Can Pet Sitters Deduct Supplies and Mileage?
Yes — pet supplies, mileage between client homes, and related business costs are deductible for independent pet sitters and dog walkers, as long as they're tied to client care rather than your own pets.
Items like leashes, waste bags, treats, and pet first-aid supplies bought specifically for use with clients' animals are ordinary business expenses. If you drive between client homes for visits or walks, that mileage is deductible using either the standard mileage rate or actual vehicle expenses, and for pet sitters who cover multiple homes in a day, this is often the single largest deduction available.
If you use a booking app or platform to manage client scheduling and payments, those platform fees are deductible too, along with any pet-sitting specific insurance or bonding you carry.
Other commonly deductible pet sitting expenses:
Leashes, waste bags, treats, and pet first-aid supplies used for clients
Mileage between client homes for visits and walks
Booking platform and payment processing fees
Pet sitter insurance and bonding
Marketing costs (business cards, social media, referral platforms)
A common mistake: pet sitters deduct supplies bought for their own pets alongside client supplies, when only the portion actually used for client animals is deductible.
BossTax's free app tracks mileage between client visits and categorizes pet supply purchases automatically, so your biggest deduction doesn't get lost in a shoebox of receipts.
Not sure you're capturing all your mileage between visits? Schedule a free 15-minute chat — no pressure, just answers. Click here.
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Related articles:
How Much Should Pet Sitters Set Aside for Taxes?
Do Pet Sitters Need to Pay Quarterly Taxes?
Standard Mileage vs. Actual Expenses: Which Saves Pet Sitters More?
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