If the training improves upon an existing skill you have which is related to your business then yes, you can claim training as an expense. If you are learning something new, or not directly related to your business then no, you cannot claim the expense.
For the avoidance of doubt let’s go straight to what the HMRC say about claiming the cost of training courses as an allowable expense.
https://www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youre-self-employed/training-courses
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So what does this mean for the professional dog walker?
If you take a course which improves your skills within your current job then you can claim it (and associated travel costs if it’s an in-person training course) as an expense.
If you take a course expanding your skills into other areas, such as dog training, then you cannot claim these courses as an expense.
Confusing? Let’s look at an example.
Alice offers dog walking and pet sitting through her business. She sees a course advertised called ‘How to be a dog trainer’.
If Alice booked onto the course she would not be able to claim this as an expense because despite it being related to her current business, it’s designed to teach her how to be a dog trainer which, in the eyes of the HMRC would be expanding into a new area of the business.
Alice sees another course called ‘Basic dog training for professional dog walkers’. Alice would be allowed to claim the cost of this course as it is clearly designed for people with her job and would improve her current skills.
Brian offers dog walking and pet sitting, but also advertises as offering basic dog training during one-to-one sessions with clients. He’s taken a basic online course in dog training previously.
He sees a course advertised by the same company that he took his basic course with. This one is called ‘Advanced dog training skills’.
Brian can claim the cost of this course as an expense because he’s already advertising and working as a dog trainer, and is building on skills he uses within this part of his business.
Catherine is a dog walker and pet sitter.
She has seen an advert locally for a dog grooming course.
Unfortunately, Catherine would not be allowed to claim the cost of the course as an expense because in the eyes of the HMRC this would be the same as starting a new business.
From these examples, we can see that whether you can claim the costs of a training course as an expense or not depends on two things
- Am I advertising and taking bookings for that job already?
So if you’re a dog walker who wants to be a trainer, you won’t be able to claim any expenses relating to training courses until you’re advertising and working as a dog trainer.
- Does the course improve my current skills for that job?
So if you’re a dog groomer, you won’t be able to claim for any beginners or basic grooming courses because they don’t improve your skills.
What can I claim for?
Refresher courses are an allowable expense so keeping your canine first aid certificate up to date by taking a course every three years is allowed.
Don’t forget to claim the mileage to and from the venue if it’s an in-person course.
Any courses which are specifically designed for someone in your job would be allowed. If the title of the course includes the phrase ‘for professional dog walkers’ then it’s clearly meant for you.
Remember though, that you need to be already doing the job in order to claim those courses as an expense. Any courses you take prior to starting your self-employment will not count as an allowable expense because you’re taking them to help start your new business and not to improve your current skills.
What about business management, accounting or marketing courses?
All of these would enable you to run your current business better, so they’re building upon existing skills you have, therefore they can be claimed as an expense.
Business management and accounting courses can be useful for a professional dog walker. These courses can help you manage your finances, keep track of expenses, and develop a business plan. As a business owner, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of accounting principles and financial management.
Similarly, marketing courses can also be beneficial for a professional dog walker. By understanding marketing strategies, you can promote your services and attract more clients. You can learn about digital marketing, social media marketing, and how to create effective marketing campaigns.
So, while business management, accounting, and marketing courses may not be directly related to dog walking, they can still be beneficial for your overall success as a business owner. Understanding these aspects of business can help you grow your business and provide better service to your clients.
What about courses to learn to make collars, or dog treats?
Although vaguely related to dog walking, they would be classed as learning a new skill in order to start a new business because selling collars or dog treats can be done without being a dog walker. So no, you would not be able to claim these courses as expense.
Click to read our full guide on How to Start a Successful Dog Walking Business in 2023
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