Our family is going away next weekend (first time in 4 years I'll be leaving my dog - she usually comes with us) and hiring a pet sitting service to care for my menagerie of animals, we have dog, cat, birds and lizards. The service is bonded and insured and I've gotten good feedback from other clients. It is not as cheap as having a neighbor help you, but like I said we have alot of pets. My question is, should I tip, and if so how much?
Hi N.,
I too am a animal lover and before I had my twin boys, I had my own pet sitting service (which I loved!!). I never expected a tip or got one. The only time is for regular customers who give bonuses at holiday time. So I would say definitely no need to tip. I know it is also an expensive service.
Jenn
If the business is owned by the person who will be sitting your pets then there is no need to tip, because the money that is being charged is all for their services. If it is a company that sends someone to check on your pets, then you should tip because they have to give the money to the owner who will then give them a portion of it. I owned a dog-grooming business and i rarely received tips from clients. In my case I should have received tips because I was mobile and I spent hours on their dogs.
I would tip. (full disclosure, I was a professional waitress for a looong time, so am pro-tipping in general) With that said, when it comes to my pet's care, ie grooming, etc- I always tip for a couple of reasons: these aren't typically high paying jobs- the people that do them are usually there because they love the animals, not for big bucks. Secondly, and more important to me, assuming I am happy with the service, I will be back... I want that person to remember me as the customer that tipped them nicely and that gives me better odds at getting better service the next time around. I always remembered customers that tipped me well, and they got preferential treatment, and I'm sure that goes for all tipped employees. I'd give 10- 15% percent depending on how you feel about the experience. Enjoy your trip :)
I think it depends on if it is the same person coming to your home daily and also if you are pleased with the service. If so then yes I would.
I used to be a professional petsitter, too. I never expected a tip from my customers, although they were all very grateful and kept asking me to come back. Occasionally, I would receive tips, like when I worked a holiday or all the time from one customer who did have a menagerie, like yourself. I don't feel tipping is necessary unless you really feel you want to do it.
I worked for a pet sitting service one summer, while I was in college. I almost never received tips. I did if it was a holiday, but other then that no. It's really up to you.
I do not think it is necessary to tip. Just pay the bill.
If its the same person coming everytime and they did a really good job then yes, definetly. This is especially true if you wish to use them again. I am not sure how many days you will be gone and how much it will cost you but 10% or maybe even 15% would be appreciated I am sure.
There are so many people with their hands out these days that it has become ridiculous. Apart from wait staff and hotel maids, most folks get paid minimum wage or more and I see no reason to tip UNLESS they go above and beyond what their job required. Is the person that will come to your house the owner of the service? If so do not tip. Otherwise if your pets are happy and the house is tidy (no animal messes) then at most give $5 a day. But I dont think a tip is necessary at all.
