Do You Tip a Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, or Groomer? Here's the Standard

Many dog owners use all manner of services to help take care of their beloved pooch. From dog walkers to dog groomers, there are many people who help your dog stay happy, healthy, and well. But should you be tipping them? This is a good question. In an age where tipping is becoming more and more common, what are the accepted practices for tipping pet industry employees?

In most cases, you should consider tipping pet industry employees the same way you would tip a server or hairdresser. This quick guide will go over who should get a tip, how much you should tip, and when you should consider going above and beyond. By the end, you should feel confident about putting down a tip for various services (or not tipping) depending on your situation.

Should You Tip a Dog Walker, Pet Sitter, or Groomer?

Some people will say that you should always tip anyone who works with your dog. But this is not always the case. Each situation is different, and therefore, tips can be tailored to the kind of service and institution you are using. For example, if you have an agreement with a neighbor to watch your dog or if you are hiring a friend’s kid to walk your dog, you probably don’t need to give them a tip.

But if you are doing business with an independent contractor or employee of a business, you should consider tipping.

It is also a good idea to try to glean what kind of pay structure the person you are working with has. Do they have tips built into their hourly wage, like a server? In that case, tipping is almost a must. Do they get a commission for each dog they serve? Are they salaried? Knowing these things can help you decide who to tip and who not to tip, but getting this information might not always be easy in a casual business relationship.

It is always polite to tip. It can be a super nice gesture to give a tip when one is not expected. Most people will be overjoyed to receive a nice tip, especially if they are not expecting one. If you are worried about social norms or want to err on the side of caution, giving a tip of any size is preferable to giving no tip at all.

Note that all tipping is at the customer’s discretion. There are no situations in which you have to tip, but not tipping can sometimes come off as rude or insensitive, especially if you thought the service was exceptional.

Basic Tipping Guidelines

Dog Walker (10–15%)

It is good practice to tip your dog walker. Depending on the amount of your agreement, a good tip for dog walkers is 10% to 15%. Some people like to give gifts or tips at the end of the contract agreement to show their appreciation. If your dog walker does a good job and never has any issues, tipping them lets you know you are happy with their service.

Pet Sitter (10%–20%)

Pet sitters are a little tricky. Many people get their pets looked after by friends and family. Giving extra money in these situations can sometimes be awkward. Other times, people use a pet hotel or professional boarding service. You can tip your professional pet sitter. A basic amount to start with is 10% but higher amounts can be given for excellent care or long stays.

You can tip your friends or family whatever amount you feel comfortable with, even if that means not giving them a tip. The longer the duration, the higher the tip should be. This also includes friends and family. If your friend watches your dog for you for a week or more, you should consider tipping them, even if they don’t expect it, as a sign of gratitude and appreciation.

Dog Groomer (15%–20%)

You should tip your dog groomer the same way you would tip your barber or hairstylist. A good tip for a dog groomer is 15% to 20%. You might even want to consider tipping higher if you have a particularly good groomer who provides exceptional care and service. Dog grooming is generally a much harder job than dog walking or pet sitting.

Getting a good haircut for your dog or finding a groomer that you and your dog click with can be difficult, so tipping well can show your appreciation and ensure that you remain a client of the best groomers.

Good Times to Tip (Even If You Don’t Tip Regularly)

Even if you are opposed to tipping in general (some people are), there are still some times that you should consider tipping, no matter what. Many people choose to tip around the holidays or increase their tipping amounts during these times as a show of goodwill. If you have a particularly long trip or a particularly demanding stretch of dog walking, you should consider tipping.

For example, if your dog walker has been going out in bad weather or if you are gone for more than 5 days, you should consider giving a tip, even if you don’t normally do so.

Conclusion

Tipping can be a divisive topic. On the one hand, all tips are at the discretion of the customer. On the other hand, it is always polite to tip. This leads some people to feel obligated to tip when there is no obligation. Other people cannot afford to tip because of rising prices. If you can afford to tip, a basic 10% tip on all services can be a gesture of goodwill.

If you are extremely happy with your service or like your providers, you should consider tipping 15% or more. But again, all tipping is up to you. Only tip what you can afford and what you feel comfortable with.

Featured Image Credit: Zontica, Shutterstock