FOOD PROVIDED FOR SITTERS STAYING AT OWNERS HOME
error in earlier question....WHAT FOODS SHOULD OWNERS PROVIDE FOR SITTERS DOING OVERNIGHTS AT OWNERS HOME FOR SEVERAL DAYS???
4 Answers
As a sitter I never raid the owners home for food. I think of it as having a desk job. You wouldn't expect your boss to bring you lunch every day. I have had owners leave a 20 for pizza, or even bake me cookies or something to munch on. For extended stays I will buy quick meals such as ramen, or soup and if I want to use any utensils from the kitchen I always wash them before the owner comes home.
My rule of thumb is if they don't mention it, its off limits. When I have sitters over, I generally follow the 20$ rule, because they can use it for Pizza or consider it a tip.
I would not expect a client to provide food for me if I were sitting in their home, and I would not help myself to the home owner's cupboards or fridge unless they had offered. I think the only way to avoid any potential confusion is to discuss what is provided and what the sitter has permission to use when you meet with a potential sitter. As an owner, I'd include kitchen stuff as part of the tour of your house, pointing out anything the sitter is welcome to have (like perishables, perhaps), where cooking implements are located, cleaning supplies, etc, making sure to be clear about what the sitter has permission to use and anything you'd prefer they provide themselves.
Most of my regular travelsitting clients have told me I'm welcome to any food/beverages they have. Although it was very thoughtful of them, I would feel unprofessional raiding their cupboards/fridge... It probably just depends on the sitter/client relationship but its definitely a good idea to discuss it before hand so there's no confusion.
Question is, what should Pet Owners Provide to Sitters for Overnight Stays? My Answer, (from the perspective of being both a Sitter and a Dog Owner): This is a service industry. You would tip the Uber Driver, the bell-boy, the vallet to recognize their service. With Dog Sitters, an alternative to a cash tip is acknowledging the time they are spending in a foreign home. Knowing that a Sitter will shy away from preparing a full course meal on appliances they are not familiar with pet owners should consider discussing what is for their taking and then leave them with:
-beverages (water bottles etc.) -healthy snacks (apples, granola bars) -unhealthy comfort snacks (chocolates etc.) -names/#'s of local delivery places plus $20 in cash to cover the cost as a courtesy should the stay. Especially if you are asking sitters to remain in your home for an extended period of time.
Repeat sitters will develop a natural comfort in your space so be sure to clearly communicate what is on/off limits to avoid confusion, embarrassment or other unfavorable situations for both parties.