To Tip or Not to Tip. That is the Question

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I recently hired a dog walker to come to the house and take Cubbie and Ollie on a 30 minute walk twice a week.  I was really just looking for someone to come and let them out in the middle of the day while I'm at work, but it was only a few bucks more to have them actually get a walk instead of just a quick trip to potty in the backyard. 

 

The woman I hired is the owner of a dog walking company and has a few employees but she is the one that actually walks C&O.  She is licensed with the town and is insured and knows pet CPR.  She charges me $22 per day to come and walk them.  She invoices me once every 2 weeks so that ends up being $88.  Here is my question: the invoice has a line that says "optional gratuity".  The last time I paid her, I did not include a tip.  I figure that she is the owner of the company so all money that I pay goes to her anyway, but then I started wondering if she would treat C&O any differently if I don't tip her.  I really don't think she would, but it was just a thought that crossed my mind. 

 

I sometimes feel like you now have to tip everyone that performs a service so I sometimes get frustrated but I want to do what is right.

 

I have to leave her a check tomorrow or Thursday so I am looking for advice.  Would you tip her and if so, how much?  I tried doing a search on this but only came up with tipping groomers and daycares.  Thanks for the help!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I normally believe in tipping but wonder if you are already paying enough for this service without the tipping - $88 for 2 hours plus travel time and gas seems like plenty to me.  I like BG's suggestion of being personable and thoughtful.

[Oliver & Elizabeth]

I live in the Seattle area and just hired a monthly dog walker for Oliver (to start in April) and hadn't even considered adding a gratuity! I'll let you know if my dog walker has a line for gratuity on her invoice. Honestly, even if she does, I don't think I will be adding a gratuity other than around the holidays. I don't currently tip Oliver's daycare or his trainer (neither has an option)... maybe I should? Now I'm starting to feel bad!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

We used to give our dog trainer an xmas gift because we really liked him and he helped us out with a lot.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Well, I don't have experience beyond tipping waiters and Darwin's groomer so I'm not sure. I would probably tip an owner just the same as an employee, because I didn't know you weren't supposed to.

I googled around and saw this post on Oprah's website. This is what Peggy Post, from the Emily Post institute says.

"
Salons
If the owner cuts your hair, you're off the hook, right? Wrong. Turns out most salon owners welcome gratuities. "Not tipping the owner is an old tradition that's dying out," Post says. She recommends 15 to 20 percent of the fee, whether or not the stylist owns the place.

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/money/Guide-to-Tipping#ixzz2LPv7DNtT"

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

interesting article, but I guess what annoys me the most is that the definition of gratuity (per webster.com) is "something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service".  I have just started to feel that it isn't voluntary anymore and that I feel obligated sometimes.

[Camilla and Darwin]

So true.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have never even thought about tipping my dog sitter because I pay her the fee she charges and we have agreed upon ahead of time.   I do give her a monetary gift at Christmas. I am a good tipper, but I guess because she said...this is how much I charge to do this for F & V.....I feel it is enough.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

The comments in this discussion just go to show once again how different we all are.  I love DK!!!  Thanks for all the comments.

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

That is the best part Amy, we are all different and learn so much from each other.  DK is the best!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

I think everyone should do what they can afford.  If a monetary tip is not in your budget, then maybe leave something personal for your dog walker every now and then.  If they like candy (a small box of candy), if they like animal prints (like my dog walker did), they pick them up a pair of warm leopard gloves in TJ max.  Sometimes just doing something special every now and then goes a long way!.  We developed a long standing relationship with our dog walker who is now into "Rock Reading" ( a psychic practice which is very pricey) and she gave me a special session for free.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Gail, It is so good to see you commenting on DK :) Your dog walker sounds multi-talented!

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Laurie, thanks for your note.  I try to check in on DK whenever I can.  I always love your blogs and discussions, especially when I ned a good laugh!