score:
2

Do you tip dog sitters?

Is anybody tipping their dog sitter?

6 Answers

Sort by ยป oldest newest most voted
score:
4

Hi Philip,

There is an existing thread that talks about tipping dog sitters. You can find it here: http://www.rover.com/community/questi...

Thanks! Jessica

score:
1

I have had great boarding experiences and honestly have never received a tip...just as a server would don't expect one and if you get one AWESOME!!

score:
0

I have always gotten tips in the past. It is definitely a way of retaining your services, and having preferred clients! It also is your indication that you have gone above and beyond in your duties! :) s

Comments

Thanks Susan for the response that is exactly the support we should be showing one another. I too use tipping as a way to gauge and retain my preferred clients. I have found that in most cases those that tip tend to have better behaved dogs and are usually a higher caliber client repeat base. HAPPY TAILS TO YOU!

score:
0

Yes, you should tip your sitter! This is no different then any other service based profession such as Hair Stylist, Manicurist, Groomer, Newscarrier, Car Valet, or Waiter/Waitress. A typical tip would be 15-20% for gratitude. A tip shows respect and appreciation for their trustworthy and professional efforts. Thank you to all of my current and future clients!

Comments

Here's a news flash. If you do any job, you are SUPPOSED to be trustworthy and professional. Its a job! So, set your rates at a level that is not offensive to your expectations of what you will receive, and if they are too high, you will know soon enough. Next, do your job, do it well, there's nothing wrong with asking for the client to write a good review. And when the wonderful reviews start piling up, you can raise your rates accordingly and still the clients will come knocking down the door....that's how my sitter makes good money. I am not a sitter - I am a pet owner, and I tip my sitter very nicely, and also add little fees for things like taking in my mail and running the vacuum before she leaves. She EARNS it - big time. Maybe its a regional thing... (more)

score:
0

As a sitter, I have received some type of tip from roughly 2/3's of my clients. I never expect one, but am always appreciative if it happens. They vary, though. Sometimes if a dog is staying a little later than technically covered on the last day (like picking up 4-6 hours later, if you are strict with the 24 hour/per day stay rule), some clients will have you extend the stay to pay an entire extra day, for the extra time, as a nice tip. I don't charge unless it is more than an added 14-16 hrs, depending on the situation, length for stay, awesomeness of the dog, etc. I also have received baked goods and gift cards.

I also like to give a little goodie bag for stays lasting at least 2-3 days. If you plan ahead of time, it's easy to get some cute items for cheap (a small toy or treat, small treat for the owner (gourmet cookie or nice chocolate bar), if a repeat client, I try to make small personalized items. Shutterfly has the free magnets promotion every once in a while. It's not free as they charge more than you'd expect for shipping, but it comes to maybe $2 a magnet and clients love it. I use a photo from the stay with their name or the year. You can get cheap bags/containers and lots of cheap decorating items or filler items from eBay if you shop early.

I would recommend tipping (as I would in all service situations) but as a sitter, I do not expect them. We accept a fee we set. Factor in an appropriate tip in your pricing, if you must.

score:
-7

Shame on you for not tipping. I'm sure you are the laughing stock