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. Your mileage between clients, 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 withheld up front, so plan for that. You pay both halves of CPP yourself, roughly 11.9% of net income. Set aside 20–25% and tax season won’t blindside you.
What dog walkers and pet sitters deduct
| Expense | Deductible? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mileage between clients | Yes | Driving client to client is deductible, so keep a log |
| Platform fees | Yes | Rover, Wag, and booking-app cuts |
| Supplies | Yes | Leashes, bags, treats, toys, first-aid kit |
| Pet insurance / liability | Yes | Coverage and bonding for your 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 |
Mileage is usually the biggest deduction for anyone driving between walks and sits. Keep a log (date, destination, kilometres, purpose): the CRA denies vehicle claims without one. Trips between clients are business; your first-out and last-home trips may be personal 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: hit $30,000 in a single calendar quarter and registration is mandatory right away. 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 and the $500 line
Supplies are deducted in full as you buy them. As a practical convention, anything over $500 (say, kennels or boarding equipment for a home setup) is usually treated as a capital asset deducted over years through CCA. That’s not a codified CRA bright line, but it’s a reasonable materiality cutoff for gear that isn’t computer or camera equipment.
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 logs your Rover, Wag, and cash income and tracks mileage between clients. Snap a photo of a supply receipt and it’s captured, and it keeps an eye on the $30,000 GST/HST line for you. Your T2125 is ready without the scramble.
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 mileage driving between dog-walking clients?
Yes, with a mileage log. Trips between clients are business kilometres; your first-out and last-home drives may count as personal commuting.
What can dog walkers and pet sitters write off?
Mileage, 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%.
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.
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