Should I tip?

I've been asked recently, and saw a bit of a debate on the topic, about tipping your pet sitter.  Some say "Yes!" some say "No!" and some say "No way, why would I?"  Here's my take on it.

I walk multiple dogs three days per week.  I am not tipped.  I do not expect to be tipped, but I do appreciate when my clients pay me even when they are traveling with their pets because they know I have set aside that time for them every week.  I don't expect it, but it is a kindness in our relationship that has lasted for nearly a decade.

I rarely see my clients, the human ones.  I am walking with their dogs because they cannot be home to do it themselves. I am trusted with their canine family members, keys to their homes, and codes to their garages and front doors.  It is a very personal relationship with my clients being vulnerable.  They can't really know if I've shown up, or if I've snooped through their homes, or if I've stolen something.  They trust me with virtually everything they have, and I do not take that trust lightly.  I am honored by how much faith they have in my honesty and accountability.

Sometimes clients will leave a little chocolate treat, or a selection of fruit, or some other kind of snack or beverage for me because I walk with their dogs in the noon-ish/lunchtime-ish hour.  It is so sweet, and it makes me smile.  I always leave a thank you note along with the note about how their dogs enjoyed, or did not enjoy, the time we spent together.

Sometimes clients will leave me a little gift from their travels or simply from a trip to the grocery store or mall.  I have even received a luxury dog bed for my burrower Foster.  My clients tell me kind things like they cannot pay me what I am worth and therefore they want to show me in other ways how much they value me.  It is all very kind and beyond appreciated, but still, I do not expect it.

Again, I rarely see my human clients, and these kindnesses often feel like evaluations.  I do not think my clients see them this way, but I see these gestures as ways of telling me I am doing a good job, and that always feels good to me.  I can know that they value my work by their continuing to hire me, but a note or a chocolate or a bottle of water or an extra walk's pay gives me confidence and builds our relationship.  It's just nice.

So should you tip your dog walker or pet sitter?  I don't know. I don't expect it, but I know it is hard to find someone you can trust with the whole of your possessions and at least some of your family members.  I would pay well for the service and value the relationship.  However you show your appreciation is up to your personality, but I will say my clients are getting more than someone to walk their dogs, and I have received more than monetary payment and chocolates.  It's a long-term relationship that has gifted us all.