Pet Accountant Podcast

Do you really understand your numbers, or are you guessing?

In this episode, Vicky dives into one of the most important (and often avoided) areas of running a pet business: your financials.

Many pet professionals feel like their business isn’t doing well, but the reality is often very different. Without properly reviewing your numbers, it’s impossible to know whether you’re actually struggling, or just lacking clarity.

Vicky explains why guessing your pricing or relying on advice from others can lead to poor decisions, and how understanding your own financial position gives...

Are you stuck earning only when you’re working?

In this episode, Vicky breaks down the “time for money trap”, a common challenge for dog walkers and pet service providers, where income is directly tied to hours worked.

At first, it can feel like a great way to earn. But over time, it creates a ceiling. You can only work so many hours in a day, which means your income is capped — no matter how in demand you are.

Vicky explains why this model can turn a passion into a job, and more importan...

Do you feel guilty about charging more for your services?

You’re not alone — but that mindset could be holding your pet business back.

In this episode, Vicky tackles the emotional side of pricing and why so many pet professionals struggle to confidently raise their prices. After seeing ongoing debates in pet industry groups, it’s clear that fear of losing clients is one of the biggest barriers to growth.

But here’s the truth: the right clients will pay for quality.

Vicky explains why pricing shouldn’t be based purely on what yo...

Are you charging what you’re truly worth, or just what everyone else is charging?

In this episode, Vicky challenges one of the biggest myths in the pet industry: that your location determines what you can charge.

With the UK pet industry worth around £12 billion, there is clearly money being spent. The real question is, are you positioning your business to earn your fair share of it?

Too many pet professionals fall into the trap of copying competitors’ prices or assuming their clients “won’t pay more”. But this mindset can quietly limit your income...

When was the last time you invested in yourself — not your tools, not your supplies, but your skills?

In this episode, Vicky tackles a topic many pet professionals struggle with: investing in personal development without guilt or overwhelm.

It’s easy to spend money on equipment, subscriptions or small day-to-day expenses. But when it comes to investing in training, support or education, many business owners hesitate.

Vicky explains why this mindset could be holding your business back.

In this episode, she covers:

“Making Tax Digital”… or as Vicky at the Pet Accountant calls it, “Making Tax Difficult”.

In this episode, Vicky breaks down what Making Tax Digital (MTD) really means for pet business owners, and why now is the time to start paying attention.

Big changes are coming to how you report your income to HMRC. Moving away from the traditional once-a-year tax return, MTD will require businesses to keep digital records and submit updates every quarter.

For many pet professionals, this shift could feel overwhelming — especially if you’re not currently using accounting software or keeping you...

Relying on just one way to get clients? That’s a risky strategy.

In this episode, Vicky is joined by marketing expert Elizabeth Hack to talk about smarter, more sustainable ways to attract clients to your pet business.

Too many pet professionals depend on a single platform, whether that’s social media, word of mouth or online directories. But when that one source slows down, so does your business.

Elizabeth shares why a multichannel approach is key to consistent growth and how becoming known in your local area can make all the difference.

Do you feel like you have to offer discounts just to attract new clients?

In this episode, Vicky shares practical strategies for growing your pet business without lowering your prices or chasing clients. Inspired by conversations and observations at Crufts, she explains why visibility, clarity and trust are far more powerful than discounts.

Many pet professionals believe the only way to win new customers is to compete on price. But in reality, the businesses that grow sustainably are the ones that clearly communicate their value and build strong relationships within their local pet community.

Are you running your pet business with a clear plan, or just hoping it all works out?

In this episode, Vicky explains why setting clear, measurable business goals is essential if you want to improve profitability and feel more in control.

Too many pet business owners focus purely on being busy. But being busy doesn’t always mean being profitable. Without defined targets, it’s easy to drift — working long hours without real financial progress.

Vicky discusses:

No-shows and last-minute cancellations are more than just frustrating; they’re expensive.

In this episode, Vicky breaks down why deposits are one of the most powerful tools pet business owners can use to protect their income and stabilise their cash flow.

It’s easy to dismiss the odd cancellation as “just one appointment”. But when you add them up over weeks and months, those small gaps can quietly cost your business thousands of pounds.

Vicky explains:

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky explores an uncomfortable but important truth — not every client is profitable.

She explains how some clients can quietly drain your time, energy, and finances, even if your diary looks full. From constant late payments to unrealistic expectations, Vicky highlights the warning signs that a client may be costing you more than they’re contributing.

This episode encourages pet professionals to adopt a more business-focused mindset when it comes to client selection. By creating clear financial policies, setting firm boundaries, and defining your ideal client profile, you can...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky tackles a topic many pet business owners avoid — paying themselves properly.

She explains why so many people in the pet industry leave their own pay until last, often treating it as an afterthought once everything else has been paid. Over time, this can lead to financial stress, frustration, and a growing resentment towards the business you’ve worked so hard to build.

Vicky shares why paying yourself should be treated like any other essential business expense, not something that’s only done if there’s money left at...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky explores the crucial link between time management and profitability in pet-based businesses.

She breaks down a common frustration many pet professionals face — being fully booked, working long hours, yet still feeling like the money doesn’t reflect the effort. Vicky explains why being busy is not the same as being profitable, and why every appointment in your diary should be treated as valuable inventory.

The episode covers practical strategies for improving diary management, setting clear boundaries, and pricing your services properly so your time actually works for...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky talks about one of the most overlooked but important parts of running a successful pet business — setting and enforcing boundaries.

She explains how a lack of boundaries can quickly lead to financial loss, stress, and emotional burnout, especially in an industry where relationships with clients often feel personal. Vicky makes it clear that boundaries aren’t about being difficult or unfriendly — they’re about protecting your business, your time, and your wellbeing.

The episode explores why clear terms and conditions, consistent enforcement, and confident communication are essentia...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky tackles one of the biggest challenges pet business owners face — pricing.

She explains why so many pet professionals struggle with knowing how much to charge, when to increase prices, and how to handle the emotional side of those decisions. In an industry built on relationships with both pets and their owners, pricing can feel personal — but Vicky explains why avoiding it can lead to burnout and an unsustainable business.

Rather than copying competitors, Vicky walks through the importance of understanding your true costs, including overheads, time, and...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky is joined by Romany, the Finance Woman, to talk about a topic many small business owners overlook until it’s too late — income protection.

Together, they explore why protecting your income is so important if you’re self-employed, especially in the pet industry, where your ability to work often directly affects your earnings. Romy explains what income protection is, how it works, and why so many people don’t realise it’s available to them until they’re already facing financial difficulty.

The conversation also covers common misun...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky is joined by Charlotte Perrott from Canine Marketing Support to talk about the importance of personal branding and smart marketing for pet professionals.

They discuss why people don’t just buy services — they buy people. Charlotte explains how showing up authentically on social media helps build trust, strengthen relationships with clients, and create long-term business growth. From engaging properly with your audience to adapting your marketing as platforms evolve, this episode is packed with practical advice for pet business owners who want to stand out.

The conv...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee break down the often confusing topic of Christmas expenses and what pet business owners can (and can’t) legitimately claim during the festive season.

They discuss common scenarios, such as buying gifts for clients, decorating business spaces, and treating staff at Christmas, which helps clear up some of the biggest misconceptions that can lead to problems with HMRC. Vicky and Lee explain why branding matters on client gifts, why food and alcohol usually can’t be claimed, and how the rules differ when it comes to empl...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee unpack the 2026 budget announcement and explain how the changes will affect everyday people, small business owners, and pet professionals across the UK.

They share their frustrations with the government’s approach — particularly the decision to freeze tax thresholds while increasing the minimum wage. Although the wage rise sounds positive, Vicky and Lee explain how frozen thresholds actually push people into paying more tax, wiping out a large part of any pay increase.

They also explore how the budget impacts middle-income earners, who seem to be c...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Teigan look back on the incredible success of the first-ever Pet Pro Expo, a pioneering event created to bring together pet professionals from across the UK to learn, connect, and grow.

They share the behind-the-scenes journey of organising the event, from their nerves about attendance (especially with Storm Claudia rolling in!) to their delight at seeing around 170 people attend in person and 50 more join online. The turnout proved just how much the pet industry values community and professional development.

Vicky and Teigan also celebrate the...

In this special episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky Clark shares exciting details about the upcoming Pet Pro Expo, a first-of-its-kind event for pet professionals across the UK.

Taking place this weekend, the expo brings together industry experts covering everything from mindset and goal setting to pricing, financial management, and long-term business security. It’s the ultimate event for anyone serious about growing their pet business, and this year, online tickets are still available, so you can join from wherever you are!

After discussing the expo, Vicky shifts gears to share valuable financial advice fo...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky shares her expert advice on how to make your tax return process smoother, simpler, and far less stressful, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

Vicky explains why getting your tax return done early (ideally in April) is one of the smartest things you can do. Not only does it help you avoid the last-minute panic in January, but it also gives you plenty of time to plan and save for your tax bill.

She also breaks down key areas that often trip people up, from un...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky & Tegyn explore tips for new businesses.

🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo!

Join us in Birmingham for an inspiring business event covering the latest topics in the pet industry. Can’t make it in person? Online tickets are available too!

🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk

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

In this episode, Vicky chats with Helen, a former teacher turned pet groomer, who now runs her own business, Love to Paws. Together, they explore why having a proper website isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore – it’s a must-have for today’s pet groomers.

Helen shares her journey, from starting with a basic website that didn’t really showcase her business, to realising that her site needed to reflect her personality, services, and what set her apart from other groomers.

Vicky and Helen explain how your website acts like your shop window online – working 24/7 to answer qu...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky Clark is joined by Vicky Skinner, founder of the Animal Focused Alliance, to discuss how the Alliance is helping pet professionals raise standards in animal welfare and stay compliant with ever-changing regulations.

They explore the challenges faced by sole traders in the pet industry, especially when it comes to understanding licensing, legal requirements, and best practices, and how the Alliance provides vital resources and a supportive community.

Vicky Skinner also shares why inspector training is so important for maintaining consistent animal welfare standards and how the...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee tackle one of the most confusing but important topics for pet business owners: VAT and pricing.

They explain the recent increase in the VAT registration threshold to £90,000, what that means for your business, and why keeping an eye on your VATable turnover is essential to avoid mistakes. They also share real-life examples of where business owners have misinterpreted VAT rules, and the costly problems that followed.

But VAT doesn’t have to be scary. Vicky and Lee show how the right VAT scheme and str...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky is joined by Teigan to break down everything pet business owners need to know about Making Tax Digital, and why switching to the right accounting software isn’t just helpful, it’s going to be the law for many businesses by April 2026.

They compare popular software options, including Dext, FreeAgent, and Xero, explaining which one works best for different business needs. From simple compliance tools to feature-rich reporting systems, they share practical advice to help you choose the right fit for your business.

Vicky also explains why T...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee discuss how their all-in-one accounting package helps pet business owners stay on top of their finances without the usual stress.

They explain how client feedback led to the creation of this streamlined service, combining everything into one easy-to-manage package. With Making Tax Digital just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to simplify your systems and get financially organised.

They also introduce performance packs, a new way to visualise how your business is doing financially, and share news about the team’s ex...

In this episode of The Pet Accountant Podcast, Vicky and Lee are joined by Jodie, Payroll Manager at The Pet Accountant, to dive into the often-overlooked world of payroll—and why getting it right is crucial for your business.

From choosing the right software (spoiler: Brightpay beats HMRC’s tools) to avoiding costly mistakes, they explain the importance of using a professional service to manage payroll. Whether it’s handling sick pay or maternity leave, Jodie breaks down how even small payroll errors can create big problems for both employers and employees.

If you're running a team...

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 act...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

This episode features a profound discussion on the intricacies of establishing and operating a successful pet-related business, with a particular focus on the significance of ethical practices within the industry. Karly Edwards, a distinguished pet business strategist and coach, elucidates the paramount importance of aligning one's business model with personal values and individual energy levels, particularly for introverted professionals. She emphasises the necessity of implementing effective systems and strategies to enhance profitability while maintaining a sustainable work-life balance. The conversation also delves into the potential of digital products as a viable revenue stream, advocating for the utilisation of one's...

Vicky Clark engages in a profound discourse with Romany, the finance expert, to elucidate the intricacies of pensions, a subject often relegated to the periphery of financial planning. This dialogue seeks to demystify pensions, underscoring their paramount importance in securing one's financial future. Romany articulates that many individuals, regardless of age or stage in their careers, neglect the significance of establishing a pension, often due to misconceptions about accessibility and necessity. The conversation further explores the various facets of pension planning, including the flexibility of contributions and the critical role of professional guidance in navigating this complex landscape. By...

The discussion features Vicky, the pet accountant, and Fanny Snaith, a certified money coach, who delve into the intricacies of money management and the profound impact of one's mindset on financial wellbeing. Fanny elucidates her role as a money mindset specialist, advocating for a shift in perspective towards money as an ally rather than a source of anxiety. She emphasises the importance of recognizing and overcoming the mental barriers that hinder effective financial management. Through practical strategies and a supportive approach, Fanny aims to empower individuals to embrace their financial journeys and cultivate a healthier relationship with money. This...