Matthew V.
Whitefish, MT
Dogs make everything in life better
Pet care experience
My family always had dogs growing up, so I learned at a very young age the importance of dog care. It was always my responsibility to take care of and clean up after them. In college, I finally got a dog of my own, and have never not had a dog of my own to take care of. I now have an 8-year-old golden retriever and a 9-year-old collie mix with hip dysplasia that requires extra care and attention.
Reviews
Matthew did an amazing job with our dog. If I could go in our dogs’ mind, I would say he thought he was at a fun camp week! Lots of walks, Matthew sent pictures/videos and communicated easily w us on logistics. It was an added bonus that our dog had Matthew’s dogs to play with. We had total peace of mind while away on our vacation.
I am the most stressed dog mom about my pups and Matt has been amazing on all fronts. Our highly bonded brother-sister dogs are extremely slow to warm up to people, but Matt immediately knew how to make them confident and comfortable with him. He absorbed my zillions of instructions with ease and followed everything perfectly. He's super communicative and lets me know how the dogs are doing when he has them, as I asked, which lets me relax and know that they're in great hands. And he's athletic and has no problem getting them plenty of exercise on the leash, as need to be because they're big escape artists. I've spent two years looking for the right care taker for my tricky pups and I'm overjoyed to have found Matt!
Matt took great care of our two dogs while housesitting for us. His regular updates and photos provided us a weekend away feeling at ease and comforted knowing our dogs were in the best hands. Ours dogs are quite different (one is energetic and young, and another is a senior who requires diaper changes and knowledge of using her doggy wheelchair), and he made sure to give them each the individual attention and care they require. Matt also took great care of our home and we arrived to the laundry done and folded, a clean house, and a nice, detailed note about his stay. We'd recommend Matt to anyone and will certainly reach out to him again next time we need a sitter!
Matt took outstanding care of our senior dog while housesitting for us. He got her outside for tons of walks on trails, gave us regular updates, and took her out for hikes with his own dogs. He is very professional and easy to work with. We will be asking him to dog/house sit for us again for sure!
About Matthew V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have two calm and friendly dogs at home, that I prefer to bring with me on walks, or house-sitting gigs, however it is not necessary. As a pet owner myself, I know that dogs left alone too long get lonely and act out. So my standard of care is to spend as much time possible with the pets. This is easy for me because I love being around pets, I work very little and it is remote from a computer, and I love exercising. So no matter what, I am available to actually be with your pet during the time you need.
Home
Information Matthew V. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or likes specific treats or activities. I am very accommodating, especially with one dog who will run for hours and the other who just slowly walks next to me for short walks. I am very flexible with pet needs!
A typical day
I live near Big Mountain, so there are tons of trails up there all year round. I also love walking at Lion Mountain, Round Meadows, Whitefish Lake golf course (when open to dogs). I also love taking water-loving dogs to Les Mason, or on my stand-up-paddleboard or raft for water adventures. My dogs are basically always with me, even in their older age, they enjoy being with me and vice versa.
Services
Matthew can host
Matthew can watch in your home
Availability
I quit my full-time job and now work very part-time, remotely, from home, and taking care of my pets is my number one priority each day. My mantra has always been "a tired dog is a good dog". And I live by that! I find that consistent training and a lot of exercise is the best way to keep your dog (and yourself) happy. As much as I love walks through neighborhoods, I do also enjoy going on off-leash hikes where dogs can run, chase (within reason), and have fun without limiting themselves and me with a leash. Though with my older dog with hip dysplasia, she can't go as long or far as she used to.
About Matthew V.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
I have two calm and friendly dogs at home, that I prefer to bring with me on walks, or house-sitting gigs, however it is not necessary. As a pet owner myself, I know that dogs left alone too long get lonely and act out. So my standard of care is to spend as much time possible with the pets. This is easy for me because I love being around pets, I work very little and it is remote from a computer, and I love exercising. So no matter what, I am available to actually be with your pet during the time you need.
Home
Information Matthew V. would like to know about your pet
Let me know if your dog has any special needs or likes specific treats or activities. I am very accommodating, especially with one dog who will run for hours and the other who just slowly walks next to me for short walks. I am very flexible with pet needs!
A typical day
I live near Big Mountain, so there are tons of trails up there all year round. I also love walking at Lion Mountain, Round Meadows, Whitefish Lake golf course (when open to dogs). I also love taking water-loving dogs to Les Mason, or on my stand-up-paddleboard or raft for water adventures. My dogs are basically always with me, even in their older age, they enjoy being with me and vice versa.
Location
Whitefish, MT
Pets
Matthew V.
Whitefish, MT