I’ve only completed 6 sits on THS, and so far, no tips. I also do paid visits and house-sitting, and many clients leave me a tip, sometimes really surprising amounts of money. One client said what I think many others feel, that she appreciated very much that I took care of her animals with love, and it was her way of showing that appreciation. I have no objection to whether it’s called a gift, a tip, is cash, or a gift card I can use. I appreciate the intent. I am retired and live on Social Security, and these gifts help stretch what I have to live on, or rarely, let me splurge and buy something I otherwise wouldn’t have. It is what it is. I didn’t always make great financial decisions in my younger days, and spent a lot of money on higher education.
I really love the animals I care for, and some of them come with truly wonderful people, who have treated me far more kindly than some family members. In fact, some clients have said think of me as extended family, because I take care of their beloved animals, who are their family.
I’m curious if you are American? Tipping is a part of the ‘culture’ there far more than in any other English-speaking country. I dislike expectations of tipping (why aren’t people paid decent wages?) and as far as I’m concerned it is an equal transaction between us and house-holders, so why should one tip the other? Having said that, we really appreciate bottles of wine, home produce, etc, so have to admit that isn’t totally reciprocal, though we might bake a cake or cook a meal for returning house-holders. People have occasionally (about 2 or 3 times out of 115 sits) offered expenses but we wouldn’t take a straight forward payment. We do save house-holders a lot of money in kennel fees, but then we are living rent-free.
We love the fact that it is a win-win transaction.
Haven’t been offered cash in any way.
If host left money in an envelope I would assume it was for buying necessities for the pet or home.
Don’t think I would accept a monetary gift, but the example give over «have a meal on us» I guess there isn’t really much of a difference from a gift card.
I took a last-minute weekend sit a while back -everything about it was ideal: beautiful & clean house, gorgeous location, zero responsibilities other than walking one sweet old dog. We didn’t even do a video or in-person meet - just a quick phone call and the key left under the mat. Shortly after I arrived my host Venmo’d me $5O with a note to treat myself to a nice meal. It wasn’t a tip or a payment - just a sweet, thoughtful gift. I happily followed her suggestion & once again thanked my lucky stars that I found THS.
Oh yeah she also left me a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies. And I did eat them all.
Local restaurant gift cards - often and appreciated.
Significant contribution to UK car rental 2x when the HO had offered use of the car only to find how much it would cost to add me to their policies.
Cash only once in about a hundred sits. The HO returned about 6 hours after leaving because a family emergency meant cancelling the trip. So I went right back home the day after arriving - gas money since the 2 week sit became a 1 night sit.
I am starting a sit friday and 1st she asked me what food she could buy for me. Meat etc. I told her i didn’t eat meat but gapedruit selt,er would nice. And then asked me if i prefer cash or gift cards. 2nd in 20
I’ve done 25 sits and only once got a ‘tip’ not that I expect such. The once was a repeat sit that the HO’s had already looked after me amazing well. The husband dropped me off at the airport and handed me a sealed card. I thought it was just a nice gesture. But when I opened it in departures there was 200 euros inside. I did send a message thanking them but saying it wasn’t needed. They said it was for the peace of mind I gave them while away.