An accountant for dog walkers and pet sitters.

Starting out

If you walk or sit for clients and take payment, you’re self-employed. If your trading income is under £1,000 a year, the trading allowance can mean you don’t need to report it. Above that, you generally register with HMRC and file a self assessment return. Register by 5 October after the end of your first tax year in business.

Costs you can usually claim

• Public liability and pet-care insurance
• Leads, bags, treats and other equipment
• Fuel or van costs for collecting dogs
• Booking app and website costs, advertising and business cards
• Training and first-aid courses for your work
• Hired field or paddock costs

Keeping it simple

Take a note of who paid you and when, and keep your receipts. Bank statements are enough for most dog walkers. If you also have a separate job, we’ll make sure your return covers both.

Tax and National Insurance

You pay Class 4 National Insurance of 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270, and 2% above that (2026 to 2027). Class 2 is no longer compulsory.

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax applies to self-employed income over £50,000 from April 2026, over £30,000 from April 2027 and over £20,000 from April 2028. If it applies to you, you send HMRC short updates each quarter.