while pet sitters do provide a service, many don’t expect a tip, explains Suzy Lins, certified etiquette trainer and founder of Abousino.club. That said, each pet sitting situation is different, and tipping is a personal decision that’s up to you, Lins adds.
If you do plan to tip your pet sitter, you might wonder how much to give. The answer depends on many factors, including your location, how your sitter determines their rates, and your satisfaction with their care. Read on to learn more, with guidance from etiquette experts.
Tipping Guidelines for Pet Sitting Services
If you want to give your sitter a tip, experts agree that anywhere from 10%-20% of the total fee is an appropriate amount. This amount may be appropriate for basic services, recurring, or shorter stays.
For longer-term arrangements, you may find it more practical to give a flat tip, since a percentage of the total fee can quickly balloon, says Nick Leighton, etiquette expert and host of the Raised by Wolves podcast.
The amount for a flat tip can depend on the scope of the sitting work and the cost of living in your area, but anywhere between $20-$100 is appropriate, says Leighton.
“You can also choose to pay a bit above the standard rate and let them know the tip is included in that amount,” Lins adds.
Do Pet Sitters Expect Tips?
Self-employed pet sitters are generally recommended to calculate their rate to cover business expenses (overhead, transportations, fees, etc.) without relying on tips. Because of this distinction, tipping is less expected for self-employed pet sitters, though it’s always appreciated, explains Leighton.
Tipping is more customary if the sitter is employed by a service. Pet sitters employed by a service may receive a minimum tipped wage—in some cases, less than $4 per hour, depending on your state.
Unpaid pet sitters, who care for your pet and home in exchange for a place to stay, also generally wouldn’t expect tips, Leighton says. But you can still express your gratitude in other ways, such as glowing reviews or gift cards.
Of course, every pet sitting situation is different. If you don’t know whether you should tip or not, it never hurts to ask.
“A simple question like, ‘Are tips customary in your business?’ can give you clarity on what’s appropriate,” Lins says.
Reasons To Tip Your Pet Sitter
When your pet sitter meets all your expectations and more, tipping is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation, Lins explains. This lets them know you value and appreciate their work—and it can encourage them to sit for you again in the future!
You might consider tipping your pet sitter if they do a particularly excellent job or go above and beyond the tasks required in your arrangement by:
- Staying for long-term sitting jobs
- Taking on house sitting duties, like watering plants or bringing in mail
Filling in last-minute or during the holiday season
- Completing special or difficult tasks, like rushing your pet to the emergency vet or giving them medication
- Responding quickly and in detail to your questions or concerns
- Paying attention to small details, like opening blinds for a favorite birdwatching perch or cleaning food bowls
- Going out of their way to keep your pet comfortable, like adding an extra walk or play session if your pet seems bored
And, of course, never forget the value of a pet sitter who gets along with your pets! If your sitter earns your pet’s trust and affection, this can be a sign they truly understand animals and care for their well-being, and you might want to thank them accordingly.
Other Ways To Support Your Pet Care Provider
If you’re unable to leave a cash tip or your sitter doesn’t accept them, you can still show your appreciation in other ways.
Some alternative thank-you ideas for pet sitters include:A glowing Rover review and ratin
- A referral to friends, family, or neighbors
- A thoughtful thank-you card
- A gift card to one of their favorite stores or restaurants
- Homemade snacks or sweets (although check for allergies first!)
- A small gift or souvenir from your trip
Any gift could work here, so long as you give it with gratitude, thoughtfulness, and attention to your sitter’s preferences. If you’re unsure what’s appropriate, it never hurts to ask!
“The idea with this gesture is that you want your pet sitter to feel appreciated and respected,” Leighton says.
Plus, when you show your appreciation for a pet sitter who does a great job, they’ll be more likely to prioritize your pets during busy holiday seasons!