Tipping the tech at the vet's office?

[ButterSticks]

My dog recently started going to the vet every week for intravenous fluids. Do you guys think it would it be politically correct to give a Christmas tip to the one technician who usually does the procedure? He's been really nice to my dog.

Thanks.

 

[stardogs]

Maybe some baked goods for the whole staff? Money seems like it might make things a bit awkward, esp if there are other techs who have also helped but don't receive anything.

 

[lizzybeth727]

^^^That, or a thank-you card with some cash maybe? Just stress that it's because of his above-and-beyond niceness with your dog.

 

[stafinois]

Over the years, I think I got two special gifts from clients. Once was for staying with an older lady and her cat while the cat was euthanized. That lady sent me flowers. The other time I went on my lunch break to rescue a corn snake that had been found on a construction site. The owner of the property, one of our clients, gave me a Petsmart giftcard. That was all in about 13 years, so I don't think it's common. My coworkers didn't get anything more frequently than I.

Baked goods or other treat tray for the staff is always welcome. It doesn't have to be sweets. In fact, what we looked most forward to every year was the tin of Cougar Gold cheese that we got every year from somebody! That and the Sees Candy. I always stole the Bordeaux pieces out of the box

 

[Bigpoodleperson]

Working as a tech, I personally dont feel right taking tips. A baked good for the whole staff usually goes over really well. Alot of times there are techs behind the sceens that do as much for you but you never see their face. JMO.

 

[Saeleofu]

Though we have no written rule, it's generally understood at work that we don't accept tips, and if we DO get a tip, it goes in the memorial fund, which is a fund we have set up to help out people who can't afford major expenses.

Baked goods or something are usually a hit, though.

 

[dignity]

Maybe you could make up a basket of little snacks for the office staff to enjoy (if you don't want to bake). You could get the packaged rice crispy squares, cereal bars, little debbies and so forth.

 

[ButterSticks]

Thanks for the responses. I like the idea of bringing treats for the whole staff but this one tech in particular has been especially helpful about my difficult tries-to-bite-everyone dog and I kind of wanted to do something special for just him. I don't want to make anyone feel weird tho.

 

[Saeleofu]

Maybe a card for him? We've had people send cards to individuals via the clinic address multiple times. We've also had people bring in something like cookies or candy for the clinic, a card for the clinic, and then an individual card and/or small gift for a specific person.

 

[Southpaw]

Treats always go over well where I work. We have had clients bring in thank you cards addressed to a certain person, but then they'll also bring cookies or something that they say are meant for the whole staff to enjoy. So with the card, he gets the thanks he deserves and knows you appreciated his efforts - but the shared goodies don't make him or anyone else feel awkward (plus he gets to eat the goodies too, so it's win-win).

 

[Saeleofu]

Oh, if you bring treats, make sure he's working the day you bring them. There have been MANY times people have brought stuff and it's been decimated the same day, so anyone that was off that day missed out.

 

[SaraB]

Working as a tech, I personally dont feel right taking tips. A baked good for the whole staff usually goes over really well. Alot of times there are techs behind the sceens that do as much for you but you never see their face. JMO.

This! There is rarely just one tech that is working with your dog. One tech may come up and get your dog but there is a whole team of people in the back that help with each procedure.

Cookies and brownies are always a hit!