@Liz8689, wonderful questions.
Like many experienced sitters then we’d suggest that the tip/gift is not as important as the gesture, respect and listing accuracy.
There is no ‘right’ answer. We often receive gifts at the commencement a housesit - something as simple as a bottle of wine, some foodstuffs, a meal or otherwise. At the end of a housesit then we often leave a gesture - a welcome-back meal, etc.
On several housesits then Pet Parents have elevated a gift to include gift cards to a local restaurant or similar. On a few housesits we have been left financial gifts - a contribution to car rental or twice the equivalent cost of professional pet care.
All of this is wholly optional. Housesitters cannot ask for payment. Financial values are often a rounding error compared to Pet Parent vacation expenses or housesitter travel/living costs - but appreciated. Some pet parents strive to build a relationship or frankly to express apprecation.
Suggest that you take a deep breath and do what you think is right.
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