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A Dog Walker’s Guide to Self-Assessment This January (With Links)

Updated: Jan 11



A Dog Walker’s Guide to Self-Assessment This January



January brings two things for UK dog pros: chilly mornings and the looming Self-Assessment deadline.  If the idea of tax returns makes you want to hide under the duvet, don’t panic – by following a few simple steps and claiming the right expenses, you can avoid penalties and even reduce your tax bill.  This guide (with a wagging tail and a wag of humor) walks you through what self‑employed dog walkers, groomers and trainers should do in January to file on time and legally cut their tax.


  • Check if you need to file.  In general, if you earned more than £1,000 from dog-walking, grooming or training last year, HMRC expects a tax return (thanks to the £1,000 trading allowance) .  If you’re not sure, use HMRC’s online “Do I need to send a tax return?” tool .  (It’s quick and free – no forms, just a few yes/no questions.)


  • Register with HMRC (if this is new).  If you’ve never submitted a self-assessment, tell HMRC by 5 October for the last tax year (6 April 2024 to 5 April 2025) .  You do this by “registering for Self Assessment” on GOV.UK.  HMRC will give you a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) and set up your online account.  (If you miss Oct 5, HMRC will still let you register later but will issue a condensed deadline – however, you must still pay any tax by 31 Jan to avoid extra charges .)


  • Gather your records.  Now is the time to round up all your paperwork for the year.  Collect income records (bank statements, invoices or apps like GoFetch/Rover receipts) and expense receipts.  Keep a mileage log for any business driving (date, purpose, miles) .  If you don’t already have one, open a separate bank account or use a simple app to track dog-business money – it really cuts through the confusion.  Good records let you claim every penny you should.


  • Know what you can claim.  Every dog business has legitimate expenses. HMRC allows you to deduct ordinary business costs from your income, which cuts your tax bill.  For example:


    • Pet supplies & cleaning: Leashes, collars, harnesses, toys, bedding and treats you bought for clients’ dogs are allowable (just be sure they’re for client dogs, not your own pup’s gourmet kibble ).  Likewise, cleaning supplies – poo bags, disinfectant and the like – used on the job are deductible .

    • Vehicle & travel: If you drive a car or van between clients, you can claim 45p per business mile for the first 10,000 miles each year (and 25p after that).  This covers fuel, insurance and repairs.  Alternatively, if your van is company-owned (less common for sole traders), you can claim actual running costs .  Either way, keep a logbook to support your claim.

    • Tools & equipment: Grooming scissors, clippers, brushes, crates or GPS trackers you use in the business can be written off as equipment .  Even professional-looking uniforms with your logo count as a deductible expense .

    • Training & insurance: Pet-first-aid courses, animal behavior workshops, or business training you pay for are valid deductions .  So are professional insurances (public liability, care & custody cover, etc.) that protect your business .

    • Marketing & admin: Business cards, flyers, website hosting or ads to get you new clients are all deductible .  A portion of your home bills (heating, electricity, internet) can be claimed if you do business admin at home .  You can also claim the business portion of your phone contract or broadband .

    • Extras: If you ever need to stay overnight at a client’s home (rare for dog walkies, but maybe for 24/7 care), reasonable accommodation costs can count .  Bank charges on your business account are also an allowable expense .



In short: every legitimate cost of running your pet business is fair game, so don’t be shy about claiming it. HMRC reminds us to keep all receipts (physical or electronic) for at least 22 months after the tax year, and to separate personal and business spending .  (Even snapping photos of receipts with your phone will do, as long as they’re legible.)


  • Do the math (profit = sales – expenses).  Tally up all your income and subtract the allowable expenses above.  The result is your profit (or loss).  You’ll put that number on your tax return.  If you’re unsure, free government guides or cheap accounting software can help – even a simple spreadsheet can work.  The key is to include all your trade income (for example, also any trainer fees or pet-sitting gigs) and all your business costs.


  • File your return online.  In January, log in to HMRC’s Self Assessment portal (via GOV.UK) to fill in your return . You’ll need your UTR and Government Gateway login.  The online system is straightforward – it will ask you income and expense figures and do the calculations.  (If you haven’t used it before, the site walks you through setting up an account.)  Good news: you don’t have to finish it all at once – you can save your work and return later .  The last day to submit for the 2024/25 year is 11:59pm on 31 January 2026 .  Make sure you hit that.


  • Pay on time.  After filing, you must pay any tax due by 31 January as well .  According to HMRC, 31 January is when you pay the “balancing payment” for last year and the first “payment on account” for the coming year .  (If your bill was under £1,000, you might not have payments on account.)  You can pay via bank transfer, debit card or the HMRC app – whatever’s easiest .  The crucial part: pay by Jan 31.  If you miss it, HMRC will charge interest and 5% surcharges on the overdue amount after 30 days .


  • Don’t get bitten by penalties. Filing or paying late brings fines.  HMRC slaps on penalties immediately if you miss deadlines: £100 right after Jan 31 if your return is late (even if no tax is due), then additional daily fines of £10 once you’re 3 months late.  Paying late triggers 5% penalties at 30 days, 6 months and 12 months overdue .  The best strategy is simple: file and pay by January 31 to avoid all that hassle.


  • Keep calm and carry on.  Finally, remember that HMRC likes organized records.  After you finish, store your final calculations and receipts safely for at least 22 months (in case of checks).  If you’re ever in doubt, HMRC has help lines and webinars, or consider a quick chat with an accountant.  But most self-employed dog pros can handle this themselves with a bit of care.



In summary:


Check your status, register in time, gather receipts, claim every eligible expense, file by Jan 31 and pay by Jan 31 .  Do that, and you’ll avoid fines and keep the taxman happy – leaving you free to focus on happier things, like teaching Fido new tricks instead of wrestling tax forms!



Useful HMRC Links





By following these steps and keeping good records, even the least tax-savvy dog pro can file correctly, avoid penalties, and claim every pound of allowable expense .  Now enjoy those January walks – knowing the tax tail isn’t about to wag the dog!


Sort out your expenses by downloading this file and adding your expenses to the correct column. This will automatically update the Self Assessment Summary.


Please read this Help File First:



Then download the excel sheet below










About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House


Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.


The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.


You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.





Legal Disclaimer


The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.


This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.


While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.


By using this website, you acknowledge that:


✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules

✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document

✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information


If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.




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