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Matt A.

5.0 out of 5 stars
2 repeat clients
Profile image

Matt A.

5.0 out of 5 stars
2 repeat clients

Contact for Boarding

from $45 per night

Highlights

Basic background check
22 years of experience
Has a fenced yard
Home full time
Can administer medication
Special needs experience

Pet care experience

22 Year Vizsla and Labrador Dog Dad

NOTE: I am often not able to schedule bookings more than 1–2 weeks in advance because I usually don’t know my schedule that far out. However, feel free to message me ahead of time so I can get an idea of your dates and let you know when I may be available. I can sometimes accommodate last-minute bookings, but a meet and greet is always required first. I can only accept crate/kennel-trained dogs. I work from home, so your dog can spend most of the day out with me. However, if I need to run a short errand, they must be comfortable staying in the crate/kennel you provide. They will also need to sleep in their crate/kennel at night. I am best suited for dogs who can settle down after exercise. I can provide a morning and evening walk, play with them throughout the day, and give them regular attention. However, I cannot provide constant one-on-one attention for hours at a time. My own dogs were high-energy, but after a walk and some playtime, they were happy to relax near me while I worked. If your dog needs constant activity or attention all day, I am not able to book them. I have 22+ years of experience caring for dogs and have watched dogs of many sizes and ages. I had my Labrador from 8 weeks old until he was 12, and my Vizsla from 8 weeks old until he was 9.5. Sadly, my Labrador passed away in 2016 and my Vizsla passed away from cancer in March 2026. I currently have no pets and am taking a break after losing my Vizsla. My home is non-smoking, pet-free, and child-free. A 10 year old child, a friend's son, sometimes does visit, but your dog will generally spend their stay with out any kids in my home. A meet and greet is required before every booking. I want to make sure your dog is comfortable with me and my home, and that I can provide the care they need. During the meet and greet, I will also have you step outside for a few minutes to see how your dog handles being separated from you. This is especially important if I would be the first person to ever watch your dog or if they are very attached to you. I have occasionally had to decline dogs after a meet and greet who did not adapt to me such I felt I could give them the care they deserve, but I have been able to accept most dogs I meet. For previous clients, I have sent photos and updates of their dogs during walks, playtime, potty breaks, meals, etc. I plan to do the same for your dog so you can see how they are doing while you are away. If you prefer fewer updates, just let me know. If your dog has trouble settling in their kennel, you may want to consider bringing a stainless-steel lick mat that securely attaches inside the kennel. You can put a dog-safe spread on it and freeze it ahead of time. One option is Dog Buddy Budder Relax Rover 100% Natural Dog Peanut Butter for Stress & Anxiety (green label), which contains natural ingredients intended to help dogs relax. If you purchase peanut butter locally, please make sure it is smooth and does not contain any unsafe added ingredients. I recommend Justin’s Smooth Peanut Butter. It is more expensive, but the smooth texture spreads well on the lick mat. I have seen this setup work very well fog dogs I have previously watched. Please test anything you plan to use at home first and check with your veterinarian to make sure it is safe for your dog. I can only use products you provide. My goal is to make your time apart as easy and stress-free as possible for both you and your dog. I know how difficult it can be to find someone you trust, especially when your dog is very attached to you. I want you to feel confident that your dog is safe, comfortable, loved, and having a good time while you are away. Please read my tips and FAQs below before booking. I have included as much information as possible so you can decide whether I am the right sitter for your dog.

Qualifications

2 repeat pet parents
100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour
100% bookings with photo updates
Sends updates with Rover Cards
22 years of experience
Oral medication administration
Senior dog experience

Ratings and reviews

5.0
stars
9 ratings
Bethany R.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Aug 17, 2026

Matt was very attentive to my dog Molly and kept in constant communication with me. I would 100% book him next time I travel!!

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Susan H.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Jul 30, 2026

Matt did an awesome job! He took Hazel for a walk every day! I can tell Hazel was very happy!

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Zachary K.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • May 29, 2026

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

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Sheryl S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Dog Walking • Dec 05, 2016

Matt took great care of Myah, and he was extremely prompt and dependable!

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Sheryl S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drop-In Visits • Dec 01, 2016

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.

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Judy M.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boarding • Oct 10, 2016

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!

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Calendar and availability

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Schedule

I work from home, so I am able to be with your dog for most of the day. They are welcome to relax on the floor or on the sofa on a blanket while I work. I can take them outside for potty breaks in the backyard as needed, as well as take them for walks during the day. If I need to run an errand, I will put them safely in the kennel/crate you provide while I am gone. It is unlikely I would be gone for more than 1–2 hours, and most errands would likely be less than an hour. Your dog will also need to sleep in the kennel/crate you provide at night.

Where your pet will stay

Home characteristics

Lives in a house
Has a fenced yard
Non-smoking household
Has no pets
No children present
Dogs not allowed on bed
Dogs allowed on furniture
Potty breaks every 0-2 hours

Safety, trust & environment

I only care for your dog(s) during their scheduled stay and do not accept other dogs at the same time. I currently have no pets of my own, so your dog(s) will receive plenty of one-on-one love and attention. My home has a fenced backyard, and in good weather I can use a doggy door so they can come in and out as they like. Most dogs I have watched prefer staying inside with me, but I’m happy to accommodate dogs who enjoy relaxing outside. A meet and greet is required before booking so your dog can meet me, see my home, and make sure they feel comfortable here. There is no charge for the meet and greet. I only confirm a stay after we’ve met and agreed it’s a good fit.

A typical day

There are several walking trails nearby, including a route I regularly take that is about 1.25 miles. For younger, active dogs, we can take longer walks, while older dogs or dogs on hot days will get shorter walks. If your dog has lots of energy, we can do multiple shorter walks throughout the day rather than one long walk. I also have a shorter route where we rarely encounter other dogs. Please let me know if your dog reacts poorly to other dogs while walking so I can choose the best route. I will always be proactive about keeping your dog safely away from approaching dogs by moving aside or crossing the street when needed. I have a fenced backyard with plenty of room to explore. Since many of my neighbors have dogs, I can use a leash or long lead outside if your dog reacts to dogs on the other side of the fence or I have any safety concerns. After 22 years as a dog dad, from puppyhood through their senior years, I have learned to be proactive and attentive to each dog's individual needs. I understand how important it is to find someone who will care for your dog like family and provide a comfortable, loving home while you are away.

0 to 15 lbs
16 to 40 lbs
41 to 100 lbs
Non-neutered males accepted, spayed females only
No females in heat
Crate-trained dogs only
Takes only 1 client at a time
Matt can host up to 3 pets per night
FAQs & Tips for a Great: Stay 1. KENNEL/CRATE, COLLAR, LEASH & BEDDING: Please bring a sturdy kennel/crate for each dog. I keep kennel time to a minimum, but they will need to be kenneled if I leave the house and at night. Soft-sided or cloth kennels are not suitable. Please also bring your dog’s usual bed, blanket, towels, collar with ID/phone number, and their own leash and/or harness. I only use the equipment you provide so your dog is comfortable with what they already know. 2. MEET & GREET: New clients must have a meet and greet before the stay. This gives your dog a chance to meet me, see my home, and get comfortable with me before you leave. 3. FOOD, TREATS & MEDICATION: Please bring your dog’s regular food and treats, along with clear written instructions for how much and when to feed each dog. If you have multiple dogs, please include their names and identifying details. If your dog takes medication, please provide clear instructions. I can give medication in food or a treat if your dog accepts it that way, but I cannot give injections or force pills down a dog’s throat. Dogs requiring injections during their stay cannot be accepted. I have some refrigerator/freezer space for wet food or frozen treats, but please let me know in advance how much food you will be bringing so I can make sure I have enough space. Normal-sized bags of treats, a few sealed packages of dog food, or food you have portioned into containers should be fine. Larger quantities or multiple large bags may require advance planning, especially for longer stays. 4. WATER: I can provide Lenexa city water, but you are welcome to bring your dog’s usual water if you prefer, especially for older dogs, dogs with health issues, or dogs staying away from home for the first time. 5. AGGRESSIVE OR BITE-RISK DOGS: I cannot accept dogs with a history of biting, attempting to bite, or aggression toward people or sitters. I also need to be able to safely walk your dog around other dogs. If your dog growls at me, shows aggression toward me, or may pose a safety concern, I will not be able to book them. 6. TOYS & TREATS: Please bring your dog’s favorite toys and treats. Familiar items can help them feel more comfortable and make the transition to a new home easier. 7. FLEA & TICK PREVENTION: Please check your dog for fleas and ticks and make sure their normal flea/tick prevention is up to date before their stay. I recommend giving them a bath and checking them again before arrival. I cannot accept dogs that arrive with fleas or ticks. 8. DROP-OFF & PICK-UP: Drop-off: After 8:00 AM. Pick-up: By 9:00 PM. Please see Rover’s Extended Day rates for applicable charges. After you book and I confirm the stay following our meet and greet, Rover will send you an itemized total for the reservation. You will not be charged until you review and accept the amount Rover sends you. 9. LONGER STAYS: I have cared for dogs for stays of up to 2 weeks, as well as a friend’s dog for more than a year. Some dogs who have never stayed away from their owners can become more homesick after a week or so, so a shorter first stay can help make future longer stays easier. I know this is a lot of information, but these guidelines come from many years of caring for dogs. My goal is to make expectations clear ahead of time so your dog can have the safest, most comfortable, and happiest stay possible.
Each sitter joining Rover needs to pass a background check. And by booking on Rover, you can get photo & message updates, 24/7 support, and reimbursement for eligible vet care.