Tipping the dogsitter/dog walker

[bubbilygum]

Our dog goes to a dog sitter five days a week, every week, and I feel we should give our dogsitter a token of our appreciation as a Christmas present.

What would you suggest a good present and/or amount to tip is? Our dog started going to the sitter in Feb so we haven't had this before!

Would a monetary tip be best? If so, how much?

Or should we buy a more thoughtful gift rather than just money?

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated

 

[CAYLA]

I would buy a gift.
I board dogs and OH walks them and every year these clients give gifts, for OH is generally beer and they often get me (body shop vouchers) or things like yankee candles/woodwick candles, usually very good quality items.
One client always send me a big box of cocolates
Another always gets me a bottle of perfume

 

[BBH]

I give my sitter a gift. She sits mine probably 4/5 times a year.

Last year it was some John Lewis candles, this year its some Amazing Grace Philosophy bath / shower gel.

 

[stencilface]

I'm getting mine some of these (made by a HHOer - not me!) and a bottle of wine - he walks him once a week.

http://cathyschocolatesandcakes.co....ucts_id=134&osCsid=0utjc1fkrv02lngh9e7u4g08l3

my next door neighbour who walks him for nothing o ) will get the same, two bottles of wine, home made cookiers, home made chutney and some cheese - we supply logs for her fire year round too.

Dog sitter I've only used once this weekend, but she's having him again when I go skiing so she'll get something from holiday then I think

 

[ladyearl]

As a dog walker and sitter I'd just like to say it is so lovely when people give you a wee gift it is always much appreciated, especially when it comes at a time of year when people aren't generally envying you of your job! Usually comes in the form of a bottle of wine, smellies or chocs. occasionally I've had mugs and one lady bought me these amazing fleece slippers that are the only way to warm my feet after a day like today ice/snow!

 

[stargirl88]

My clients have given me money (£20), cava, welly boots , and gig tickets before!

 

[bubbilygum]

Thank you for all the replies! I think I will try and get a few winter warmer type things like fleecy slippers (they sound lovely!) and maybe homemade biscuits, a few nice candles and a bottle of wine.

Our dogsitter is a godsend, our dog is happy and relaxed after playing all day, which means we can take her for a nice walk and relax all evening too, not have to worry about entertain a batty 20 month old Airedale terrier for a few hours after work (which would be incredibly tiring!). Just want to let her know we really appreciate it and as far as we are concerned it is worth every penny!