Tipping dog walkers follows similar etiquette to other service providers, with tips serving as recognition for exceptional care, reliability, and going above and beyond basic services.
Standard Tipping Guidelines
- Per-walk tips: 15–20% of the walk cost is standard for exceptional service. For a $25 walk, that's $3.75–$5.00. For a $40 walk, $6–$8.
- Weekly tip option: Some clients prefer tipping once weekly rather than per walk. Tip $10–$20 per week for 5 walks with excellent service.
- Monthly appreciation: Instead of per-walk tips, give $30–$60 monthly bonus to regular walkers who provide consistent, reliable care.
- No tip required: Tipping is optional and not expected for standard service completion. Fair base rates should compensate adequately for professional service.
When to Tip Extra
- Going above and beyond: Walker handles an emergency (vet visit, accident cleanup), accommodates last-minute schedule changes, or provides extra playtime.
- Weather challenges: Walking your dog during extreme heat, heavy rain, or Chicago winter storms deserves extra appreciation ($5–$10 bonus).
- Difficult dog: If your dog is reactive, anxious, or requires special handling, tip 20–25% to recognize the extra effort and skill required.
- Extended care: Walker stays longer than scheduled, deals with unexpected situations, or provides detailed health updates and photos.
Holiday Tipping Etiquette
Standard holiday bonus: Give a holiday tip equal to one week's worth of service. For example, if your walker provides five walks weekly at $25 each, give $125 during December holidays.
Alternative holiday gifts: Gift cards to pet stores ($25–$50), coffee shops ($15–$25), or Amazon. Some clients give smaller monetary tips ($50) plus a thoughtful gift related to the walker's interests.
Holiday timing: Give tips in mid-December (before Christmas) so walkers can use them for their own holiday expenses. Don't wait until after New Year's.
Tipping on Platforms vs. Independent Walkers
Platform services (Tails, Rover, Wag): Apps include built-in tipping options. Tip through the app so it's properly tracked and goes directly to your walker. Standard 15–20% tips are common.
Independent walkers: Cash tips preferred since they avoid payment processing fees. Venmo or Zelle also work well for digital tipping without platform fees.
What Dog Walkers Say About Tipping
Most professional dog walkers appreciate tips but don't expect them for every walk. They value consistent clients, reliable schedules, and respectful communication more than sporadic tips. Holiday bonuses and tips for exceptional service are most meaningful.
When booking services through Tails, you can easily add tips through the app to show appreciation for exceptional care. Learn more about fair pricing in our pet care rates guide.