Christmas gift for pet sitter? Ideas?

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

I would like to see what everyone else gets their pet sitter for Christmas, last year we gave her a gift certificate to PetSmart and a bottle of the Redmond Basenji wine. I am looking for some new ideas, I don't feel comfortable giving her just cash.

[etzbseder]

Does this person have pets of their own?

[sharronhurlbut]

Gift certificate to PetSmart/Pet co.

[MacPack]

Restaurant or movie gift card, pet sitters are not getting rich.
Pet store card, if she has pets. Cash always fits and is the right color, if not very 'personal'.

Anne

[agilebasenji]

day at the spa?

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

@agilebasenji:

day at the spa?

I was totally thinking this as one idea, for a 60 minute pedicure at this nice spa.

I don't feel comfortable with cash, she is the owner and only employee of the pet sitting business except for her son on occasion but cash just doesn't seem okay to me, I'd rather give a gift from Chase and Zahra.

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

@etzbseder:

Does this person have pets of their own?

Yes, she has a Dashchund who comes along to play with Chase and Zahra sometimes.

[agilebasenji]

every girl need some pampering now and then.

[sharronhurlbut]

How about a massage?
Everyone likes those…

[Vicki]

@ChaseandZahrasmom:

I would like to see what everyone else gets their pet sitter for Christmas, last year we gave her a gift certificate to PetSmart and a bottle of the Redmond Basenji wine. I am looking for some new ideas, I don't feel comfortable giving her just cash.

I pet sit and have pet sitters for my kids.
A card with cash inside - perfect gift.

[ChaseandZahrasmom]

@Vicki:

I pet sit and have pet sitters for my kids.
A card with cash inside - perfect gift.

How much would you recommend? A normal visit is $15

[Vicki]

@ChaseandZahrasmom:

How much would you recommend? A normal visit is $15

My clients tip me differently and some don't tip at all. It is a difficult question to answer from a pet sitter's perspective, because I don't expect tips. If your sitter has been with you for a long time and you depend on the person often to take care of your pets, $10-20 would be lovely.

If it is a sitter you occassionally use, you aren't expected to tip. A card is adequate with a nice note.

One of my pet sitters charges $18 a visit and isn't too personable, altho dependable, but does only what is asked. I don't tip the sitter and won't for Christmas.

My favorite sitter stays overnight at my home; her charge is $40 a day. I always pay her $50 a day because she is wonderful with my animals and takes such good care of my home. I will send her a card with $20-25. I often treat her to lunch and leave special goodies for her when I'm away, so I don't feel obligated to tip much more.

I also depend on a young college girl who I adore. She always calls me when she is at the house, spends quality time with my kids, and they love her. I will tip her at least equal to one visit. I pay her what I charge…$18.00 a visit.

Hope that helps.

[Vicki]

Today, I started a pet sitting assignment for regular clients.
They left instructions and a lovely Christmas card with a $25 gift certificate for Starbucks.

Considering I'm a California girl, that made me happy, but the down side is the nearest Starbuck is at least 35 miles from here. Do I drive 70 miles r/t for a Starbucks? Darn right, I do! :) Some things I just not willing to give up.

Perfect gift!