What should I tip the dog sitter?

If you would like to tip your sitter, I'm sure he/she would be appreciative. It is always nice to receive recognition for the care you gave to someone's precious furbaby and the daily updates/photos that allow you to enjoy your vacation or other time away from home worry-free.

As for whether tipping is expected, they're never "expected." Opinions about tipping sitters vary widely here. Some believe their contracted fees are all that is necessary, while others believe dogsitting is no different from other service for which tipping is very customary. Please keep in mind that Rover takes at a minimum 15%-20% of the sitter's earnings.

The fact is you are entrusting the care of your fur baby to an individual, something which is far more significant than bringing you an iced tea or doing your nails. There is no right or wrong.

Tipping - whether you do it at all and/or how much - is completely up to you.

In my area (Chicago suburbs) most sitters don't expect to be tipped - it has happened twice to me in nearly 2 years; however, on occasion a repeat client will bring a gift from their trip (always a fun surprise).

The best gift you can give your sitter is to write an absolutely lovely, glowing review, tell all your friends about them and share their $20 off access code, and use their services again and again.

I don't ever expect a tip, though as Carmen mentioned a 5-star review and referrals are the best tip there is.

However, my teen sons have been given tips. It's a wide range: A $5 bill in an envelope with a nice note for each of them from a new client when she dropped off her dog for a 5 night stay to a guy who gave them each a $25 gift card when he picked up his dog from an 8 night stay over Christmas.

I'd say if you feel like you are willing to pay more than what the Sitter is charging through Rover it couldn't hurt to offer $10-$20, depending on the length of the stay. The Sitter might feel odd accepting it so be sure to say something about how much you appreciate their care of your pup as you are handing it to them.