As owners of Silver Maple Pet Center in St. Louis, we often get asked about tipping etiquette for dog boarding services. The standard tip for dog boarding typically ranges from 10-20% of the total bill, depending on various factors we’ll explore below. However, there’s much more to consider when deciding on an appropriate gratuity.
At our facility, we’ve seen tipping trends evolve over our 90 years in business. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s a wonderful way to show appreciation for exceptional care. Based on our experience and industry standards, short stays of 1-3 nights typically warrant a 10-15% tip of the total bill. For extended stays of 4 or more nights, we usually see tips in the 15-20% range. During holiday periods, many clients choose to tip 20-25% to acknowledge the extra demands on staff during these busy times.
Keep in mind that base rates can vary significantly between facilities. At Silver Maple, our standard boarding rate is around $45 per night, so a 15% tip would be about $6.75 per night.
Is Tipping Your Dog Boarder Expected or Optional?
Wondering if you should leave a little extra cash when picking up your furry friend from boarding? You’re not alone. The question of whether to tip dog boarders confuses many pet parents, especially first-timers
Here’s the simple answer: Tipping dog boarders is not mandatory or expected, but it is appreciated as a gesture of gratitude for exceptional care.
As a pet owner who’s used boarding services countless times, I’ve navigated this tipping etiquette myself. Let me break down everything you need to know about tipping your dog boarder so you can make the right decision for your situation
The Basics: Is Tipping Dog Boarders Standard Practice?
Traditionally, dog boarders do not expect tips from their clients. Unlike restaurant servers who rely on tips as part of their income, most boarding facilities set their rates to cover staff wages. So don’t worry – if you don’t tip, you won’t be seen as rude or ungrateful!
According to multiple industry sources, while tipping isn’t expected, it is becoming more common. At Silver Maple Pet Center in St. Louis, they’ve observed that tipping practices have evolved over their 90 years in business, with many clients choosing to show appreciation through gratuity.
This puts us pet owners in a good position – we can reward particularly helpful and accommodating kennels without feeling obliged to do so.
How Much Should You Tip Dog Boarders?
If you decide tipping is appropriate, here’s what the experts recommend:
Standard Tipping Guidelines
| Stay Duration | Recommended Tip Percentage |
|---|---|
| Short stays (1-3 nights) | 10-15% of total bill |
| Extended stays (4+ nights) | 15-20% of total bill |
| Holiday periods | 20-25% of total bill |
For context, if your boarding facility charges $45 per night (like Silver Maple Pet Center), a 15% tip would be about $6.75 per night.
If percentage-based tipping feels too complicated or results in a higher amount than you’re comfortable with, a flat rate works too:
- $15-$20 per staff member is considered generous
- $10 per night is another common approach for longer stays
Remember, any amount given with genuine appreciation will be valued!
When Should You Tip More?
Some situations might warrant a larger tip than usual:
1. Exceptional Service Scenarios
- They accommodated your dog on short notice
- Staff stayed late for your pickup
- Your dog received extra attention during anxious moments
- The facility met special accommodation requests
2. Special Care Requirements
- Your dog required medication administration
- Staff handled special dietary needs
- Your dog needed anxiety management
- They provided care for a senior pet requiring additional monitoring
3. Seasonal Considerations
- Peak holiday periods (Christmas, Thanksgiving, etc.)
- Weekend vs. weekday stays
- Special events like weddings or vacations
I remember when my dog needed unexpected medication during a boarding stay, and the staff took extra care to ensure she got her medicine on time. I definitely tipped extra for that level of attentiveness!
When To Give Your Tip
The best time to tip your dog boarding kennel is when you pick up your dog after their stay. Once you’ve reunited with your pup and seen that they’re happy and healthy, you can add a tip to your boarding payment.
Avoid tipping when dropping off your dog, as this might seem like you’re trying to secure preferential treatment. Tipping afterward shows genuine appreciation for care already provided.
How To Pay Your Dog Boarder A Tip
How you pay your tip depends on your relationship with the facility and your normal payment method:
- For small businesses or private boarders: Cash in a face-to-face exchange often works best
- For larger facilities: Adding a tip to your credit card payment is typically fine
- If using cash or check: Include a note of thanks so they know the extra amount is intended as a tip
If you’re unsure whether a cash tip will be well-received, or if the facility has policies against employees accepting cash tips, consider a gift card to a major retailer as an alternative.
Do You Tip Every Time You Board Your Dog?
This really depends on your personal preference and budget. If boarding is a rare occurrence for you (once or twice a year), tipping after each overnight stay makes sense.
For those who use daycare boarding regularly while at work, weekly or monthly tips might be more practical. Even if you don’t tip regularly, consider special occasions like holiday stays or when exceptional service was provided.
Alternatives to Monetary Tipping
Not comfortable with cash tips or looking for other ways to show appreciation? Consider these alternatives:
Written Appreciation
- Detailed online reviews
- Personal thank-you notes
- Social media shoutouts
Business Support
- Referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations
- Social media sharing
- Business card distribution
Loyalty
- Booking repeat stays
- Joining membership programs
- Participating in facility events
Last summer, instead of tipping, I wrote a glowing review for our boarding facility and shared it across my social networks. The owner later told me it brought in several new clients – sometimes publicity is worth more than cash!
Do Boarding Facilities Pool Tips?
Many large-scale boarding facilities pool tips and distribute them evenly among staff members. This means even if you give a tip to one specific kennel worker, all the workers who helped care for your dog will likely receive some portion of it.
At Silver Maple Pet Center, for example, they’ve established clear professional guidelines where all tips are shared among staff. They accept both digital and cash tips.
When Tipping Isn’t Expected
There are some situations where tipping generally isn’t expected:
- During facility tours
- Meet-and-greet sessions
- If you’re dissatisfied with the service (though discussing concerns directly is always better)
FAQs About Tipping Dog Boarders
Should I tip if there’s already a service fee?
Yes, if you’re satisfied with the service. Service fees typically cover facility operations, while tips directly reward staff for exceptional care.
Do I need to tip every staff member separately?
No, at most facilities, tips are pooled among staff members who cared for your pet. One general tip is usually sufficient.
How do I handle tipping for multiple pets?
Since multiple pets will increase your total bill, there’s no need to pay a higher tip percentage. The percentage can be applied to your total bill.
What if I’m dissatisfied with the service?
Most boarding facilities encourage discussing concerns with management. Tips should reflect service quality – if unsatisfied, focus on communicating issues rather than tipping.
My Personal Tipping System
When tipping for my own dogs’ boarding, I often add $5 per night per dog and then extra amounts if they received grooming services or extra care outside of standard feeding and exercise. I live on a budget and want to give monetary thanks without breaking the bank, and this system works well for my household.
The Bottom Line
Remember, tipping is entirely optional when boarding your dog. The most important thing is finding a boarding facility that provides excellent care for your furry friend.
If you do decide to tip, any amount given with sincere appreciation will be welcomed. Whether it’s through monetary tips, positive reviews, or repeat business, showing gratitude for good service helps ensure your dog continues to receive the best possible care during future stays.
Have you tipped your dog boarder before? What’s your approach to showing appreciation for excellent pet care? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below!
When to Tip More
In our experience, certain situations warrant higher tips. When staff members stay late for pickup or provide extra attention during anxious moments, many clients choose to increase their gratuity. Emergency situations or special accommodations often merit additional recognition.
Medical situations requiring complex medication administration or constant health monitoring typically warrant higher tips. Similarly, emergency response situations where staff go above and beyond deserve extra acknowledgment.
Additional services like baths, grooming, training sessions, extra walks, playtime, or special dietary preparation often justify increased gratuity, as these services require extra time and attention from our staff.
Factors Affecting Tip Amount
The appropriate tipping amount often depends on the level of service provided. Basic boarding versus luxury suite accommodation makes a difference, as does the amount of individual attention provided to your pet. Many clients consider the inclusion of extra playtime or special activities, along with photo and video updates, when determining their tip.
Pet-specific needs also play a crucial role in tipping decisions. Staff members who handle medication administration, manage special dietary requirements, or provide anxiety management deserve recognition for their extra attention. Additionally, caring for senior pets often requires additional monitoring and care that may warrant a higher tip.
Seasonal considerations impact tipping as well. Peak holiday periods, weekend versus weekday stays, and special events like weddings or vacations often influence tipping amounts due to increased demands on staff time and resources.