Should I Tip My Pet Sitter?

BY:  Laurie Brzostowski, President, Snaggle Foot Dog Walks and Pet Care-Round Lake, IL

It is that time of year again.. Christmastime and we are starting to think about those people we want to buy gifts for.  Your mom and dad, kids, grandkids, neighbors, friends, etc.  But, how about those people who help you throughout the year with other things?  Like your pet sitter, housekeeper, gardener.

Sometimes people forget about the people that are in the service industry. Pet sitters come every day to walk your dog, or they are there for your pets when you go on vacation or they fulfill last minute visit requests.  You trust them with your pets and your home.

Some pet sitters work 365 days a year taking care of pets so should you tip your pet sitter? Absolutely!

If you are thinking about a monetary gift the normal tip amount is basically the same as you would tip anywhere else.. standard 20% is the going rate.

The most grateful feeling in the world is that tip or gift you receive from a client for helping them out during the year with their pets.  It let's us know that we matter... we matter to you and we matter to your pets.

Other ways to thank your pet sitter:

• Unique gifts from your vacation. If you know that your pet sitter likes collectibles.. find out which ones and a small gift to your pet sitter is a nice "thank you".

• Thank you cards.  In-home pet care is now a preferred option and there are now a lot of greeting card manufacturers that are creating "thank my pet sitter" types of cards.

• T-shirts, sweatshirts, supplies, etc.  Most of us wear jeans and t-shirts and/or sweatshirts while working.  We also carry a lot of supplies with us.  These would be useful gifts to give your pet sitter.

• Plan ahead when you need a pet sitter.  Pet sitters have to put a lot of planning into taking time off to be with their families.  If you schedule last minute vacations or overnights or even daily dog walks, it can take that time away from your pet sitter who may have already had plans to be with family and friends.  Their "time off" is important to them also as it helps them to recharge and keep them from burning out on the job.

• Write a review on Google+, Angies List, or Yelp.  It is always nice to hear from our clients how much they truly appreciate us.  A compliment goes a long way.

So while you are out shopping this year for your friends and family, don't forget your pet sitter.

Happy Holidays Everyone !!!