Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Dogster Team
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Your pet sitter or dog walker is entrusted with your pet’s care and well-being when you are not around. What better way to return the favor than with gifts that are not only considerate but help them do their job?
Whether you want to offer practical gifts or cute novelties that any dog lover is sure to love, we’ve compiled a list of great ideas for “Thank you” gifts for your dog sitter and dog walker to inspire you for the next holiday season—or just because!
Having a car covered in pet hair is par for the course when you are a dog walker or sitter, but a car cover can go a long way toward protecting those seats. The Frisco Quilted Water Resistant Bench Car Seat Cover is made of quilted, heavy-duty Oxford polyester that is resistant to water, spills, stains, and more, ensuring that your dog sitter’s car stays pristine while they do their job. It has plenty of helpful features as well, such as adjustable straps, handy pockets, and non-slip mesh backing.
Dog sitters and walkers go through a lot of cleaning supplies, not just for keeping your dog from tracking mud into your home but possibly with their own car and home. Getting some handy grooming and cleaning supplies, such as Hepper Wash Wipes and Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo, are safe, practical options to help your dog sitter clean your pet. You could also add the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray for removing smells and stains from their car, home, or anywhere else affected by the doggie odor.
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It is always a good practice to have extra leashes and collars around in case one breaks. Your dog walker probably goes through a bunch of leashes and collars, so some extras are always a thoughtful gift. The Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Leash is an inexpensive option that comes in many different colors and sizes with matching collar options. You could grab some slip leashes for their escape artist clients, such as the Mendota Products Large Slip Solid Rope Dog Leash.
Like car seat covers, a car backseat organizer helps your dog sitter stay organized on their rounds to take care of different canine clients. The Mobile Dog Gear Car Seat Back Organizer offers a large interior compartment for supplies, deep side pockets for water bottles, a large front pocket for toys, a built-in waste bag dispenser, and more, ensuring that your sitter has everything they need in tow.
Not the most glamorous of gifts, but if there’s one thing every dog walker needs, it’s tons of poop bags. The Original Poop Bags come in a bulk roll with 300 individual bags, so your dog walker will be stocked for a while with thick, leakproof bags. You can also throw in a waste bag carrier for even more convenience.
Your dog walker or sitter may need to always have training treats on hand to keep pups happy. Helping them stock up on some training treats is always appreciated. Consider options like Puppy Chow Healthy Start Salmon Flavor Training Dog Treats or Merrick Power Bites Real Texas Beef Recipe Grain-Free Soft & Chewy Dog Treats.
If you want to get your dog sitter or walker some premium treats that keep dogs occupied for a bit longer, chews are a good choice. The Honest Kitchen Beams Ocean Chews Cod Fish Skins Dehydrated Dog Treats offer moderate chew time for dogs of all sizes. You can get them in Wolfish flavor as well.
Dog walkers and sitters may need to supply their toys to play with their clients on regular outings. A toy bundle, such as the Nylabone Power Chew Dog Chew Toy Bundle, offers a variety of toys that your sitter can add to their toy rotation for regular clients.
Most dogs enjoy puzzle toys, ranging from simple treat-dispensing toys like Kongs to more elaborate strategy games. These toys are pricey, however, so your dog walker or sitter will appreciate some extra KONGS, Toppls, or advanced puzzle toys for clients.
If your sitter has a dog or cat of their own, get them a personalized travel coffee mug with their dog or cat breed, such as this customizable Travel Mug. It’s made of dishwasher-safe stainless steel and comes in many breed varieties, including Beagle, Basset Hound, Bulldog, Chihuahua, Corgi, Frenchie, and much more.
Your dog walker or sitter is the best, so show them love with a cute novelty mug that makes it official. The Best Dog Walker Ever mug has a cute design with multiple color options, as well as a touching note on one side that says, “Thanks for all the walks, love & attention. You are the best dog walker ever! Love, [name].” There’s also a version for a dog sitter.
If your pet sitter has to stay at your home for long periods, a nice overnight duffel bag is a kind gesture to make their job more convenient. The Puppy Love Canvas Duffle Bag offers free monogramming for personalization and works as a gym bag, travel bag, overnight duffel, and much more. You could also add a personalized tote bag for their dog’s things, such as the Doggie Things Tote Bag.
If you can’t decide on a gift, get the whole kit with the Pet Sitter Thank You Gift Box. This gift box offers personalization options with spa-quality gifts like handmade soap, a soy candle, chocolate chip cookies, and an air plant.
Accidents happen! A wound care spray is an important supply for your pet sitter or dog walker to keep in their kit. The Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Wound Care Spray is a vet-recommended spray that can be used on dogs and other species and comes in a variety of sizes.
If your pet sitter is responsible for some grooming tasks, such as trimming nails, a styptic powder is a must-have to prevent excessive bleeding. Miracle Care Kwik-Stop Styptic Powder is an established brand that not only stops bleeding but numbs pain with the addition of benzocaine.
You can never have too many bandages on hand, especially as a pet worker. Andover Healthcare PetFlex Bitter No-Chew Dog Bandages are a top choice for their water resistance and hand-tear design. You can also purchase them in bundles.
If you prefer, you can splurge on a fully stocked first-aid kit that comes with everything they need to have on hand to care for dogs. The Adventure Medical Kits Dog Series Me & My Dog First Aid Kit for Dogs comes with human and canine first-aid essentials, including an emergency blanket for hypothermia, an emergency cold pack, adhesive bandages, safety pins, splinter or tick removal forceps, antihistamine, triple antibiotic ointment, peroxide, wound wash, and more.
From practical supplies to thoughtful spa gifts, this list should inspire you to give your dog walker or sitter the perfect gift to show your appreciation in a personal way. But whatever gift you choose, your dog sitter will love knowing that you value the service they provide.
Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock
Wendy Newell is a former VP of Sales turned dog sitter, which keeps her busy being a dog chauffeur, picking up poop and sacrificing her bed. Wendy and her dog, Riggins, take their always-changing pack of pups on adventures throughout the Los Angeles area. Learn more about them on Facebook @The Active Pack and on Instagram @wnewell.
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