Dog Walker & Pet Sitter

Walk through Irish tax with confidence as a self-employed pet care professional.

Allowable Expenses

• Insurance — Pet business insurance covering public liability and care, custody and control — essential and deductible.
• Equipment & Accessories — Leads, harnesses, poop bags, and pet first aid kit.
• Vehicle Costs — Mileage at Revenue's approved rate to collect and return pets.
• Licensing — Local authority licensing for boarding or daycare if required — deductible compliance costs.
• Marketing — Listing fees on Rover, Bark.com, and local advertising.
• Training & First Aid — Pet first aid courses and professional dog walker training.

Tax Tips

• Dog home boarding may require planning permission as a commercial activity at your home — check with your local council.
• All travel between pick-up and drop-off locations is business mileage — use Revenue's approved rate and keep a daily log.
• Revenue treats pet sitting and dog walking as self-employment income — register and file Form 11 annually.
• PRSI Class S at 4% builds your entitlement to social welfare benefits as a self-employed pet care professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a licence for dog walking in Ireland?

There is no specific dog walking licence in Ireland. However, commercial pet boarding (dogs staying overnight) is regulated — check with your local authority. Garda Vetting is increasingly expected by clients.

Can I claim mileage for collecting and returning dogs?

Yes. Travel to pick up and return dogs to their owners is business mileage. Use Revenue's approved mileage rates and keep a daily mileage log showing the date, route, and purpose.

Are platform fees (Rover, TrustedHousesitters) deductible?

Yes. Commission and service fees deducted by platforms are a deductible cost. Declare gross income and deduct the commission as an expense — or declare only the net income you receive.

What PRSI benefits does a self-employed dog walker or pet sitter receive in Ireland?

PRSI Class S at 4% entitles you to Maternity Benefit (after 52 qualifying weeks), Jobseeker's Benefit for the Self-Employed, Illness Benefit after a waiting period, and the State Pension (Contributory). Building your PRSI record consistently is important for long-term social protection.