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Matthew H.

Elmdon

5 reviews
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Services

These prices are for 1 dog.

Prices include all fees.

Matthew can care for

Cats
0 to 7 kg
7 to 18 kg
18 to 45 kg
over 45 kg

Availability

Currently not working so I have plenty of time, though I volunteer on Fridays and Sundays so while I would like to continue those there is flexibility for sitting if unable to go for out for the day to accommodate you and your pets needs.

Available
Not available
SMTWTFS
House Sitting Cancellation Policy:

About Matthew H.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour

Dog skills

16 years of experience
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Typically play it by the pets energy, if they want attention and play then we'll play, if they want to chill in the same room as me with a toy for some company then we can do that, or if they wish to be alone I'll still be availible and accessible to them. I'm comfortable sharing a bed, sleeping with doors open, cleaning up accidents and walking them in any weather, long or short, relaxed with lots of stops to sniff or a more disciplined walk on a tight leash. I am clean and tidy so I will leave your property as I found it. I have no issue spending all day around the home of that would bring you peace of mind only nipping out to get some groceries to last me a couple of days at a time, though in short I'm flexible, reliable, and attentive.

Information Matthew H. would like to know about your pet

The priory for me is if your pet feels safe and comfortable with and around me, as their wellbeing is what's important. I am happy to work with any dog who's willing to give me a chance though if they aren't too keen on me there's no hard feelings, though this hasn't ever happened as I seem to have an affinity with most beings.

A typical day

I respect their sovereignty, so if they wish to amble, we'll amble, if they wish to go sniffing about exploring off the beat and track then we shall do that. If they wish to march we can do that, or should they wish to cuddle on the hill just watching the world go by then so too shall I.

Location

Elmdon, United Kingdom

Matthew H.'s Neighborhood

Calm and Gentle natured companion

Pet care experience

I don't remember a time without animals and pets though we had small animals such as rabbits and gerbils with a peak headcount of 28, though these days it's just me and my six guinnea pigs, one rabbit, two chinchillas and a couple fish. This app doesn't let me add pets beyond cats and dogs so I note them here though there are some photos of them and myself on my profile. This year I've been volunteering my Sundays at the Animal Rescue Charity in Bishop Stortford so I'm confident and competent walking dogs of all size and behaviours, as well as exposure to a cats ranging from young to old, healthy to sick, though I consistently find animals respond to my calm and gentle nature. I have looked after my sisters shiba a few times when they were on holiday first as a puppy and more recently as a sassy teenager in heat or weekends away. Or a family friend who's old boy was blind and deaf and needed constant physical contact to feel safe and happy. Suffice to say I'm happy to accommodate and meet your pets needs with my time and attention, be that over long walks in any weather or a reliable companion to stay at your home with your beloved animals.

Cat care experience

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Shared responsibility at Uni

Matthew also cares for cats. Learn about their cat-specific care experience.

Reviews

Dan W.
Jun 03, 2026

Matt has been volunteering at the animal rescue charity for a few months now, and has been very calm and careful with the dogs allowing him to do very well at walking all of them ranging from small to very large as well as some of the more difficult to walk dogs that can take an experienced walker to handle safely.

Hannah R.
Jun 03, 2026

When I visited Matthew I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a day at the animal sanctuary with him and see his magnificent, heartwarming and passionate work with the animals. Matthew connects with animals so skillfully and beautifully I’ve never seen something like this before. It truly is his passion to change the lifes of animals no matter how challenging they are said to be. It was most beautiful to witness how he changed the life of the little dog axel. He was told axel doesn’t want to be touched and doesn’t eat. When we saw axel it was heartbreaking. He had trauma and sadness in his eyes. After 20min with Matthew he was jumping around joyfully and on his lap. He cuddled and trusted Matthew so beautifully. Matthew can communicate with animals because he reads the body language so well. Matthew truly is an animal whisperer. Many such experiences at the sanctuary honestly. When you see it it feels like magic because undescribable things happen in the behavior of animals. He trusts them and they trust him. Matthew is very brave and I’m convinced he could make a tiger peaceful too. He is one of those gifted humans. Genius. Animals trust him and he changed my life too. Animals are our companions and if you love them you get it back so very powerful. He changes lifes with his beautiful passion. This is more than special. Animals need humans like Matthew with the heart and the skills that make him perfect for this important work.

Liam H.
Dec 04, 2025

Matt on occasion watches my dog Betsy and my cats, Mowgli and Mina whilst I'm away, turning what was once a stressful situation for me and the animals into one we now dare I say it both enjoy, as he's genuinely great with animals, he communicates well with them and gives them his time and attention. Mowgli struggles with new people due to being mistreated in the past but instantly warmed to Matt. Couldn't recommend a better person.

Hannah E.
Dec 04, 2025

Matt looked after our six month old Shiba Inu puppy while we were away on holiday for a week. He thoroughly read through the care instructions we left for him and was very attentive towards our puppy’s needs. You can tell he loves animals and was very calm and caring towards her. He’d give her lots of cuddles, playtime and stuck to her day to day routine of walking and feeding. Our puppy was very comfortable with him and really enjoyed his company while we were away. It was a real peace of mind knowing that she was in good hands and being well looked after while we were away. I’d highly recommend Matt if you’re looking for someone to look after your special pet.

About Matthew H.

Communication

100% response rate
Usually responds in under half an hour

Dog skills

16 years of experience
Senior dog experience
Special needs dog experience
Can provide daily exercise

Safety, trust & environment

Typically play it by the pets energy, if they want attention and play then we'll play, if they want to chill in the same room as me with a toy for some company then we can do that, or if they wish to be alone I'll still be availible and accessible to them. I'm comfortable sharing a bed, sleeping with doors open, cleaning up accidents and walking them in any weather, long or short, relaxed with lots of stops to sniff or a more disciplined walk on a tight leash. I am clean and tidy so I will leave your property as I found it. I have no issue spending all day around the home of that would bring you peace of mind only nipping out to get some groceries to last me a couple of days at a time, though in short I'm flexible, reliable, and attentive.

Information Matthew H. would like to know about your pet

The priory for me is if your pet feels safe and comfortable with and around me, as their wellbeing is what's important. I am happy to work with any dog who's willing to give me a chance though if they aren't too keen on me there's no hard feelings, though this hasn't ever happened as I seem to have an affinity with most beings.

A typical day

I respect their sovereignty, so if they wish to amble, we'll amble, if they wish to go sniffing about exploring off the beat and track then we shall do that. If they wish to march we can do that, or should they wish to cuddle on the hill just watching the world go by then so too shall I.

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.
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Matthew H.

Elmdon

5 reviews