Are you a self-employed dog walker facing surgery or illness? Learn how Statutory Sick Pay, Universal Credit, and ESA work for self-employed professionals, what to do if you run a limited company, and practical tips to protect your income while you recover.

If you’re starting a dog walking or pet care business in the UK, one of the first legal steps you need to take is registering as self‑employed with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). This lets HMRC know you’re earning money outside of PAYE employment and makes sure you’re set up correctly to pay tax and National Insurance. The good news? The process is straightforward once you know what’s required...