As the holiday season approaches, many pet owners ponder the perfect way to express gratitude to their dedicated pet sitters and dog walkers. To shed light on this common question, Pet Sitters International (PSI) has released data from its 2024 Pet-Sitter Holiday Survey, offering valuable insights into both the gifts pet sitters commonly receive and their personal preferences. This information can help pet parents navigate the often-unspoken etiquette of holiday gifting for service providers.
PSI, a leading educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, surveyed over 450 member businesses to gather comprehensive data on holiday-related topics, including booking trends, surcharges, and gift-giving. The survey aims to provide clarity for clients looking to show their appreciation during the busy holiday season.
“Professional pet sitters and dog walkers don’t seek gifts or special recognition from their clients, but for pet parents looking to show service providers that they care, holiday gifts can be a meaningful way to demonstrate their appreciation,” stated Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President. “While pet parents may know the specific likes and preferences of their pet sitter, our survey data also provides helpful insight for those unsure of what to give.”
Common Gifts Received by Pet Sitters
The survey results indicate a strong tradition of gift-giving, with a significant majority of respondents—82%—reporting that clients typically leave them holiday gifts. Among the most frequently received gifts were:
- Special cash tip: A substantial 92% of pet sitters reported receiving cash tips.
- Gift cards or gift certificates: 81% of respondents indicated they had received these.
- Chocolates or candies (store-bought): 72% of pet sitters enjoyed these sweet treats.
- Home-baked goods: 60% of respondents appreciated homemade treats.
- Household items: This category, including items like candles and picture frames, was reported by 48% of pet sitters.
- Wine/liquor: 41% of pet sitters received alcoholic beverages.
Pet Sitter Gift Preferences Revealed
When asked about their personal gift preferences, the survey uncovered a diverse range of responses, highlighting that while appreciation is welcomed, specific items are not always a priority.
- No Preference: A notable 47% of pet sitters stated they have no specific preference for gifts.
- Cash and Gift Cards: Demonstrating a practical approach, 48% of pet sitters indicated a preference for a special cash tip, followed by 23% who favored gift cards or gift certificates.
- Other Gifts: Various other gift ideas received responses ranging from 2% to 8%.
- No Gifts Preferred: Interestingly, only a small fraction, 4% of pet sitters, indicated they would prefer clients not to leave gifts.
Bobbi Wilson, PSI’s 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year and owner of Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC, shared her perspective: “The holidays are incredibly busy for pet sitters, so it is always a treat when a client leaves a gift of appreciation. Examples of gifts that have been left for us are baked goods, gift cards and personalized gift items. While each gift makes us smile, they are not expected!”
The sentiment of giving extends to the pet sitters themselves. The survey found that most respondents (73%) typically leave holiday gifts for their clients and/or their pets, with 48% gifting to select clients and 25% to all clients. The most common gift these pet sitters offer is dog or pet treats, with 76% reporting this. Additionally, 66% of pet sitters send holiday cards to some or all of their clients.
For those seeking more detailed information from PSI’s 2024 Pet-Sitter Holiday Survey, including data on booking deadlines and common holiday surcharges, further releases are available. To find a professional pet sitter in your area or to download PSI’s complimentary Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist, visit www.petsit.com/locate. More information about Pet Sitters International can be found at www.petsit.com.
About Pet Sitters International
Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, author of Pet Sitting for Profit, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters. PSI has member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada, and over 15 other countries, offering access to a wide array of business services and educational resources. PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator serves as the largest online directory of professional pet sitters, assisting pet owners in finding local professional pet sitters at petsit.com/locate.
