Reviewed by
a tax professional
NAICS code:
812910
Let’s face it, getting to hang out with dogs all day is pretty much a dream job. The only thing that could make it better? Being able to save money at tax time because you hang out with dogs all day! So sit and stay for a moment, because there’s a ton of expenses you can write off on your taxes just by being a dog walker.
From poo bags to treats to new leashes, the purchases you make for your furry friends can also work for you. If that doesn’t make your tag wag with excitement, we don’t know what will!
🦴
Dog treats
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Treats you buy to give to the dogs you walk are write-offs.
💩
Poo bags
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Don't leave a dog's mess for someone else to find! You can write off these plastic bags.
☔
Rain gear
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
It's miserable to walk dogs in the rain without the proper gear. But you can write it off!
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Bicycle
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you use a bike to get to your client, you can write off the associated expenses.
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Leashes & harnesses
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Additional leashes or harnesses for the dogs you walk are all tax-deductible.
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Phone bill
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
If you use your phone for work (who doesn't?), then a part of your phone bill is tax-deductible.
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Public transportation
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
Write off what you spend on buses, subways, or trains you take to meet clients.
🎾
Dog toys
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Any toys you buy to play with the dogs you walk, like tennis balls, can be written off.
If you drive for work ...
If you drive around town picking up your clients' pups for walks or trips to the dog park, you can write off your car expenses.
🅿️
Parking
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
Parking for a meeting downtown, or any other work trip, is tax-deductible!
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Tolls
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 27a
A toll while driving to or from a work destination is tax-deductible!
🚘
Car purchase & depreciation
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 13
If you buy a new car, you can write off part of the cost every year for five years.
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Vehicle tool kit
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 22
Flashlights, tire iron, duct tape, and other tools you may need in your vehicle are deductible.
☂️
Car insurance & registration
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 15
Car insurance monthly fees, registration, even roadside assistance are partially deductible.
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Car maintenance
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 9
Oil changes, repairs, and regular checkups are all tax-deductible if you drive for work.
If you discuss work at a restaurant ...
A restaurant expense can be written off if the reason you're there is to chat about work, perhaps with a client or fellow dog walker.
🍔
Business meals
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 24b
If you discuss work with a coworker, mentor, client, or prospective client, it's a write-off!
If you leave town for work ...
If you have to venture out of town for industry conferences, networking events, dog shows, or competitions, remember to claim travel expenses on your taxes.
🛫
Transportation
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 24a
Planes, trains, and car rentals are all work-related travel costs that can be written off.
🏨
Travel lodging
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you travel for work, lodging expenses such as hotel rooms or Airbnb are write offs.
🥡
Meals while traveling
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 24a
When you're traveling for work, all meals are tax-deductible. Even takeout!
If you work from home ...
Throw your finances a bone by remembering to claim your home office expenses on your taxes.
What kind of activities make a dog walker eligible for home office write-offs?
- Working on client development
- Managing finances and paperwork
- Creating marketing and advertising assets
- Scheduling appointments with clients
🛋️
Home office furniture
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 18
A desk, chairs, lamps, and other home office necessities are all tax write-offs.
🛠️
Property repairs
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 21
You can write off up to $2,500 for individual repairs to your property.
🔌
Power bill
Write it off using:
Form 8829
Gotta keep the lights on in your home office! A portion of your electricity bill counts.
🌪️
Property insurance
Write it off using:
Form 8829
Whether it's rental or homeowners insurance, you can write off a portion through your home office deduction.
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Water bill
Write it off using:
Form 8829
It'd be hard to work in an office without running water, huh? You water bill counts.
🌐
Wi-Fi bill
Write it off using:
Schedule C, Box 25
Your Comcast bill is a tax write-off. You need internet to do your job!
