Bookkeeping for dog walkers and pet sitters

Record what the client paid as income, record Rover's fee as an expense, and match the net deposit to your bank. The deposit is smaller than the bookings because the fee comes out first. Recording both sides is what makes your income match what Rover reports.

For the 2026 tax year the IRS standard rate is 72.5 cents per business mile from January 1 to June 30, 2026, and 76 cents per mile from July 1 to December 31, 2026. Trips before and after July use different rates, so a log with dates matters. Which trips count is a question for your tax preparer, and I keep the log that answers it.

2026 tax year · Source: IRS, Standard mileage rates

For 2026 a payment app sends a 1099-K once you pass more than $20,000 and more than 200 transactions in the year. Income below that line is still taxable, so I record every payout whether a form arrives or not.

2026 tax year · Source: IRS, Understanding your Form 1099-K

Often, yes. A custom Google Sheet can track client payments, Rover payouts and mileage in one place for a solo sitter. When you add walkers or more apps, QuickBooks Online is the next step, and the sheet makes that move easy.