Tax Return for Dog Walkers
Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.
- Track client income
- Travel and mileage expenses
- Insurance and equipment support
- MTD-ready for 2026
Example Tax Calculation
Based on typical dog walkers earnings £24,000/year
*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.
Allowable Expenses for Dog Walkers
Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill
Business Insurance
Public liability and pet care insurance premiums.
Tip: Insurance is fully deductible.
Travel and Mileage
Travel between clients and walking locations.
Tip: Log dates, routes, and miles.
Equipment and Supplies
Leads, harnesses, waste bags, and safety gear.
Tip: Keep receipts for replacements.
Marketing and Advertising
Flyers, ads, and website costs to find clients.
Tip: Track marketing spend by month.
More expenses you can claim
Dog Walkers Industry Insights
Essential information about working as a dog walkers in the UK
Average Hourly Rate
£10 – £20
Per dog; walking multiple dogs increases effective hourly rate
Common Structure
sole trader
Sole trader is standard; consider limited company only if employing other walkers
Required Certifications & Qualifications
When Do Dog Walkers Earn Most?
Understanding seasonal demand helps you plan your income and expenses throughout the tax year.
Peak Demand Periods
Quieter Periods
Industry Insight
Regular clients provide stable income; aim for recurring bookings
Tax tip: During quieter periods, use the time to organise receipts, update your records, and plan for upcoming tax deadlines.
Tax Tips for Dog Walkers
Specific tax considerations to maximise your deductions and stay compliant
Vehicle mileage for collecting/dropping dogs is deductible
Equipment (leads, treat bags, etc.) is deductible
Pet first aid training is deductible
Insurance is fully deductible
These tips are based on UK tax rules for the 2024/25 tax year. For personalised advice, consult a qualified accountant.
How to File Your Tax Return
Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment
Gather Your Documents
Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements
Enter Income & Expenses
Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow
Review Your Calculation
See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations
Submit to HMRC
File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes
Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year
Don't miss these important dates
5 April 2025
Tax Year Ends
Calculate your final income and expenses
5 October 2025
Register for Self Assessment
If this is your first year self-employed
31 January 2026
Online Filing Deadline
Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed
6 April 2026
MTD Starts (£50k+)
If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software
Late Filing Penalties
1 day late: £100 fixed penalty
3 months late: £10/day up to £900
6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)
12 months late: Additional 5% or £300
Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about tax returns for dog walkers
Do dog walkers need to register as self-employed?
If you earn over £1,000 from dog walking, you must register for Self Assessment.
Can I claim travel costs?
Yes. Travel between clients and walking locations is a business expense.
What records should I keep?
Keep invoices, receipts, mileage logs, and bank statements.
Ready to File Your Tax Return?
Join thousands of UK dog walkers who trust QTax for their Self Assessment