Dog walker invoice template

How do dog walkers usually invoice?

Dog walkers invoice per walk, listing each date and the dog's name, either weekly or monthly in arrears with payment by bank transfer within 7 days or by standing order for regular slots. Group walks are cheaper than solo walks, and puppy visits, home visits and holiday boarding are separate services with their own prices. Many walkers require the full month to be paid for regular slots whether or not the owner cancels a few days.

Dog walkers in this example give the customer 7 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £12 to £20.

What should a dog walker put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, dog walkers should:

• List each walk date and the dog's name; owners want to see what they paid for.
• Price group and solo walks separately and state the walk length.
• Set a cancellation rule (for example 24 hours) and charge regular slots that are cancelled late.
• Invoice monthly in arrears for regulars and in advance for holiday boarding.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do dog walkers charge VAT?

You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for dog walkers is usually “Boarding or care of animals” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.