Tax Planning for Rover Pet Sitters

Rover pet sitters learn to deduct supplies, boarding costs, mileage, and insurance while planning quarterly tax payments and keeping client records audit ready.

Independent contractors managing self-employed taxes should stay proactive about independent contractor deductions and year-round recordkeeping.

💡 Set aside 25% of every gig payout for self-employed taxes so independent contractor deductions cover quarterly payments.

Why It Matters for Self-Employed Taxes

Pet sitters turn their homes and cars into workplaces. Without documenting the split, you will overpay taxes and underprice services.

Key Earnings & Expense Buckets

Deduct pet food, treats, toys, and cleaning supplies used exclusively for client animals.
Track mileage to vet appointments, meet and greets, and park visits.
Log home office or dedicated pet room expenses if you board animals overnight.

Weekly Workflow

Use Rover’s calendar export to measure occupancy rates and plan marketing pushes.
Record client preferences and vet contacts after each stay for quick reference.
Set boundaries on booking volume so you preserve time for bookkeeping and deep cleaning.

Tools & Next Steps

Pet business CRMs like Time To Pet for scheduling, invoicing, and vaccination tracking.
Budgeting apps to separate Rover income from personal household expenses.
Insurance coverage reviews to ensure homeowner policies allow boarding or daycare.

Treat your pet services like a boutique hotel and taxes become predictable rather than chaotic.

How do I track mileage for gig work in 2025?

Use IRS-approved mileage logs or apps like Everlance to document date, distance, and purpose for every self-employed trip.

Can I deduct equipment or vehicle lease payments?

Yes, deduct the portion tied to independent contractor work; keep receipts and lease statements for 1099 tax audits.

When should I pay quarterly estimated taxes?

Send payments by April, June, September, and January to cover self-employed taxes and avoid IRS penalties.

What records should independent contractors keep?

Maintain income statements, mileage reports, receipts, and bank deposits to support deductions and 1099 filings.

How can I reduce surprise tax bills as a freelancer?

Estimate your independent contractor deductions monthly, set aside 25-30% of income, and automate transfers to a tax savings account.