Pet Sitter & Dog Walker Tip Calculator
Calculate appropriate tips for pet sitting and dog walking services
Pet Sitter & Dog Walker Tipping Guide
Tipping pet care providers is appreciated but not always expected. Holiday tips and bonuses for regular care providers are common and appreciated.
Pet Care Tipping Standards
- Regular Dog Walker: One week’s pay as holiday bonus, or $20-50
- Daily Dog Walker (occasional): $5-10 extra per walk for great service
- Pet Sitter (overnight): 15-20% of total cost or one day’s rate
- Drop-In Visits: $5-10 extra per visit for exceptional care
- Holiday/Last-Minute Care: 25-50% extra or double rate
- Long-Term Sitting (week+): $50-100 bonus or 15-20% of total
- Boarding Facility: $10-20 per staff member at pickup
When to Tip Pet Care Providers
- Holidays: December holiday bonus is most common tipping time.
- End of Service: After vacation pet sitting, tip at pickup.
- Exceptional Care: If pet had emergency and sitter handled it well.
- Regular Service: Consider monthly or quarterly bonuses for regular walkers.
- Difficult Pets: Tip more if your pet is challenging, anxious, or requires medication.
- Extra Services: Tip for going beyond basics (vet visits, grooming, training practice).
Pet Care Service Considerations
- App-Based Services (Rover, Wag): Tipping is built into apps, but cash tips appreciated too.
- Self-Employed Pet Sitters: They set their rates, so tipping is optional but appreciated for great service.
- Kennel/Daycare: Tipping is less expected, but holiday bonuses for favorite staff members appreciated.
- Professional Pet Services: If using certified trainers or specialized care, tipping may not be expected.
Tip in cash when possible, especially for independent sitters. Leave tip with thank-you note expressing appreciation for care of your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about tipping for this service
Tip 15-20% of the total cost or one day's rate for overnight sitting. For regular dog walkers, give one week's pay as a holiday bonus or $20-50.
Tip $5-10 extra per visit for exceptional care, or give a lump sum tip at the end of your trip. For regular daily visits, a $20-50 bonus periodically is appreciated.
Yes! App-based sitters appreciate tips beyond platform fees. Tip 15-20% through the app or in cash. Cash ensures they receive 100% of the tip.
Yes, tip 25-50% extra for holiday pet sitting (Thanksgiving, Christmas). Pet sitters sacrifice time with their families to care for your pet.
Tip $10-20 per staff member at pickup, especially if your pet received special attention. Not all kennels expect tips, but it's appreciated.