Hello Ladies,
My hubby and I will be traveling out of the country soon. A dear friend of mine will be staying at our house and taking care of our dogs. One is really old and high maintenance and the olther is just the queen of the house. I am filling the fridge for her. She will have to use more gas to get to work, because I live further from her job. My question, should I leave some $$$ for her for the extra gas and should I pay her when I return? I planned to purchase something really nice for her while away, but not sure about the other. Thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated! TIA!
Update...we will be gone 11 days. Already contacted the vet and put a cc on file and there is also a 24 hour vet that we have contacted as well.
Thanks everyone for your ideas. Our trip was wonderful and my friend did a great job. She even cleaned the house before we returned. She would not accept any $$, but I did give her $50 cash for her gas. We did purchase something nice for her, but she left before we returned from the airport and gave our keys to one of the watchful neighbors. I will hopefully be having lunch with her soon to give her the gift. You ladies are the best!
Personally, I'd pay her for the week (at least $30/day) AND leave her a gas gift card.
How much would you pay to kennel two dogs?
I charge $25 a day for 2 dogs when they are local to me. Since she will be driving farther. Why dont you throw in $25 gas card or an extra $25 for the 11 days.
I require half up front in payment and then they pay the other half after. But most my families pay me full up front
If you haven't agreed upon an amount to be paid, I would get her the gas card, bring back a nice gift and pay her what you agreed upon when you return. If you didn't agree upon an amount, I would suggest $30 per day.......any amount is peace of mind for you so you can enjoy your trip and know that your family pets and home are being taken care of. Don't take advantage of your dear friend.....take care of her! Good and dear friends are hard to come by. Good suggestions on leaving phone numbers of people she can contact if needed.
Pay her $30/day plus gas money. The other thing I think is important is this...make a list of "in case of this emergency" numbers. For example, when we go out of the country, I have a list with our plumber, insurance agent, neighbors, doctors, dentists, vets, school office numbers, anyone that she might need to get in touch with should something happen to your house/kids/pets. I also list, "if you have a question about _____, call this person." That way, all your bases are covered. Have a great trip!
The gas money is nice, and of course you should pay her. She is going out of her way to do something for you. I pay my dog sitter/house sitter about $20-$30 per day. (If I'm just gone for a weekend I pay her $50. For a week I would give her $150.) It would cost more to kennel my pets. Plus I like the peace of mind that comes with somene actually staying in the house and watching over it -- making it look lived-in.
She should be able to swing the extra money for gas, but you could add a mileage rate into her pay when you pay her. When I house-sat in college, I had a full fridge, and was paid a daily rate (but mileage wasn't an issue for me in the scenario I was in).
One thing I would like to suggest, before you go:
Make up a "worse-case scenario" plan for the pets, just in case. Let your vet know also of your plans. Discuss this with the sitter and make sure she's okay with it. That way, if something happens and she can't get ahold of you, she can still proceed with getting veterinary care if needed. Ask the vets office about maybe leaving a credit card on file, just in case (you don't want to have to put the sitter into a position where she has to pay vet bills).
I would leave her a gas card for sure. But, I would ask her how much she thinks she needs to be paid, and if she replies nothing, I would do $100 on the gas card and bring her back something super nice.
If you can ask her how much it costs to fill up her tank then double that amount and give her a gas card. I would also pay her for staying with the dogs. She is really helping you out, not to mention the dogs! Plus it is always a comfort to know that your house is being taken care of too. I would look up some pet sitting services in your area and decide on a daily amount. I would also pay her when you get back from the trip.
Have fun!
With the price of gas continuing to go up, I'd leave some for her before you leave and some when you return...
How long will you be gone? Hubby, me and the kids go on vacation usually once per year for a week or 2. His brother takes care of our house, dog, two cats and Iguana. He lives right next door, so he doesn't stay here or require extra gas money. For the 2wk trips, we give him $100 and bring him back a shirt or something. For shorter trips, we might only give $50 and a shirt. I would leave her cash and get her something nice. No need to give more money later, just decide on an amount and leave that for her with a Thank you card then give her the "gift" when you return.
Wow! I always have friends come over and feed the cats while I am gone, but I never considered paying them. I have a friend who was initially my next door neighbor who has been my go to person for most of 11 years except 2 years when he moved out of state. I always let him come over and grill while I was gone, and I stocked the fridge with beer. I would always bring him back something as well.
Since your friend is going out of her way and will be using extra gas though, I would definetly leave her a gas card. If she is your friend she shouldn't be expecting money, just the knowledge that you are willing to do the same for her if she ever needs it.
I asked this question and got some great responses!
I would pay her when you get back+gas card. I would not pay her with a gift.
I suggest leaving a gas card for her to use!
My pet sitter charges $45/day for overnights. It would cost you a fortune to put them in a kennel and they would be more stressed. I would pay a minimum of $30/day plus a gas card (it shouldn't cost her money to help you out). I nice gift is wonderful since she is your good friend and doing you a huge favor.
I pay about $45-$60 for overnight 7-7 and $20 per 45 minutes visit during the day.
I agree that during that length of time, it is better for them to be at home in their own surroundings. Kudos, on the vets having your info for emergency.
If this person is just a friend and not a licensed service, you might pay her gas $, etc. I always leave the coffemaker ready to go, toiletries, etc.
Enjoy your trip!
I would leave a little money, just in case. Although when I did that and my DH noticed as we were walking out the door he said, "Is she going to take the dogs to Sonic?" ;)
