Other HO’s here suggested leaving some cash for emergencies and necessary incidentals, and that seemed like a good idea so I adopted it. The first time, the sitter kept receipts and purchases were in line with what I’d envisioned. The second time, the sitter spent a large amount for fresh treats and cleaning products but did not keep receipts. Some of the items I already had on hand; others were personal preference (i.e. a different brand of cleaner, or products I don’t use because I’m allergic or sensitive to). Based on this, I plan to ask future sitters to keep receipts, and to check with me about purchases other than treats (or emergency care). I’ll also be more specific about how to use my existing cleaning products. Each sit brings new insights, which I try to learn from and build on as a HO to have things go well for both parties. Sharing here as food for thought on the issue of petty cash.
To me, its just making unnecessary complications, no need for it at all
We appreciate some petty cash for necessities. It seems pretty normal after 40 sits to leave around £50 or so. We’ve had to buy extra dog food, cat food, sponges, pegs & water bottles as the most usual purchases. We don’t keep receipts (after many HOs saying no need) but we do have a running total in our heads which we go through with the HO on return so everyone is happy. Personally a sit with a small slush fund equals a prepared & trusting HO. #fivecentsworth
It depends what animals you are looking after. I had to look after a rabbit once who needed fresh salad leaves, carrots etc. so was left money to buy this fresh every couple of days or so. I did keep receipts though.
I have been left petty cash a few times but not had to use it much. I do keep a list of what I have spent and leave it with the change. It’s a good idea, £50 was left in an envelope each time
It’s always a sensible idea to leave a little petty cash about £50 will do. It’s good for any incidentals, sometimes pet food goes bad or runs out quicker than anticipated, pets have the runs and we need to buy alternative food, extra litter.
Sometimes things break in the house and we can get them replaced without fuss. We need to pay cash for gas or water for the home that comes weekly. Cleaning supplies run out or we need extra bin bags.
We always suggest it for every homeowner we sit for now as often we don’t cross over when they get back and it’s a pain to try and get reimbursed. It’s more abnormal to not leave a little float now.
I always leave $50 and have never had anyone use it - although I go overboard on stocking all pet supplies, TP and cleaner. I’d expect a sitter to communicate prior to spending, just to make sure they weren’t buying something already on hand (I go over where supplies are during the handover and it’s in the WG but I think some sitters are reluctant to poke around), but I wouldn’t care about receipts.
OTOH, if I was a sitter I’d automatically provide receipts because, well, I’m just that precise about stuff.
Personally I have no problem spending my own money on small incidentals. On a sit for a first time HO he was used to a cleaning lady who brought her own supplies so did not think about there being little there. Staying at a beautiful home a couple of blocks from a fantastic beach the $25 for cleaning supplies seemed nothing and I would not think of asking for reimbursement.
I’m allergic/sensitive to many of the products the sitter bought and used, so it adversely affects my personal well being.
I had assumed sitters would keep receipts but was not a good assumption. Which is why I’ve posted this as an FYI. Perhaps some HOs wouldn’t be bothered by this, but I was, as may be others.
@pdxgal Sounds like you landed yourself a pretty good deal here. Not only someone to care for your home and pet(s), but also a diligent cleaner into the bargain. Perhaps they were allergic/sensitive to the cleaning products that you usually use, hence the additional purchases…
I’d suggest either leaving a certain amount, along with the responsibility of spending it as the sitter deems necessary, or don’t leave any at all.
There have been several sits where the HO left us money but to be honest we never used it. We dont mind buying a few tins of dog food if needed.
The funny thing is that they were not very diligent. The first sit I can recall where the house was not in as good a shape (or better) as when I left.
I like the idea of petty cash, and it seems like a simple fix to ask the Sitter to provide receipts if you want them. That seems like a no-brainer to me, but everyone is different.
We have never been provided petty cash, and when I have had to buy some basic supplies or treats, I have not asked for reimbursement. It was trivial.
Also, if you want the Sitter to use only the cleaning products that you have provided, simply specify such in writing. We do so many Sits that I really need instructions in writing. I cannot remember every small detail.
I really appreciate Owners who stock up on everything so that I do not have to go shopping for treats, pet food, cleaning products.
Agreed. I posted, so other owners who are considering leaving petty cash can search the forum and be more informed based on my experience.
We leave cash and say spend as you wish and need.
No receipts, no change expected, no reimbursement necessary, no strings attached.
How much do you provide?
I would always provide receipts if I spent any of the HO petty cash, why wouldn’t you.
As a HO I left $100 for “expenses” which was almost never used.
Now, as a Sitter, I don’t expect to be left cash, but it’s a good idea in that the Sitter doesn’t have to request reimbursement.
We have rarely needed to supplement what is in a home but when we have, we’ve asked the HO their preferences about it via E-mail and always provide receipts IF it’s significant. Otherwise we just feel we’re making up for something we may have used.
I have to say:
(1) Given how pretty much everyone has some kind of device (cell phone, tablet, laptop) and communication with everyone everywhere is so easy why wouldn’t a Sitter ask before spending?
(2) Given how pretty much everyone pays with CC or Bank Card, providing proof of costs is simple even if receipts were missing - why wouldn’t someone do that?
Your second Sitter exhibited poor judgement - no matter how you interpret it.
Make life easier for yourself (and the sitter) by ensuring plenty of consumables are in place for the entirety of the sit. You are just making a rod for your own back and by trying to manage it sounds like penny pinching. If your sitter does get caught out just reimburse them.