If anyone is offered a cash ‘tip’, and feels uncomfortable taking it for themselves, please send it to me - I will gladly take it off you 
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@Colin No, you didn’t, 
but I think we saw it somewhere in this thread.
@Saltrams - I think you will find that it was I who said it would be rude not to accept something that was offered, not @Colin - whether that be cash, food or another gift. I would accept everything that was offered, and I would think it rude not to do so.
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@Saltrams So well put. I have been trying to craft a similar message but you summed it up so succinctly - it is to me incredibly uncomfortable and a symbol of an unequal relationship. I just hope I am never in the position of being offered a ‘tip’ as a sitter!
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Replying to @colin; mea culpa, I didn’t specifically check and I added you without checking, on the basis of your opposing views. I apologise.
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There we are…I think maybe instead of rude, it would be uncomfortable or awkward? Just slightly different wording. And of course then there’s the manner in which it is presented. I’ve read that a number of sitters had cash left for them. I would be hesitant to accept that. If it were handed to me at the end, that is where the awkward would come into play for me. Vigorously declining it in person would be even more awkward.
However, I’ve had a homeowner leave us tea and homemade cookies over Christmas, and that was pure bliss!
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Just wanted to comment on this thread.
We would NEVER refuse a tip.
We certainly don’t feel uncomfortable about accepting them.
Only had 1 serious tip, 100 pounds for a weekend sit for a lovely doggie fabulous hosts, who really appreciated what we were doing.
We did travel quite a way to get there, which the host’s very much appreciated.
Don’t be martyrs, if someone offers you a tip, be gracious and thankful.
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It’s not about being a martyr. I simply don’t feel comfortable with the whole tipping scenario - giving or receiving! I wouldn’t turn one down as I think it would be ungracious but really I would prefer not to be put in that situation.
I’ve done 13 sits and have had 3 tips, if I recall correctly: $20, $50 and $100. Also, I’ve been asked several times what kinds of groceries they can buy for me. At my current sit they took me grocery shopping before they left.
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As others, we have received home cooked meals, taken out to dinner, wine, beer, chocolates from Switzerland, gift cards to grocery stores and coffee shops, gifts brought back from their trips, and last but not least, money. (37 sit) We look at all as a gift of appreciation, certainly not a tip. It is never expected, but we “feel” their need to give extra appreciation. I know everyone has different opinions, however, I feel excepting anything they wish to give is the gracious thing to do. Again, not expected, but certainly appreciated.
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Is it standard practice for a HO to leave a gratuity for an exceptional Sitter?
My Sitters (husband and wife team) have been taking exceptional care of my place while I am out of town. They have been taking my dogs out for hikes daily and tiring them out. I am truly grateful to this couple. Is it customary or expected by sitters to include a tip? As a HO, this is my first time using THS.
No, it is not customary. Some people do it, but in our experience, it is rare. (We are sitters and HOs, by the way.)
I am not going to give tips/money in this exchange.
I will enjoy providing sitters with welcoming gestures and a thorough and timely 5 star review with concrete examples of the excellent care they should be recognized for to recommend them to future HO.
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Definitely not standard practice but I am sure a small token would be graciously accepted by most sitters - not necessarily monetary. A thank you for a job well done and a good review is all I hope for as a sitter.
I am so pleased you were happy with your sitters, great to hear about positive experiences.
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Hi @pocodino thank you for sharing your wonderful first sit experience… the first of many we think 
Should a member feels they would like to say an extra thank you, over and above giving reviews and feedback, which is the most important thank you members can give, it is entirely a personal choice and not expected by any means.
Some sitters choose to leave a thank you to pet parents/owners I do, usually a Welcome Home Card from their pets, flowers and a light meal, I also ask if they pet parents, would like some groceries picked up although most have already done online shop, but again that is completely my choice.
Members manage sit arrangements in their own way. Everyone having the very best experience possible with super happy and contended pets, is what really matters.
(Pet Parents/Owners give sitters reviews after a sit, Sitters give pp/owners feedback)
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It’s not customary, and I think cash really kind of is against the spirit of the platform… . On all of my longer sits I have received gifts from the homeowner, either something they bought back from the trip, or a welcome gift of special coffee/treats, something along those lines. It’s always been appreciated.
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I am new and have my first sitter. An I supposed to tip her? If so how much is normal??
Hi @Jlegault,
Welcome and congratulations on finding your first sitter. I am going to refer you to this thread here where this has been discussed.
For future reference when you come to the forum with a question please use the eyeglass search function in the upper right…you may find more often then not that your question as already been asked and throughly discussed by our community with a lot of helpful insight.
I hope this helps!
Personally, I would be offended if you tipped me. I am not staff. Yes, a bottle of wine is appreciated or permission to use anything in the store cupboard within reason but a monetary tip would be embarrassing. What a do love is a home cooked meal and conversation round the table. It’s a great way to get to know new friends. Yet again this may be a cultural thing. It will be interesting to hear what others say.
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This is an equal exchange @Jlegault so no tipping is expected. Because THS is a worldwide organization, tipping may not be the norm in many countries. As @ElsieDownie has mentioned, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates could be left or sharing a meal the night before and getting to know each other is what some sitters and owners like to do.
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