‍Self-employed start-up SOS

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Are you flying solo or considering going it alone? Have you just jumped ship from a steady 9-5, 5 days a week to an unpredictable 5-9, 7 days a week? Sounds a little daunting, doesn’t it?

But it doesn’t have to be.

There are currently around 4.24 million self-employed people in the UK [1], so you are certainly not alone in your desire to set up under your own steam.

Being a self-employed newbie may feel overwhelming at times. But it can also be an extremely rewarding and exciting time for a life-enriching fresh start. You can create a profitable career niche that fits around your passions, pastimes, pets and life commitments.

However, even when you have established that there is a local need for your services and you are happy with your business plan, there is still a fine line between business success and failure.

There’s much more to running a pet business than stocking up on pet friendly cleaning products, food, spare collars, leads, toys, bedding, grooming equipment and animal first aid kits.

Give yourself the best fighting chance of success (and less sleepless nights) by arming yourself with as much information and advice as possible.

If you are considering turning your pipe dream of owning a pooch parlour or setting up Weimaraner Walkies, pony parties or cat coaching, let’s share some (pet) food for thought. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of becoming your own animal business boss.

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Minimise your business risks and maximise the rewards

Getting started – dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s.

Register with HMRC no later than the 5th of October after the end of the tax year in which you became self-employed – or ideally as soon as you launch your business.

You should register online as a self-employed sole trader (where you work for yourself with no members of staff but carrying all the liability and workload). The other option is a limited company (where you can employ staff but any legal liability rests with the company rather than you as the director).

Once registered, you will be responsible for providing an annual self-assessment tax return so keep accurate records about all your bookings, income and outgoings and receipts for all business expenses.

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The right side of the law

If you have decided to set up any form of animal business, you are undoubtedly an animal lover like us! But, as well as a moral duty to look after the animals in your care, you also have a legal duty under the Welfare of Animals Act 2006. This identifies five animal needs which your business must be able to provide:

1.           a suitable environment

2.           a suitable diet

3.           to exhibit normal behaviour patterns

4.           to be housed with, or apart, from other animals

5.           to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease

Legislation evolves over time, so it’s important to stay in-the-know about changes in animal welfare standards that may impact your business. Check the Advice section of our website, or industry organisations such as the Pet Industry Federation for the latest advice, news and views.

Depending on the pet service you offer, you may also require a licence from your Local Authority. While dog walkers or groomers do not need a licence to operate, home boarders, dog day care, breeders, commercial kennels and catteries do. It pays to check if you are unsure.

You can apply for a licence online and then you will get a visit from your local licensing officer who will check your premises (or home, equipment and transport). This is to ensure you have the correct facilities, policies and procedures in place. They will then identify the number of animals you are permitted to care for in your new venture.

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Insurance matters

Running a new start-up from your home can be a minefield figuring out what’s covered by your home insurance and what isn’t.

What type of business and liability insurance do you need? What about legal expenses? If you use a laptop for personal and business use, which policy covers the repair or replacement if it gets damaged? Home or business? If a dog in your care damages lounge furniture, will your home insurance pay out? Do you need public liability insurance if you don’t take the pets in your care out and about to parks and public places?

The grey areas and questions can be endless.

That’s why it pays to speak to our knowledgeable Cliverton team who know animal businesses inside-out and upside-down – and love animals as much as you! Our team can ensure you get the cover you need and don’t pay for cover you don’t.

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Specialist self-employed protection

When you work for yourself, any unexpected injury or illness can be disastrous for your business and income continuity.  That’s why we have developed a new policy especially for self-employed animal trades.

With a Cliverton Protect policy in place you will have extra peace of mind in the event of a personal accident, injury or illness lasting more than seven days. We can source varying levels of cover to suit the needs of every unique business.

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Training isn’t just for cats and dogs

Although many pet businesses do not require you to undertake any formal training, recognised qualifications can be a major benefit to enhance your business reputation and help reduce exposure to unforeseen risks.

Having specialist knowledge when you are dealing people’s precious pets is a business bonus to help you stand out from your competitors. The National Pet College offers a range of qualifications and courses for pet professionals that could help you get those pawsome five-star reviews to help your business thrive.

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Who says you can’t mix business with pleasure?  

Not us. We do it day in, day out. We love helping animal business with our knowledge and specialist products – all under the watchful eye of our in-house team of furry top dogs!

We help hundreds of self-employed animal lovers protect their business. If you love animals and want to make your passion for pets away of life, we are here to help.

[1] https://www.statista.com/statistics/318234/united-kingdom-self-employed/#:~:text=As%20of%20July%202024%2C%20there,at%20the%20start%20of%202020.

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