Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Myers.
Hi Matt, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well I moved to Austin from Boston. I grew up with several kinds of pets but I had none in the 12 years I lived in Boston. My wife and I got 2 dogs and we loved them like they were our children and took them camping, to breweries, dog parks, unknown trails and all. I was working as a catering cook and the hours were crazy and I wanted to do something else I was passionate about. I started Hound for Hound Pet sitting and Dog walking. I was working very part time with my business but then I got a client who traveled 3-4 months a year and I was able to go full time plus all the clients finding me on google and yelp. Still going after 15 years!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Well after having a massive headache while doing my 8 am hour walk in 2011 I had a seizer while driving to my next walk. I crashed really bad on south first st. and luckily didn’t hurt anyone but my car was destroyed. I had brain cancer and had my tumor removed 2 days later. I was back to work 2 days after surgery! I hired a driver to be safe and did my chemo and radiation while working. I’ve been fine ever since and I have an awesome daughter, Greta, who helps out at work. Covid was hard on us too but many of my regular still had me and the crew walking their pups.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Hound for hound specializes in single dog walks. The dog can sniff and do its own thing on our travels. They won’t be interrupted by a large group. The other thing is when pet sitting we don’t do just dogs. We have regular bunnies, chickens and cat clients. Our rates are also affordable.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Well the risk is quitting your other job to be a sitter/walker. Clients leave Austin, their pet could pass or they may not have been a great fit. Another big risk-Safety! Also this job can be a little dangerous with loose dogs running around or unfriendly dogs in general. I once helped saved a dog’s life who was being attacked. Overall though it’s a fun,positive experience and you make lots of pet buddies!
Pricing:
- 15 minute potty break-$20
- 30 minute dog walk-$25
- Hour dog walk-$40
- Overnight sitting-$95
- Cats/chickens/wabbits and more visit-$20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.houndforhound.com
- Instagram: @houndforhound
- Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/hound-for-hound-austin
