I see a tip as a reward, something not expected it’s awkward if it’s money and I was really upset by the 100 euros and they said I was supposed to open the envelope after I’d left. But any recognition of exceptional service can be given in lots of ways. All of which aren’t expected by sitters. But we are building trust through experiences and building relationships that can last and be mutually beneficial for years. It’s a kind of business transaction, and rewards and perks do apply. I got given a pass to a Stately Home visit that was worth £34.50 for the day.
Let people be generous and spoil you as they spoil their pets. I’ve had some wonderful locations, homes and pets in my time as a pet sitter- sure I’m grateful. A fridge full of food, a voucher, a hamper, a help yourself to the larder.. why not? They know how much kenneling and Catteries cost. I choose not to be paid as such but we can be rewarded in so many ways with a bit of thought.
If the place is a tip when I arrive I will take photos and leave a tip when I go.
It’s all about mutual consideration and respect. The mean spirited do not get to see my generous spirit. My review will say it all.
No tips thanks but maybe make a donation to a Pet Charity….if you feel you need to give something.
Please put ‘tips’ in the search field (spyglass) and you’ll see lots of previous discussions on your question
Nothing is normal or expected - everything is at the discretion of each home host -
This includes leaving a welcome pack, taking sitters out to dinner, providing transportation to and from the airport, and providing monetary tips.
Do whatever feels right for you.
Nothing is expected; everything is appreciated.
Spot on @ Colin. Some things don’t need to be in a rule book. Go with the flow.
Had a great start to one sit. The Home Owner came in to the sitting room shortly after offering us a welcome cup of tea.
“Right, who wants the burst tea bag one?”
Yes we were all Brits but I immediately felt like making a sharp EXIT!
On reflection that is exactly what we should have done!
Hospitality? Ha ha! Clearly we weren’t going to be left any tea bags lol! Next sentence “
Oh if you drop us at the airtlport we can take you to this place that does a great cheap dinner deal!”
Shine on!
This is going to be a complicated discussion I think 
There are a lot of different opinions about this!
I wouldn’t say no to a tip, I’d gladly accept it. Yet, I don’t expect it from owners. If I would, I’d be disappointed 99% of the time ;p
My experience so far: most owners are great. They’d pick me up from where ever, help me by (partly) covering my travel expenses, let me use their food/drinks, take me out for a meal, come home with a present, let me use their car, or sometimes even pay for gas.
Not everyone does the same, or can afford the same. Which is totally ok of course. And sometimes owners literally do nothing at all. All depends.
There’s not one right answer here I think. To me it seems like you’re a good host! 
You take your sitters serious, appreciate them, don’t just think you’re doing them a favor, understand that it’s also an effort for them and that you’re in this together. Appreciation and a big fat thank you goes a long way!
No, I would advise against tipping. The agreement is on trust. As a sitter I would not expect a tip.
Incremental insight … on three of our housesits then we received significant gifts (two cash, one in-kind) that had value similar to value of kennels for duration of housesit. We did not ask for this. We were surprised.
But financial gift amounts were immaterial relative to their trips, and lower than our travel costs to complete each housesits. Not that we sought expense reimbursement. Regardless, unquestionably very thoughtful gestures.
All gifts were from pet parents that expressed appreciation for our efforts. For them, it was about pet experience and property maintenance - not just pet care. All subsequently reached out to us to return to their properties.
As an European sitter never received tips and don’t expect them either. Also, not all Hosts leave you something (90% of mine don’t),so I don’t expect anything at all. Of course when they left me a wellcome gift(like chocolate,tea,snacks), I have to say that it was a very nice surprise and make you feel appreciated 
Although, my favorite gestures were the ones that helped me get to the sit when it was difficult (picking me up from airport/train station when there was no public transport); or that made my sit more pleasant like one Host needed me to be the day before the sit, so they paid for a hotel for me to stay. Also, they let me use their car so I can take the dog on different walks but especially that I could enjoy my time in the island too. They were amazing hosts.
@marspluto, we agree with you - relatively simple but thoughtful non-cash gifts are often fabulously appreciated. We’ve completed many housesits in Schengen area and a high proportion have included some form of gesture. This may be ability to arrive day early and/or leave day late; collection/drop-off to airport/train; use of vehicle; dinner; drawn maps of popular dog walks; meaningful local information; etc. All help the pets and ourselves to enjoy the experience.