In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee break down some crucial tax tips every pet business owner should know.

They explain the upcoming Making Tax Digital changes and why it’s essential for anyone earning over £50,000 to get prepared before it becomes mandatory in April. From tax-saving strategies to common deductions for both sole traders and limited companies, this episode is packed with advice to help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

They also cover how social media can impact your professional image, for better or worse, and share simple actions to stay tax-efficient and compliant.

Key Takeaways:

• If your turnover is over £50,000, you need to prepare for Making Tax Digital before next April.
• Use trivial benefits to reward employees and reduce your tax bill.
• Don’t miss out on claiming 45p per mile for business mileage (up to 10,000 miles).
• Pension contributions can lower your tax liability by extending lower-rate tax bands.
• Employing family members can create tax-deductible expenses (within legal limits).
• Keep clear records of all business expenses to maximise deductions.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant business event covering key topics in the pet industry. Can’t attend in person? Online tickets are available too! Grab your spot now and don’t miss out.

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

This podcast episode underscores the critical significance of Dog First Aid in ensuring the safety and well-being of our canine companions. Vicky engages with her esteemed guest, Rachel Bean, who elucidates the necessity for pet professionals and dog owners alike to be equipped with proper first aid knowledge and skills. The conversation navigates through the various aspects of canine first aid, including the importance of selecting qualified training providers and the potential consequences of inadequate knowledge in emergency situations. Rachel's extensive experience in veterinary nursing and canine first aid training serves as a testament to the life-saving impact that proper education can have. It is imperative that dog owners and professionals alike take this matter seriously, contributing to the overall health and safety of dogs everywhere.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the significance of Dog First Aid can save a dog's life during emergencies.
• In-depth knowledge and practical experience are essential for effective Dog First Aid training.
• Choosing the right Dog First Aid course requires careful consideration of the instructor's experience.
• Regular refresher training in Dog First Aid is vital to stay updated with the latest practices.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The conversation between Vicky Clark, the Pet Accountant, and Darren Ockenden from Motion to Profit centres around the essential strategies for expanding one's pet business. At the forefront of this discussion is the significance of effective content marketing and lead generation in attracting new clients. Darren elucidates how businesses can utilise video and social media to enhance their visibility and engagement, advocating for a more dynamic and personalised approach to marketing. Furthermore, the episode explores the intricate relationship between advertising spend and customer acquisition costs, emphasising the importance of understanding one's market and optimising marketing efforts accordingly. This insightful dialogue aims to equip pet business owners with practical tools and knowledge to foster growth and sustainability in their ventures.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Darren Ockenden emphasises the importance of creating engaging content to attract potential customers in the pet industry sector.
• Vicky Clark emphasises the importance of understanding marketing strategies and how they can enhance business growth for pet professionals.
• Darren discusses the necessity of utilizing social media effectively to increase visibility and customer interaction for pet-related services.
• Both speakers advocate for the integration of video content on websites, which can significantly improve customer engagement and retention rates.

If you'd like to find out more about Darren and Motion to Profit, visit his website here: https://motiontoprofit.com/

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The Pet Accountant Podcast provides essential insights into the foundational aspects of managing a pet business. We focus on clarifying fundamental concepts such as the process of registering with HMRC, understanding tax thresholds, and the implications of operating as a limited company versus a sole trader. Both Vicky and Lee address common misconceptions prevalent on social media, aiming to dispel myths that can lead to financial mismanagement. Listeners are encouraged to grasp these business basics to ensure compliance and optimise their financial practices. By revisiting these core principles, we seek to empower pet professionals with the knowledge necessary to navigate their business affairs confidently.

Takeaways:

• In today's episode, we revisited fundamental concepts surrounding business registration and tax obligations for pet professionals.
• We clarified the misconception that only limited companies can employ staff; sole traders can also hire employees.
• Listeners learned about the importance of accurately recording income and expenses for tax purposes, especially in relation to HMRC regulations.
• Understanding the implications of being a sole trader versus a limited company was a key topic, emphasizing the need for informed choices.
• We discussed how to register with HMRC and the different methods available for new business owners to comply with tax requirements.
• The significance of regular record-keeping and understanding tax return deadlines was highlighted as essential for successful business operations.

Today, I had the distinct pleasure of engaging in an enlightening conversation with Karen Fisher from The Grooming Goddess Academy. The discussion revolved around the establishment and significance of her membership programme, which is specifically tailored for female dog groomers. Karen elaborated on her extensive experience in the dog grooming industry, highlighting her journey from a novice to a seasoned professional who has successfully balanced her business with personal commitments. Throughout our dialogue, we explored the critical importance of goal setting and the necessity for ongoing support within the grooming community. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the grooming profession and to foster a sustainable business model.

Takeaways:

• In this episode, Karen Fisher discusses her journey as a dog groomer and the establishment of the The Grooming Goddess Academy.
• The Academy provides vital business support for female dog groomers, focusing on pricing, marketing, and customer relations.
• Karen emphasises the importance of continuous professional development and setting achievable business goals for success.
• Vicky shares insights on the necessity of understanding one's financial needs and overheads to set appropriate service prices.
• Both hosts agree on the significance of ongoing marketing efforts to maintain customer loyalty and awareness.
• The episode highlights the value of investing in professional support, such as mentorship and accounting services, for pet business owners.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

Vicky engages in a compelling conversation with Tegan, the Accounts Manager at Pet Accountants, who shares her journey from being a dog groomer to her current role. Tegan provides invaluable insights into her experiences in the grooming industry, highlighting the challenges she faced, particularly regarding pricing strategies and the importance of understanding financial management. She reflects on her initial misconceptions about charging for her services and the lessons learned about valuing her work appropriately. This discussion is particularly relevant for those in the pet care industry, offering practical advice applicable to groomers, walkers, boarders, and trainers alike. Overall, the episode serves as a guide for aspiring pet business owners to navigate the complexities of their financial responsibilities effectively.

Takeaways:

• Teigan, the Sales Manager, transitioned from being a dog groomer to an accountant due to her passion for helping pet businesses succeed.
• In her early days as a groomer, Teigan faced challenges with pricing her services appropriately, a common issue for many new business owners.
• The importance of maintaining accurate financial records and understanding cash flow cannot be overstated for those in the pet grooming industry.
• Teigan emphasises the importance of using social media effectively to attract clients and establish a strong reputation in the pet grooming industry.
• Outsourcing tasks such as bookkeeping can alleviate stress and allow business owners to focus on what they love most about their work.
• Networking and seeking guidance from experienced professionals can greatly enhance one's business journey in the pet industry.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The core discussion of this podcast episode centres on the distinctions between operating as a sole trader and establishing a limited company. Vicky and Lee elucidate the various advantages and disadvantages inherent to each business structure, particularly highlighting the tax implications and operational complexities associated with a limited company. They assert that for individuals embarking on their entrepreneurial journey independently, commencing as a sole trader may prove to be more financially prudent and manageable. However, they caution that the choice of business structure ultimately hinges upon individual circumstances and specific business goals. The episode aims to guide listeners through these critical considerations, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions regarding their business entities.

Takeaways:

• In the realm of entrepreneurship, one must carefully weigh the advantages of operating as a sole trader against the regulatory complexities inherent to a limited company.
• Choosing between a sole trader and a limited company is contingent upon specific business circumstances and financial goals.
• It is imperative for new business owners to consult with professionals before deciding on their business structure to avoid costly mistakes.
• Understanding the tax implications and legal responsibilities associated with each business structure is vital for long-term success.
• Many individuals mistakenly believe that transitioning to a limited company can circumvent VAT registration requirements, which is not accurate.
• The initial financial outlay and administrative duties associated with a limited company are significantly greater than those of a sole trader.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

Joining the Pet Accountant initiates a comprehensive and supportive financial journey tailored specifically for pet professionals. Our dedicated team, comprising Tegan, the Client Manager, and Emily, the Administrator, elucidates the meticulous onboarding process, ensuring that new clients feel both welcomed and informed. It is imperative to engage in due diligence prior to making contact, as we emphasise the importance of understanding who you are entrusting with your financial matters. Throughout the initial conversation, we strive to create a relaxed atmosphere, where potential clients can discuss their individual circumstances without apprehension or judgement. The subsequent steps involve a thorough onboarding process, where we gather pertinent information to facilitate a seamless transition into our services, ultimately aiming to alleviate the burdens associated with financial management in the pet care industry.

Takeaways:

• Joining the Pet Accountant entails an initial consultation to discuss your specific accounting needs and preferences.
• The onboarding process includes verifying your identity and gathering necessary documents for compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Our team prioritises a friendly and approachable atmosphere, ensuring that you are not intimidated during your first interaction with us.
• We provide tailored services based on your business type, whether you are a sole trader or require comprehensive bookkeeping support.
• The importance of due diligence is emphasised, as potential clients are advised to research accountants prior to making contact.
• We maintain an ongoing relationship with our clients, offering regular check-ins to ensure their accounting needs are continually met.

You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/