Pet sitting can be a rewarding job, but the schedule and pace of racing around between one pet visit and the next can be exhausting and stressful. Many pet sitters go beyond simple pet sitting and also care for the property of pet owners while they're away. Pet sitters work for themselves and have businesses to run and promote, an article on the Entrepreneur.com points out. When choosing a gift for a pet-sitter, consider not only what the person would enjoy, but what might be useful professionally.
Pet-centered Gifts
Most pet sitters have pets of their own. Consider a gift-certificate from your (or your pet sitter's) favorite pet store. Or bake some home-made treats for the companion(s) your pet sitter goes home to each night. Frame a photo of your human-and-animal family and your sitter, or have the image printed on a t-shirt, a coffee cup or key chain. This makes the sitter feel like part of the family and could be a good marketing tool.
Business Related Gifts
A typical day for many pet sitters involves racing from one pet-visit to another. Your sitter may appreciate a pre-paid gas card or a certificate for an oil change or to cover other routine car-maintenance expenses.
Pet-sitting business owners have a lot of paperwork to do, the National Association of Pet Sitters points out. An office supply store gift certificate would be handy for buying business forms, printing advertisements, stationary and business cards and organizing the office. A day-timer (with a photo of your animal companion glued to the cover), may help your sitter juggle a busy schedule.
Consider donating expertise to help your pet sitter to promote his/her business. If you design Web sites, write marketing copy or are a photographer or graphic designer, your services could be a valuable gift. Refer your sitter to pet-owning relatives, friends and acquaintances to help drum up business.
If your pet is an active dog, your sitter is often an outdoor walker. A basket of personal care items, such as body lotion (with sun screen), a water bottle holster, portable snacks might be just the ticket. A gift-certificate to an athletic shoe store would make a useful gift.
Personal Gifts
Does your sitter have any hobbies? Buy some knitting or needle point supplies she can use while putting in some quality time with your cat. If your sitter's a movie fan, order a few titles from Netflix and leave some gourmet popcorn on the counter for overnight stays. Store and restaurant gift cards are always welcome or a subscription to the sitter's favorite magazine.
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