would do much shorter walks. Generally if a dog starts to pant a lot and get warm, I do not take it on a longer walk. I do not want a dog to get too hot. If your dog has lots of energy, we would do a 2nd or 3rd short walk a few hours later. That way they can use more energy and do not get too hot. I have a much shorter route that rarely has other dogs on them, for dogs that do not react well to seeing other dogs when walking. If your dog does not react well to other dogs when walking, then we would use that shorter route. Please be sure to tell me if your dog does not respond well to other dogs when being walked, so I can take them on routes that have fewer dogs. I will either way, keep your dog away from other dogs coming, to be safe. We would either go to the side so the other dog(s) being walked can pass, or cross the street. I have a fenced backyard with lots of places to explore. My neighbors have dogs on 80% of the sides of my back yard, if your dog reacts to other dogs on the other side of the fence, I can take them out with a leash to be safe if you think your dog(s) may try to break through the fence. (Not likely possible for smaller dogs, but bigger dogs I have sat, I have used a long leash just to be safe). Being a dog dad of 2 dogs in the past for 22 years, I have learned how to be more proactive to keep every dog day the best it can be. While I am doing the dog sitting for this season of my life, I am first and foremost far more a dog dad, even as they have both passed, than a dog sitter. I think there is a special understanding anyone gets who has had dogs from pup to senior and been through all that, in being able to watch over other dogs, with that lifetime of experience. I never left my dogs when I had them to a public dog kennel as I do not think they would have done well, so I certainly understand the desire to find someone to watch your dog(s) from their home who can help the stay be as comfortable as possible for them.