Pet Accountant Podcast

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 questions, build trust, and attract new clients. They also touch on the power of SEO (search engine optimisation), and how the right words on your site can help you show up in local Google searches. Helen also talks through the website packages she offers for pet groomers, from simple starter options to more professional designs, depending on where you are in your business journey. This episode is packed with practical advice if you’ve been putting off updating your website or don’t know where to start. 💬 Key Takeaways 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a must-attend event covering the latest insights for pet professionals. Can’t be there 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 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 Alliance acts as a central hub for pet professionals to stay informed and connected. Key Takeaways: Animal Focused Alliance 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a must-attend business event covering the latest topics for pet professionals. Can’t attend 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 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 strong pricing strategies (like annual price reviews) can actually support growth and protect profitability. Key Takeaways: gross and net 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a business event packed with expert insights for pet professionals. 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 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 The Pet Accountant avoids QuickBooks, and why keeping a separate business bank account is essential for accurate bookkeeping. This episode is full of actionable tips to help you get compliant and stay financially organised. Key Takeaways: DextFree AgentXero 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant pet business event covering key industry topics. Can’t attend 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 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 exciting growth with new staff and apprentices on board. If managing your cash flow and understanding your business numbers has felt overwhelming, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant business event tailored to the pet industry. Can’t attend in person? Grab an online ticket and take part from anywhere! 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

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 the pet industry, this is a must-listen to help protect your staff and stay compliant with payroll legislation. Key Takeaways: 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a must-attend business event packed with expert talks and industry insights. 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 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 actions to stay tax-efficient and compliant. Key Takeaways: trivial benefits45p per milePension contributionsfamily members 🎟️ Don’t miss the Pet Pro Expo! Join us in Birmingham for a brilliant business event covering key topics in the pet industry. Can’t attend in person? Online tickets are available too! Grab your spot now and don’t miss out. 🌐 Visit petaccountant.co.uk To find out how Vicky, Lee, and the team can help your pet business grow.

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 proper education can have. It is imperative that dog owners and professionals alike take this matter seriously, contributing to the overall health and safety of dogs everywhere. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 dialogue aims to equip pet business owners with practical tools and knowledge to foster growth and sustainability in their ventures. Takeaways: If you'd like to find out more about Darren and Motion to Profit, visit his website here: https://motiontoprofit.com/ You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 navigate their business affairs confidently. Takeaways:

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 anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the grooming profession and to foster a sustainable business model. Takeaways: The Grooming Goddess Academy. You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 episode serves as a guide for aspiring pet business owners to navigate the complexities of their financial responsibilities effectively. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 these critical considerations, ensuring they are equipped to make informed decisions regarding their business entities. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 process, where we gather pertinent information to facilitate a seamless transition into our services, ultimately aiming to alleviate the burdens associated with financial management in the pet care industry. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 expertise to create passive income opportunities. Through this dialogue, we aim to inspire pet professionals to embrace innovative approaches to their businesses while fostering a supportive community for continuous growth and development. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 conclusion of this enlightening exchange, listeners are encouraged to reconsider their approach to pensions and to proactively engage with financial planning for a more secure tomorrow. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

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 enlightening conversation not only demystifies money coaching but also serves as a clarion call for individuals seeking to transform their financial narratives. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The salient point of this podcast episode centres on introducing the innovative K9 Adventurers app, which is specifically designed to assist dog walkers and boarders in managing their operations more efficiently. I am joined by Pete and Sarah, the creators of this groundbreaking application, whose extensive experience in the pet care industry has informed its development. As we delve into the myriad features of the app, we will explore how it streamlines booking processes, enhances communication with clients, and facilitates payment transactions, thereby alleviating the administrative burdens often faced by pet service providers. Furthermore, we will discuss the significant time savings and operational efficiencies that can be realised through its implementation. This conversation promises to illuminate the transformative potential of technology in the pet care sector, providing valuable insights for professionals seeking to enhance their business practices. Takeaways: You can find out more about the app here: https://www.k9-adventures.com/ To find out more about The Pet Accountant, visit our website: www.petaccountant.co.uk

Vicky Clark, a director at the Pet Accountant, elucidates the forthcoming Pet Pro Expo, scheduled for November 15, 2025, in Birmingham, a pivotal event tailored specifically for professionals within the UK's pet industry. This innovative conference aspires to amalgamate diverse sectors, such as grooming, veterinary services, and training, thereby addressing the pressing need for a comprehensive forum dedicated to the business aspects of pet care. Attendees will benefit from insights provided by ten esteemed guest speakers, each presenting on crucial topics including pricing strategies, financial management, and social media utilisation. The Pet Pro Expo not only aims to enhance attendees' professional acumen but also fosters invaluable networking opportunities among peers and industry leaders. Vicky encourages all pet business owners to invest in their professional development, asserting that participation in this event is a significant step towards achieving business success and personal growth. Takeaways: You can join our Facebook Group for the Expo here: https://facebook.com/events/s/the-pet-pro-expo-2025-hosted-b/1867478147351627/

The salient focus of our discourse centers on the intricate dynamics of marketing within the pet industry, as articulated by the esteemed Charlotte Perrot, founder of K9 Marketing Support. Our conversation delves into the paramount importance of social media engagement for pet business proprietors, elucidating the necessity of crafting compelling narratives rather than mere transactional posts. Charlotte emphasizes the significance of understanding one's audience and employing relatable language to foster deeper connections and trust. We explore effective strategies to enhance visibility and engagement through consistent and purposeful content creation. This episode serves as an invaluable resource for those seeking to elevate their marketing endeavors in the pet sector, providing actionable insights for immediate implementation. Takeaways: To find out more about The Pet Accountant visit our website: www.petaccountant.co.uk