Short answer: create a tip page in an app such as TipIns, print the QR code and put it on the visit report card you leave on the counter. Customers scan it with their phone camera and tip by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. They do not need an app or an account.
Your clients are at work or on holiday when you do the job. You never meet at a till, and anything they want to add has to travel through whichever app happens to hold the booking.
How a QR code tip jar works
You create a tip page once and get a personal QR code and link. A customer points their phone camera at the code, a secure payment page opens in their browser, and they pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay or a card. The tip shows in your balance straight away and is paid out to your bank account.
Where dog walkers and pet sitters put the code
- On the visit report card you leave on the counter.
- In your daily photo update message.
- On your invoice.
- On the key tag or lockbox note.
Size the code for the distance: a phone reads one from about ten times its width. The measurements are in how to make a tip jar QR code sign.
What to write on the sign
Walked today by [your name]. Scan to say thanks.
Put your own name where the brackets are. You can export a print-ready design from the app in business card, A5, A4 or A3 size.
How to mention it
In the photo update: "Max had a great walk. Details and my card are on the counter."
Your own code or a shared one
A personal code. A small walking business can use a group if walkers cover each other's rounds.
What customers usually tip a dog walker or pet sitter
A regular dog walker is usually tipped at the holidays, about one week's pay. For an occasional pet sitter, 15 to 20% of the bill is customary.
| Situation | Usual tip |
|---|---|
| Regular walker, at the holidays | About one week of walks |
| Pet sitting for a week away | 15 to 20% |
| Booked through an app | 15 to 20% in the app |
| Emergency vet run or last-minute cover | Add extra |
Customers looking for the etiquette can read how to tip a dog walker or pet sitter without cash.
What it costs
TipIns is free to download and has no monthly fee. Each tip carries a 10% platform fee plus a small card processing fee, and by default the person tipping covers both, so you receive the amount they chose. Weekly payouts to your bank are free. The details are in the FAQ.
Common questions
Where should a dog walker put a tip QR code?
On the visit report card you leave on the counter. In your daily photo update message.
What should a dog walker's tip sign say?
Try: "Walked today by [your name]. Scan to say thanks." Give a reason, show a large code and include your name.
Should I use a personal code or a team code?
A personal code. A small walking business can use a group if walkers cover each other's rounds.