Petsitter - do you tip?

[Anonymous]

I just got a bill from a pet sitter and there is a space for gratuity. I never thought about it before, is it common to tip a petsitter? My thought is that the price is so high as it is! Please let me know
what the general rule is here. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Everyone I've pet-sat for has always tipped me.

[Anonymous]

Oh wow, good to know. We will have several sitters coming during the week. How much should I add for gratuity?

[Anonymous]

My husband is a pet sitter / dog walker. The only time people tip him is at Christmas. I think he would be surprised if someone actually tipped him other than at Christmas.

[Anonymous]

We use a cat sitter 3-4 times a year and always tip, usually about 20%.

I think it is different with a regular service like a dog walker -- then I would tip at holidays only.

[Anonymous]

I have a routine dog walker who comes and we schedule each month. I buy her a gift (equal to a tip) at Christmas and get her little things here and there throughout the year.

[Anonymous]

This is a week long trip and we don't use them any other time. The bill is going to be very high as we have more than one pet. Advice?

[Anonymous]

I use a pet sitter infrequently for vacations. I always leave a tip. If it's a short trip, I leave $5 or $10. If it's a long trip like a week or more, then sometimes I leave $20. Maybe it's my way of bribing them to be extra nice to my cat.