Book through Rover and Wag or run your own walking and sitting business. Either way, the CRA sees a self-employed person, and that includes the cash and e-transfers. The business share of your car costs, supplies, and platform fees are deductions that bring your tax bill down.
If you walk dogs or pet-sit for pay, your income goes on Form T2125, and your costs come off the top.
Platform income and cash both count
Rover and Wag payouts, direct-client bookings, cash, e-transfers; it’s all self-employment income, with no minimum. If you book through a platform, report the gross you earned and deduct the platform’s cut as an expense. Platforms and banks leave a trail, so report it all.
No tax is generally withheld up front. You pay both portions of CPP on eligible net income. A 20-25% reserve can be a starting estimate, but the appropriate amount depends on income, province, deductions, and other tax already paid.
What dog walkers and pet sitters deduct
| Expense | Deductible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle costs | Business-use % | Gas, insurance, repairs, CCA × your business-km %; keep a log |
| Platform fees | Yes | Rover, Wag, and booking-app cuts |
| Supplies | Yes | Leashes, bags, treats, toys, first-aid kit |
| Liability insurance / bonding | Yes | Coverage for your pet-care business |
| Certifications | Yes | Pet first aid, dog-handling courses |
| Transit / parking | Yes | Transit fares and parking on the job |
| Phone | Business portion | Booking and client communication |
| Marketing | Yes | Flyers, online ads, your website |
| Home space for boarding | Yes (business-use %) | If you board pets in a dedicated area at home |
Vehicle costs are usually the biggest deduction for anyone driving between walks and sits. It’s not a per-km rate: you add up your actual car costs (gas, insurance, repairs, CCA) and claim your business-km percentage. Keep a log (date, destination, kilometres, purpose): the CRA denies vehicle claims without one. Trips between clients are business. If you run the business from home and have no other workplace, the drive to your first client is generally business too, not commuting. Our vehicle expenses guide explains.
If you board pets at home, a dedicated space can qualify for the home office / business-use-of-home deduction on the same square-footage basis.
GST/HST: most stay under, but know the line
You only register once revenue tops $30,000. That threshold isn’t only a rolling four-quarter test: go over $30,000 in a single calendar quarter and you charge GST/HST from the sale that puts you over, then register within 29 days. Many part-time walkers never get anywhere close. If pet care becomes full-time and you cross it, registration is mandatory. Pet services are generally taxable. See the GST/HST registration guide. Remember it’s based on gross revenue (including the part Rover keeps), not just what hits your account.
Equipment vs. supplies
Supplies used up in the work are current expenses. Durable kennels or boarding equipment may be capital property deducted over time through CCA. Classify the item based on what it is and how long it will be used, not a general dollar cutoff.
Deadlines
| Deadline | What’s due |
|---|---|
| April 30 | Tax balance owing (payment) |
| June 15 | T1 + T2125 filing (self-employed) |
Let Accountly track it between walks
Accountly mileage tracking records trips between clients, while receipt capture and manual income entry keep the records you add in one place. Reconcile Rover and Wag statements yourself and monitor the $30,000 GST/HST tests separately.
Start free. About five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report Rover and cash income from pet sitting?
Yes. Platform payouts and cash are both self-employment income on a T2125, with no minimum. Report gross platform earnings and deduct the platform’s fee.
Can I deduct driving between dog-walking clients?
Yes, as vehicle costs. You claim your actual car costs (gas, insurance, repairs, CCA) times your business-km percentage, backed by a mileage log. Trips between clients are business kilometres. If you run the business from home with no other workplace, the drive to your first client generally counts as business too.
What can dog walkers and pet sitters write off?
The business share of your vehicle costs, platform fees, supplies (leashes, bags, treats), pet first-aid certification, liability insurance, and the business-use portion of your phone. Boarding pets at home can also qualify for a home-use deduction.
Do I have to charge GST/HST?
Only once your gross revenue exceeds $30,000, which can happen in a single quarter and doesn’t require four consecutive quarters. That gross includes the share platforms keep. Below that, registration is optional.
How much should I set aside for taxes?
For most part-time pet care, 20-25% of income covers income tax and CPP. Higher earners should lean toward 25-30%.
Official CRA references
Check the CRA’s Form T2125 and business expense guidance against your tax year and circumstances.
The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as accounting, tax, business, or legal advice. Accountly does not provide professional services or act as your accountant, tax advisor, or lawyer. No client relationship is created by your use of this material. Always seek advice from qualified professionals who understand your particular circumstances before acting on any information contained herein.