Are you insured?

Yes, I’m insured through PetCare Insurance and can show/email you my insurance card.

Will my pets stay in your home?

I make visits to YOUR HOME to care for your pets. That being said, I have a few select doggy clients who stay in my home, but 99% of the time I visit your pet in your home.

Will you stay all day or overnight with my pets?

I make visits to your home throughout the day to tend to your pet(s) based on our prearranged plan. When out of town, most clients choose 3 daily visits – some prefer 4. If something occurs with your pet – I will attend to the well being of your pet(s). On a few occasions, I have stayed overnight when requested for an additional charge.

My dog isn’t a puppy, can’t they hold it all day?

Exercise and/or a relief break are important for dogs of all ages. Walking helps maintain a healthy body weight as well as prevent your dog building up stress of too much pent up energy. A potty relief break, fresh air, and even a short walk may lead to a better quality of life with fewer health issues.

You offer a complimentary Meet ‘n Greet?

Yes, the complimentary consult allows us to get to know one another better and see if we’re a good fit. I want to know how I can be of help caring for your pet(s) and discover their needs such as: daily routine/habits, location of food/toys/leashes, food servings, whether to treat after potty breaks/walks, crate or leave out, confine to certain rooms, any pet hiding places/chewing/biting/marking, unusual habits or fears, alarm system, health concerns, vet info, medications, and any special needs.

How do I Start?

Just Click Here for the Contact form. Go ahead and let me know your pet sitting/training needs.

What breeds of dogs do you care for or train?

I love all DOGS! Dogs are my specialty and I’ve also done cat sitting, fed fish, turtles, etc.  If you have another type of animal that needs attention while tending to your dog, I’ll do my best to accommodate you.

What services do you offer?

As The Dog Expert, my expertise includes dog sitting, walking, training,… to how your dog impacts your human relationships! Check out my best selling book titled, Leashes and Lovers: What Your Dog Can Teach You About Love, Life, and Happiness. Order in paperback or download for yourself or get a signed copy for the perfect dog lover’s gift! CLICK HERE to order from Amazon.

How much is Dog Sitting?

For your dog’s comfort, Dog Care visits occur at your home. A “Relief Visit” of approximately 15 minutes begins at $15. This is a one price, multi-dog all-inclusive rate. Want me to spend more time playing/loving/exercising your dog(s)? A walk usually entails an “Elite Visit” about 25-minutes+ for $20. This method is an easy system of math depending on how long you’d like me to exercise/care/love your dog(s). You and I will determine in advance how much time you want. You won’t have any surprises.  If it becomes difficult to service your dog(s) in the allotted time, I will communicate to you about adjusting the time frame to best care for your pet.

What does Dog Training include?

A dog training session is 1 hour and a package of 3 sessions is $297 at your location. ($247 if you are a dog sitting client).  Your dog can learn to be a well-mannered companion and family pet. The sessions may include Doggy Etiquette such as:  sit, down, stay, come, leave-it, drop-it . The Doggy Bootcamp deals with jumping, pulling, leash walking & more. Training may involve the whole family and how your dog impacts your family dynamics. Sheryl is a certified dog trainer from Animal Behavior College, and has a degree in Psychology.

What payment methods do you accept?

All payment methods accepted: cash, check, credit card (mastercard/visa/amex/discover), Paypal, etc. Payment is due upon single visit, at end of week for multiple visits, or within 7 days for vacation visits. Please clearly mark any payment that is left on the counter or in an envelope. Payments may be made to Sheryl Matthys or Sheryl Matthys, LLC.

Will you come to where I live?

I am based in Westfield, and for dog sitting I travel to clients homes within a 6-mile radius. Pet visits are at your home. I travel farther for dog training which are a 3-session package.

What time do you provide dog care?

At our Complimentary Meet ‘n Greet, we’ll talk about your dog(s) needs. We’ll determine a preferred window of time to tend to your dog(s). I will do my best to hit that target, but please allow a one-hour cushion before and after the preferred window of time.

When can you start?

I can usually start right away after the short form is filled out along with a walk-through of your pet area and meeting your pets during the Complimentary Meet ‘n Greet.

How do I know you’ve cared for my pet?

I text you each time with a report on how your pet is doing along with a photo! Some clients on vacation prefer once a day notification.

Can I make last-minute arrangements?

Yes! I understand when the unexpected happens such as delays at work, sent out of town, etc. Feel free to text me and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

If I have more than 1 dog, do you walk them separately or together?

Most of the time, dogs prefer to walk together. The dog care visit is determined by how long you’d like me to stay and care/exercise/love your pet. I do my best to distribute the love, belly rubs, attention, feeding, and walks in the most balanced manner.

Where do you walk my dog?

The walks usually are around your home/block in your neighborhood as this is where your dog would be most comfortable.

Can you administer medication to my dog?

I can administer medication in a pill or liquid form at no extra charge.

Can I use your service periodically or is there a contract?

There are no minimum visit requirements. Use my services once or again and again.

Do you work on holidays?

Yes, if I’m available.  A surcharge of $7 per 15 min. will be added for visits made on major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day).

Do you show up for my dog like the mailman? (Rain, snow, …)

Unless the roads aren’t drivable or a tornado or other dangerous conditions … I sit/walk/train in all 4 seasons.

Why shouldn’t I use a neighbor, friend, or boarding facility?

You certainly can – if you have a neighbor or friend who is willing. With me, you’re getting an insured professional that’ll care for your dog like it’s my own. I talk to and play with your pet(s) and go the extra mile like clean out food bowls, wipe down counters, bring in mail/packages, and pick up the yard… You may also board your pet, but I think your dog likes the familiarity of their home and to sleep in his/her own bed!

My dog plays in the yard – is that enough?

For potty relief breaks, yes it is. Hopefully they are getting walks at other times. Walking your dog a few times a week improves your dog’s energy, health, body fat, behavior and attitude. Like humans, a dog needs exercise about 15+ minutes a day.

My dog isn’t active – why let out during the day?

This may be why your dog isn’t active – he/she may need to get off the couch more! Often a walk gets everything moving in your dog. Also, they may not be drinking water during the day because they know it’ll be hours before you return home.

My dog is old, why would he/she need this?

Exercise is very important for your mature dog. Walking helps maintain a healthy body weight as well as improve your dog’s attitude and happiness. Exercise will lead to a better quality of life and perhaps a longer life.

Can you provide references?

Yes, I provide references at our complimentary Meet ‘n Greet or I can email them to you. Also, CLICK HERE to check out my testimonials.