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Self Assessment for Dog Walkers: Everything You Need to Know (A Complete Guide)

Updated: Dec 6, 2025

Self Assessment for Dog Walkers with The Dog House TLC Canine Crusaders
Self Assessment for Dog Walkers with The Dog House TLC Canine Crusaders

Self Assessment for Dog Walkers


Running a dog walking business is incredibly rewarding — but like every self-employed profession in the UK, it comes with responsibilities. One of the biggest is understanding Self Assessment and making sure you stay compliant with HMRC.


Whether you're brand new to self-employment or you’ve been walking dogs for years, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: dates, forms, registration, record keeping, allowable expenses, and how to use resources like the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub calculators to make the whole process easier.


This blog is written to apply every year, so you can refer back to it again and again.


What Is Self Assessment and Why Does It Matter for Dog Walkers?


Self Assessment is HMRC’s system for collecting Income Tax from people who don’t have it automatically deducted through PAYE (e.g., employees).


Most dog walkers are self-employed, so you’re responsible for:


  • Reporting your income

  • Reporting your business expenses

  • Calculating profit

  • Paying tax and National Insurance


Your Self Assessment tells HMRC how much tax you owe — or whether you're due a refund.


Important Self Assessment Deadlines for Dog Walkers


These dates apply every year:


Register for Self Assessment


  • By 5 October after the end of your first tax year of trading(e.g., you start trading in June → register by 5 October the following year)


Self Assessment Tax Return Deadlines


  • 31 October – Deadline for HMRC to receive your paper tax return

  • 31 January – Deadline for submitting your online tax return


Nearly all dog walkers file online — it’s easier, quicker, and gives you instant confirmation.


Payment Deadlines


  • 31 January – Pay your tax bill for the previous tax year

  • 31 July – Second payment on account deadline (if applicable)


What Dog Walkers Need to Do Step-by-Step


Below is a detailed breakdown of how Self Assessment works for dog walkers and what actions you need to take.


1. Register as Self-Employed


If you're newly starting your dog walking business, you must tell HMRC. You’ll receive:


  • A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

  • Access to your Government Gateway account


This is the account you'll use to file your return next time around.


2. Keep Accurate Records Throughout the Year


This is essential.

Dog walkers must keep detailed records of:


Income


  • Walks

  • Group walks

  • Solo walks

  • Boarding

  • Training add-ons

  • Mileage payments

  • Any miscellaneous animal-care services


Expenses


These help reduce your tax bill.

Common dog walking allowable expenses include:


  • Leads, harnesses, muzzles

  • Poo bags

  • Treats (used for work only)

  • Uniform, branded clothing

  • Outdoor gear (thermals, waterproofs, wellies, boots) if used solely for business

  • Insurance (public liability, pet business insurance)

  • Advertising & website costs

  • Fuel and mileage

  • Business software

  • Phone bill (business percentage)

  • Bank fees

  • First aid equipment

  • Training (if improving your existing dog-walking skills)


💡 Use the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub calculators Our calculators help you track income, expenses, mileage, and projected tax amounts, making it much easier to prepare for Self Assessment with accurate figures.

3. Work Out Your Profits


HMRC only taxes your profit, not your total income.

Profit = Total Income – Allowable Expenses

The calculators in the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub help you do this automatically.


4. Complete Your Online Self Assessment Return


You will need to enter:


  • Business income

  • Business expenses

  • Personal details

  • Allowances

  • Any other income (employment, rental, etc.)


Dog walkers will mainly use the Self-Employment (SA103) section.

You may be able to use the short form (SA103S) if your business turnover is relatively straightforward.


5. Pay Your Tax Bill


You can pay:


  • Online banking

  • Debit card

  • Bank transfer

  • Direct Debit


Avoid late penalties: they start at £100 and increase quickly.


How HMRC Fits Into the Picture


HMRC:


  • Provides rules for tax and National Insurance

  • Receives and processes your Self Assessment

  • Issues penalties for late filing

  • Reviews your tax calculations

  • Conducts audits or checks if something doesn’t look right


They do not calculate your tax for you — you either do it manually or use software/tools.

That’s why having access to tools like the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub is so valuable. The calculators help ensure you are accurate and ready before you file.


Do Other Companies Get Involved?


Sometimes, yes.


1. Accounting software providers


If you use something like QuickBooks, Xero, or FreeAgent, it helps organise your finances and some can transmit tax information to HMRC.


2. Banks


Business bank accounts provide statements HMRC may ask to see.


3. Insurance companies


You may need policy documents if HMRC asks for expense evidence.


4. Payment processors


If you take payments through Stripe, PayPal, SumUp etc., HMRC may request statements if they do a compliance check.


But the main tax relationship is always between you and HMRC.


What Happens If You Don’t Do Your Self Assessment?


Penalties escalate quickly:


  • £100 fixed fine for missing the deadline

  • Daily fines after 3 months

  • Additional penalties at 6 and 12 months

  • Interest charged on late payments


In severe cases, HMRC can estimate your tax for you — and it's usually much higher than what you would have actually owed.


Tips for Dog Walkers to Make Self Assessment Easier


✔ Stay organised from day one

Keep receipts, mileage logs, and invoices.

✔ Use the TLC Canine Crusaders calculators

They simplify tax estimates and help you keep accurate books.

✔ Set aside money monthly

Most dog walkers save 20–30% of their income for tax.

✔ Submit early

Avoid the January panic.

✔ Use a business bank account

It keeps personal and business spending separate.


Self Assessment FAQ for Dog Walkers


Do I need to file a Self Assessment even if I earned very little?


Yes — if you earned more than £1,000 from self-employment in a tax year.


Do I need an accountant?


Not required, especially if you keep good records. Many dog walkers successfully file themselves using the TLC Business Hub tools.


Can I claim clothing?


Only if it is branded workwear or PPE such as waterproofs, wellies, coats dedicated to your job.


What about my car and mileage?


You can claim mileage or a percentage of running costs, depending on your method.


Final Thoughts: Staying on Top of Your Dog Walking Finances


Self Assessment doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With the right tools, organisation, and a clear understanding of deadlines, it becomes straightforward and stress-free.


Using the tools from the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub will help you:


  • Track your year

  • Stay compliant

  • Avoid mistakes

  • Be fully prepared for January


And most importantly — it lets you focus on what you do best: caring for dogs.





About Tori & TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub


I’m Tori, founder of TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub and The Dog House, where I help dog walkers and dog owners build confidence, clarity, and success. With years of hands-on experience running a busy dog walking company and training academy, my mission is to make the industry easier to navigate. Whether you're growing your business or supporting your dog at home, you’ll find practical guidance, community support, and resources designed to help you thrive.



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