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by MoeGo on Apr 1, 2026 10:47:13 AM
The pet care industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the global pet care market valued at $259.7 billion in 2024 and projected to reach $427.75 billion by 2032 (Fortune Business Insights, 2025). In the U.S., pet industry expenditure reached approximately $152 billion in 2024 and is forecast to hit $157 billion in 2025 (APPA, 2025).
Within this growing market, tips represent a significant portion of income for service professionals. Industry estimates suggest that gratuities typically make up 10–30% of total earnings. However, many professionals lack visibility into what’s considered “normal” or how their own tipping performance compares.
We analyzed over 7.9 million appointments and $75+ million in tips processed through the MoeGo platform to uncover how, when, and why clients tip.
Whether you’re a grooming salon owner, a mobile grooming fleet operator, or a boarding/daycare manager, this guide provides clarity on tipping industry benchmarks, new policy changes, and a roadmap to optimize them.
Winning More Tips with Tools and Talent
Our analysis reveals that higher tips are not random, but driven by a combination of strategic client communication and thoughtful payment processes. Here is a list of features and tools that the leading businesses are using to systematically and significantly boost their team's tip earnings.
Smart Tip: Tailor Tip Prompts to Every Ticket
Simply leaving the tip amount to chance, or a blank line on a receipt, is a missed opportunity. Our data shows that guiding the client with pre-set options directly influences their behavior.
Guide Generosity & Increase Earnings by 20%+
Enabling the Smart Tip feature led to a dramatic increase in tips. For grooming appointments, it boosted the average tip by over 20% (from $9.96 to $12.01) and, more impressively, increased the average tip rate by 54% (from 10.82% to 16.66%).
How? MoeGo Pay's Smart Tip allows you to set flexible, intelligent tipping options.
- Customize by Ticket Price: For example, you can set prompts by dollar amount for smaller tickets (e.g., under $100) and by percentage for larger ones (e.g., over $100).
- Remove Mental Burden: This simplifies the decision for the client and presents fair, context-aware options that feel appropriate for the service rendered, leading to higher, more consistent tips.
Digital Report Card: Visual Proof Builds Generosity
A service ends when the pet goes home, but the client's impression is solidified moments later. A Digital Report Card transforms a standard transaction into a memorable experience.
- For Grooming: a grooming report
- For Boarding & Daycare: a daily report card
The Single Most Powerful Tool for a 53% Tip Lift
This is your most powerful lever. Sending a post-service photo and update increased the average grooming tip by a staggering 53%, from $9.81 to $15.24. We call this "The $5 Photo" strategy.
How? Our Digital Report Card tool makes this effortless and impactful.
- Capture the Moment: A simple before & after photo and a personalized note showcase your work and the pet's happiness, creating an emotional connection that gratitude (in the form of a tip) naturally follows.
- Bonus: MoeGo offers a variety of festive and seasonal themes, so that you to tailor the report card's appearance for holidays or special occasions, adding a extra layer of personalization and brand charm.
Personalized Communication: Build Relationships That Pay Off
Consistent, professional communication builds the trust and rapport that makes clients want to be generous. Tip-friendly communication shouldn't end with the report card.
Message Templates
Save time while maintaining a personal touch. Use pre-built templates from the Message Center to welcome new clients, send holiday reminders, celebrate an anniversary, announce new offerings, and more.
Auto Messages
Keep clients informed at every step, from appointment reminders to notifying them when their pet is ready for pickup and rebook reminders. Bonus point: keep everything automated with an Automated Workflow.
This professional, seamless communication reduces anxiety and enhances the overall client experience, directly contributing to a more positive and generous tipping mindset.
📄 Access the Full Report — Download the PDF Now
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