What Dog Walkers Can Claim as Business Expenses – A Complete Guide for UK Dog Walkers
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Dec 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
What Dog Walkers Can Claim as Business Expenses
Running a dog walking business is incredibly rewarding, but like any small business, it comes with costs. The good news? Many of those costs can be claimed back as business expenses, helping you reduce your taxable income and run a more efficient, profitable business.
Whether you’re a solo dog walker or running a full team like I do at TLC Dog Walking, keeping track of your expenses is essential. Below is a clear guide to what dog walkers can usually claim as expenses in the UK, including how logoed clothing and branded kit fit into your allowable business costs.
(As always, this is general guidance, not tailored tax advice—every dog walking business is different, so do check things over with a qualified accountant.)
1. Dog Walking Equipment
This is the bread and butter of what you do, so most items you buy specifically for walking dogs are usually allowable expenses. This includes:
Leads, long lines and training lines
Poo bags and poo bag dispensers
Treats used on walks
Whistles and clickers
First aid kits
Towels, wipes and drying coats
Safety equipment like torches, reflective bands, high-visibility gear
Treat pouches, bait bags and belt clips
If you use it for the dogs you walk, it's typically classed as a business cost.
2. Branded and Logoed Clothing (Workwear)
Dog walkers practically live in wellies and waterproofs—but HMRC can be strict about clothing claims. Here's the good news:
You can usually claim for:
Clothing branded with your business logo (jackets, hoodies, gilets, hats, etc.)
Protective equipment
Branded wellies
High-vis vests with your company name
PPE such as gloves
Why logoed kit counts
Once your clothing carries your logo, it becomes identifiable workwear—not something you’d reasonably wear socially. That means it normally falls into the “allowable expense” category.
Pro Tip: Branding your wellies, coats, dog walking bags, and waterproof trousers not only makes them claimable, but also gives you free advertising in every village, park and muddy field you step into.
3. Travel Costs
This is one of the biggest expenses for dog walkers.
You may be able to claim:
Mileage for using your personal car for work
Fuel if you use the “actual cost method”
Parking fees
Public transport used for client visits
Most dog walkers prefer the mileage method, as it’s simpler. Just keep good records—apps help massively.
4. Vehicle Costs
If your car or van is used entirely for business, you may be able to claim a proportion of:
Insurance
MOT and repairs
Breakdown cover
Cleaning (especially when full of muddy paw prints!)
If the vehicle is mixed use (business + personal), you can usually claim the business percentage.
5. Office and Admin Costs
Even if you work outdoors, you run an office—usually from home.
You can typically claim:
A percentage of your home bills (if you use a home office)
Phone bills
Mobile data
Laptop, printer, and accessories
Stationery
Diaries, planners, notebooks
Booking software or scheduling apps
Accounting software
If it helps you run the business, it generally counts.
6. Professional Services
Running a responsible dog walking business means staying above board.
You can claim for:
Accountant or bookkeeper
Legal advice
Marketing services
Website design and hosting
Graphic design
Business coaching or mentoring
These support your business growth and management, so they’re allowable.
7. Insurance
All professional dog walkers should have proper insurance.
Common insurance expenses include:
Public liability insurance
Professional indemnity
Pet business insurance
Vehicle business insurance (if required)
These are essential costs and fully claimable.
8. Courses, Training & CPD
Whether you’re learning about canine body language, behaviour, first aid, or running a business, ongoing education is part of being a professional.
You can usually claim for:
Dog first aid training
Professional development courses
Dog behaviour or training seminars
Business courses (e.g., marketing, finance)
If it helps you upskill, it’s generally allowable.
9. Equipment for Transportation
For dog walkers who transport dogs, the following are usually claimable:
Crates
Seatbelt clips
Travel harnesses
Non-slip mats
Cooling mats or fans
Boot liners
Dividers
Spill-proof water bowls
Doggy ramps (especially helpful for elderly or large dogs)
Basically, anything that keeps dogs safe and comfortable in your vehicle is considered a business cost.
10. Advertising & Branding
This is often overlooked, but absolutely claimable.
Expenses include:
Branded wellies (yes, again—they’re that useful!)
Branded jackets, fleeces, gilets and hats
Business cards
Flyers
Car decals or wraps
Online ads (Facebook, Google, etc.)
If it helps you promote your dog walking business, it’s an allowable expense.
Final Thoughts
Claiming your allowable expenses isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about running your business properly and making sure you’re not overpaying tax.
As dog walkers, we invest a lot in equipment, transport, training, and branded kit. Keeping accurate records, saving receipts, and understanding what you can claim not only saves money but also shows you exactly where your business budget is going.
And yes—branding your clothing and gear is a fantastic way to make it claimable and boost your visibility in every park, field, and street you walk.
If you want help organising your dog walking business or understanding what to track, feel free to ask—I’m always happy to help fellow walkers stay stress-free and professional.
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