If you’re wondering whether to tip your pet taxi driver, here’s the short answer from someone who runs one: it’s optional. A tip is always appreciated, but it is never expected. I run Pets Go Taxi in Los Angeles, and here is how I think about tipping, from the customer’s side and mine.
Tipping Is Optional
The price you’re quoted already covers the ride. Local rides start at $100, and the fare is meant to pay for the driver’s time, gas, and vehicle. Whether you pay up front or after the ride, you don’t owe anything extra, and you should never feel pressured to add a tip. I don’t think a tip is ever “deserved” in the sense of being owed. It is a way of saying thank you.
A Real Example From Van Nuys
On my ride to Van Nuys Airport, a customer paid in cash. The fare was $130, and she handed me $160, so the extra $30 was a tip. It was a pleasant surprise, and it made me feel appreciated. Whenever a customer tips, it feels good, and that is the honest truth about it. But I never expect it, and I would have been just as glad to do the ride without one.
How to Tip If You Want To
Cash is great. Zelle is also good, because no payment company takes a cut, so the full amount goes to the driver. If you pay by card, you can add a tip to your payment. There is no right amount. If you feel you got good service, tip whatever feels right to you. There is no rule set in stone, and I don’t think a set percentage is needed. If a customer insists on tipping, I’ll gladly accept it with thanks. Nobody has asked me how to tip yet, but if they did, I’d tell them what I’ve written here.
Tipping a Pet Taxi vs. Tipping a Rideshare
It is a bit different from tipping an Uber or Lyft driver. A typical rideshare fare can be under $20, so a tip is a small dollar amount. A pet taxi ride starts at $100, so even the same percentage works out to more money. That is one reason the topic comes up more with pet taxis, and why it is worth being clear that it is entirely up to you.
Other Ways to Say Thank You
If tipping doesn’t fit your budget, or you simply want to do more, there are other ways that mean just as much:
- Leave a review. Reviews are what people look at when choosing a pet taxi. Pets Go Taxi is new and doesn’t have Google or Yelp pages set up yet, but once those exist, a review would be very kind.
- Refer a friend. A referral is even better than a review. If you know someone who needs a ride for their pet, text them my number.
- Send a thank-you message. A kind note is very sweet and always appreciated.
The One Thing to Remember
You are not obligated to tip, and you shouldn’t feel any pressure to. If you want to show your appreciation, I will gladly take it and be genuinely thankful. It is entirely up to you, and I’m grateful either way.
Ready to Book?
If you need a ride for your pet, contact Pets Go Taxi with the pickup location, destination, date, and details about your pet, and you’ll get a quote before anything is booked.