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Pet Sitters International’s recent survey data reveals professional pet sitters and dog walkers’ preferences surrounding holiday gifts.

KING, N.C. (November 19, 2024) — Should you give your pet sitter or dog walker a gift for the holidays—and if so, what? Pet Sitters International (PSI) is kicking off the holiday season by answering this important question, based on results from its 2024 Pet-Sitter Holiday Survey.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, recently surveyed more than 450 member businesses, gathering data on holiday topics like last-minute bookings, holiday surcharges, and gifts.

“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,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “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 for pet sitters

The majority of survey respondents (82%) said their clients typically leave them holiday gifts.

Common types of gifts these pet sitters said they have received included:

• Special cash tip (92%)
• Gift cards or gift certificates (81%)
• Chocolates or candies—store bought (72%)
• Home-baked goods (60%)
• Household items—e.g., candles, pillows, picture frames, etc. (48%)
• Wine/liquor (41%)

Pet-sitter gift preferences

When asked which types of gifts they prefer to receive:

• 47% of pet sitters said they have no preference.
• 48% indicated special cash tip and 23% gift cards or gift certificates.
• An assortment of other gift ideas received responses of anywhere from 2 to 8%.
• Only 4% of pet sitters said they would prefer clients not leave them gifts.

"The holidays are incredibly busy for pet sitters, so it is always a treat when a client leaves a gift of appreciation,” said PSI’s 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year Bobbi Wilson, owner of Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC, in Columbia, Missouri. “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!"

Professional pet sitters like giving holiday gifts as well, according to the survey. Most respondents (73%) said they typically leave holiday gifts for their clients and/or their pets—48% for certain clients and 25% for all clients. The most common holiday gift these pet sitters reported they had left for clients was dog or pet treats (76%). 66% of pet sitters also reported sending holiday cards to some or all of their clients.

For other data from PSI’s 2024 Pet-Sitter Holiday Survey, including booking deadlines and common holiday surcharges, view PSI’s first release of holiday survey data. To search for a professional pet sitter in your area and to download PSI’s free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist, visit www.petsit.com/locate. For more information about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.

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Download and share these images with holiday survey statistics:

Percentage who have received gifts | Common gifts for pet sitters