THE DOG WALKER’S GUIDE TO VEHICLE CLAIMS (HMRC‑FRIENDLY EDITION)
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- May 24
- 4 min read
THE DOG WALKER’S GUIDE TO VEHICLE CLAIMS (HMRC‑FRIENDLY EDITION)
Mentor mode activated. Sarcasm included at no extra charge.
First things first: HMRC doesn’t care about your feelings
They don’t care that your van smells like wet spaniel.
They don’t care that you’ve spent £400 on boot liners and still find dog hair in your bra.
They care about rules.
So we play by the rules — but we play smart.
Two Ways to Claim Vehicle Costs
HMRC gives you two paths. Choose ONE. No mixing. No “just a little bit of both”. They’re not your ex.
1️⃣ Simplified Mileage Method
This is the “I can’t be arsed with receipts” method.
You claim:
55p per mile for the first 10,000 business miles (from April 2026 45p prior to that)
25p per mile after that
And that’s it.
No fuel receipts.
No tyre receipts.
No crying over spreadsheets.
Perfect for:
Dog walkers who don’t want admin, don’t have a dedicated van, or use a personal car for work.
BUT:
If you choose mileage, you cannot claim:
Fuel
Insurance
Repairs
Tyres
Road tax
MOT
Van purchase
Finance payments
Depreciation
Dog-proofing costs
Mileage is mileage. End of.
2️⃣ Actual Costs Method
This is the “I’m a proper business with a proper van” method.
You claim a percentage of all running costs based on how much you use the vehicle for business.
If your van is 100% business use, you can claim 100% of the following:
Fuel
Insurance
MOT
Repairs
Tyres
Road tax
Breakdown cover
Cleaning (yes, even the industrial dog‑hair hoovering)
Dog-proofing (crates, guards, flooring, ventilation)
Sign writing
Van wraps
Dash cams
Parking
Congestion charges
Interest on finance
Lease payments
Depreciation (if you bought it outright)
BUT:
You cannot claim the full cost of buying the van in one go.
HMRC says “steady on” and makes you claim it over time via capital allowances.
What You CANNOT Claim as travel expenses (no matter how cheeky you feel)
Fines (parking, speeding, being a numpty)
Personal use fuel
The cost of buying the vehicle if you’re using mileage method
Your emotional trauma when the van gets stolen
Snacks for you (even if you swear they’re “for energy on walks”)
Dog treats (not vehicle related, HMRC isn’t daft they go elsewhere)
Dog Walker‑Specific Things You Can Claim HMRC doesn’t have a “dog walker” section, but these fall under vehicle business use:
Crates
Cooling systems / fans
Rubber flooring
Boot liners
Safety guards
CCTV in the van
Extra locks
Signwriting
Dog ramp
Seat covers
Tow bar for dog trailer
If it’s for the dogs and attached to or used in the van, it’s usually claimable.
The Big Decision: Mileage vs Actual Costs
Here’s the truth bomb: If you’re a dog walker with a dedicated van, you almost always get more back using actual costs. If you’re using your personal car, mileage is usually easier and safer.
Mentor Advice: Don’t let HMRC bully you
You’re running a legit business.
Your van is a mobile dog taxi, a fur‑covered office, and sometimes a therapy chamber for reactive gremlins.
Claim what you’re entitled to.
Keep records.
And don’t be shy — HMRC expects dog walkers to have high vehicle costs.
A note on business and professionalism
This guide assumes one thing: you are running a business, not a hobby.
Pet care is more than a passion—it’s your livelihood, and it deserves the same professionalism, planning, and respect as any other business. Treating it like “just a job for fun” won’t get you the results or freedom you want.
You are allowed to:
Charge enough to make your business sustainable
Set and enforce clear boundaries with clients
Expect respect from clients, peers, and the wider pet care industry
Take your work seriously, even when others don’t
Build a business that supports you, not just every pet and client
Professional success starts with self-respect—and pet care businesses built on self-respect thrive for the long term.
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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