How much do you tip your dog walker at Christmas?

[YodaEars1]

Our dog walker is fantastic and I’d like to show my appreciation for her. What amount do people give at Xmas as a gift / holiday tip? (I’m aware that dog walkers don’t have many of the benefits that salaried employees have so wondering what might be a good amount.)

I had this dilemma last year and decided that £30 was enough to show I cared but not too much for her to feel embarrassed to accept. I actually give it as vouchers and say treat herself or the family to something nice.

Yes there is definitely that element of not wanting to embarrass anyone too! Vouchers is a nice idea (if you can guess what shop might go down well).

I give amazon vouchers then they don't even need to leave the house to shop

That’s true!

Bumping for any other suggestions?

I buy nice presents, try to think of things they’d never buy themselves. Candles/makeup brushes that kind of thing. I’ve made it into a hamper this year which I brought from B&M.

Oooh. A hamper is a lovely idea

I think it’s more about time and effort, I try to do ribbons and that kind of thing so the present looks lovely as well and avoid a standard box of chocolates or a bottle of wine.

We just got a dog walker this year for 2 days a week, didn't even think about having to tip!

It is a husband and wife set-up, but it is the husband and his sister that pick up our dog to walk. Do I need to get something for them all???

BrokenWing I don't think it's expected at all so don't feel obliged to tip. I tip because my walker/daycare lady goes out of her way to accommodate us and I don't often get a chance to say thanks for everything.

I gave mine the equivalent of an extra week’s money last year, plus some biscuits in a fancy tin, but she is amazing at having SquirrelDog for longer then usual at very short notice, and won’t take extra money for it (eg last week when I forgot that the oven cleaner was coming at 8.30am until the day before and she came and picked him up at 8!) and she often has him for way longer then the hour I pay for. Plus, much as I love him, he isn’t the easiest dog to walk!

Starlighting that’s a good point re chocs - people with lots of clients must get inundated! And wine can be tricky as some people like red, some white, some neither. Hard to ask without ruining the ‘surprise’!

Squirrel same here. Our dog can also be ‘challenging’ on the lead to say the least. So our walker deffo deserves a heartfelt thank you

Could you do a little cold-weather hamper? Some stuff to warm them up/keep them warm like cosy socks and hot chocolate.

I’ve got mine some lovely hand warmer gloves from seasalt ( the type that cover your hand but the fingers are free) plus I’ll give her some wine I think.

I know vouchers or money sound like a lazy option but I worry about giving gifts that are of no use (smellies wouldnt get used in this household) or things that they have multiple of as well as perhaps duplicating gifts given that they have many clients.