When we mention the professional services available for our pets, many of us can list several that we use regularly, some that we use often. Every pet has a veterinarian—many pets have more than one! You may have a groomer, pet sitter, walker, or trainer who’s become a valued member of your pet’s support team.
This time of year, our thoughts turn to saying thanks. I’ve been wondering how best we can show our gratitude to pet professionals who are so important in our pet’s life and in ours. I asked for some suggestions.
Do you tip the groomer, pet sitter, trainer, or other professionals important to your pet’s life? When do you tip and how do you tip (how much for what)?
Do you “treat” with homemade goodies in these pandemic years? How do you know what foods are “safe” for which humans, so you can be inclusive?
If you’re a pet professional, what treats or tips have you been given that you welcomed and enjoyed? Are you comfortable with being tipped or gifted . . . or not?
Here’s what some pet professionals had to say:
Neil Rubenstein (Florida) Being a pet professional myself (force-free trainer), the only outside pet professional that I use is a groomer. I have a very large dog with a lot of hair (Great Pyrenees) and I know what it takes to bathe and groom them. I always tip my groomer—generally 20% for her work. Having worked in the hospitality industry, I always tip servers and others in the service industry!
Donna Furneaux (Ontario) I always tip the groomer now, after COVID, and earlier when Georgia bit the groomer. I figured the groomer deserved it.
Jessica Stinson Hudson (Alabama) Oh, my gosh! I’ve gotten many gifts from clients and my favorites have been handwritten thank-you cards and notes. I’ve gotten a few gift cards, dog-related shirts, clickers, plants (love getting house plants as gifts), and actual monetary tips. While physical gifts are very much appreciated, sometimes the best things to get are good reviews and referrals.
Photo by Julie Casal
Trish Ryan (South Carolina) I bake cookies and candy and drop them off to my vet’s office for the holidays. I will make vet appointments in the early morning so I can bring in breakfast, bagels, muffins, etc. I have brought in artisan cookies with my logo and a QR code they can give to their clients. I also do something nice for the event director in our community—she coordinates my group classes with residents and handles the inquiries and emails. We use an awesome self-wash place, and I tip her all the time; she cleans up our mess. I myself have received monetary tips, gifts, and my favorite . . . referrals.
Dale Ward (North Carolina) I drop off stuff for my vet and staff—a dozen bagels with cream cheese or homemade blueberry muffins for morning snacks. Sometimes I send pizza for lunch. I’ve received some lovely, very thoughtful gifts from clients over the years—a Lab necklace after I lost Wylie, handmade pottery plates with a black Lab on them, even long matches with a black Lab on the box.
Clair Eccles (United Kingdom) Me, too . . . I take over cakes, muffins, cookies—vegan, gluten-free, too.
Annette Lanker (Washington) I give my dog’s massage therapist all-natural treats for her dogs and a 25–30% cash tip. I also make sure to leave glowing reviews on all the social-media platforms.
Amy Suggars (Ohio) I am always pleased when my [dog-walking and pet-sitting] clients leave me homemade goodies. It makes me smile! I of course appreciate monetary tips in any amount at any time! One of my favorite gifts is a mug with my client’s dog’s photo on it that says “Give me some sugar,” which is a play on my last name.
Anne Rogers (Ireland) My dog has had a ton of serious treatment over the last six months and I have pretty specific criteria for how he is handled (we work together on it) and I am strongly advocating for him, so I make sure to drop them off donuts, chocolates, and fruit after he has been admitted or they have squeezed us in, because I know they probably roll their eyes at my instructions and also they are swamped and I appreciate their time, care, and consideration.
Christine Hale Vertucci (Illinois) The only pet professionals I need other than my veterinarians are my dog-walkers/house-sitters, and I always tip on my monthly invoices plus a cash bonus for the holidays. My dogs aren’t super easy, and I appreciate that my dogs are well cared for and that they can stay at our home when we travel. As a trainer, I’ve received gift cards, bottles of wine, and flowers—all very much appreciated!
Summer Storm Kingery DVM (North Carolina) Veterinarian. Our favorites are positive online reviews, notes/cards with messages, nice hand soaps/lotions, flowers/house plants, nice pens, highlighters, markers, homemade or locally made lasagnas/burritos/egg rolls, homemade treats, coffee service, fruit, variety packs of chips, bath bombs, shower soothers, and candles. (We don’t accept monetary tips.)
We have also have had a client pay for a sports mascot to show up with holiday treats, a chair masseuse on the day after we did orthopedic surgery on a 130-pound dog, an escape room, and a paint-your-pet experience. Believe it or not, pictures and notes really do have an impact, even by email. I will admit that food can be a bit challenging. I have folks [on staff] with many food limitations, so it’s appreciated but food may leave a fair number out. Experiences are a crowd pleaser—the client offers, typically at a base level, and arranges them ahead of time. Often, we will boost it a bit.
What’s your special way to show appreciation for the excellent care and thoughtful consideration the pet professionals in your life give to you and your pet? There are so many ways to say, “Thank you!”
