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No Tax on Tips for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (2026)

Tax year 2026 · Last updated · Maintained by the WattFlow team

Yes. Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers are on the IRS tipped jobs list (code 506), so you can deduct up to $25,000 of tips from federal income tax for 2026. App and cash tips from pet owners can qualify, up to your profit.

Tips calculator for pet sitters and dog walkers

Private: runs in your browser
Form 1040, line 11. Include your overtime and tips.
Must be on the IRS tipped jobs list.
Gig work or 1099 tips? DoorDash, Uber, self-employed
Schedule C net profit. You can’t deduct more than this.
More options Tax year, itemizing, special cases
Leave blank if you take the standard deduction.
Optional. 000 means the job doesn’t qualify.
Only if you report extra tips yourself.

Estimate of federal income tax only. Not tax advice.

Example: pet sitter

What pet sitters should know

Your IRS code

506 Pet and show animal caretakers. Not your exact job? See the full list of 71 tipped jobs.

Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers: FAQ

Do dog walkers qualify?

Yes. Pet caretakers are code 506 on the IRS list.

Do Rover or Wag tips count?

Yes, if owners chose to give them. They’re capped at your profit.

Do I still pay self-employment tax?

Yes. The deduction lowers federal income tax only.

How much can pet sitters deduct?

Up to $25,000 of qualified tips per tax return, for 2025 through 2028. It shrinks by $100 for each full $1,000 of income over $150,000 ($300,000 joint).

Do I still pay Social Security and Medicare on tips?

Yes. The deduction only lowers federal income tax. Payroll or self-employment tax and state tax don’t change.