You're a business now — act like one
The moment Rover, Wag, or client payments lands on a 1099, the IRS puts you in the same category as any small business owner. That means self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments — and the upside: you can deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses against what you earn.
Most dog walkers don't think of themselves as businesses, so they don't keep business records. Between walks, drop-ins, and pet-sitting visits, the costs pile up quietly — and the ones that never get recorded never get deducted.
The deductions most dog walkers can claim
1. Mileage between clients
Driving between client homes all day adds up fast — the platform never tracks it for you, and it's the deduction most walkers lose.
2. Leashes, treats, and supplies
Walking gear, treats, poop bags, and first-aid kits used on the job.
3. Pet care insurance and bonding
Liability coverage for animal care work.
4. Platform fees
Rover and Wag take a real cut — deduct fees so you aren't taxed on gross.
5. Phone and GPS
Business share of the phone that runs the bookings and routes.
6. Certifications
Pet first-aid and training credentials.
7. Marketing
Cards, flyers, and local advertising.
What the IRS actually wants to see
Deductions aren't denied because they weren't real — they're denied because they weren't documented. The standard: a receipt or bank record for expenses, a mileage log with business purpose, and records made close to when the expense happened. A mileage log kept as it happens is worth far more than one reconstructed in April — the IRS knows the difference.
That's the workflow DeductionDog was built around: capture receipts by photo or by scanning your email, log drives automatically, then export the year as an accountant-ready package — every item mapped to its Schedule C line.
Related videos
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WatchThe 1099 Problem
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DeductionDog provides record-keeping software, not tax advice. Deduction eligibility depends on your specific facts — when in doubt, talk to a qualified tax professional.