Dog Groomer

Keep your finances as well-groomed as your four-legged clients in Ireland.

Allowable Expenses

• Salon or Mobile Unit Costs — Salon rental fees or mobile grooming van running costs.
• Grooming Supplies — Professional shampoos, conditioners, brushes, combs, nail clippers, and cleaning products.
• Equipment — Grooming table, dryer, clippers, and blades.
• Insurance — Pet groomer public liability and salon insurance — required for client-facing work.
• Training & Qualifications — City & Guilds or iPET Network qualifications, breed-specific styling courses, and pet first aid.
• Water & Utilities (Salon) — Hot water usage for bathing and salon utility costs for dedicated grooming space.

Tax Tips

• Mobile dog groomers can claim all van running costs — keep a mileage log of all client visits.
• Revenue's approved mileage rate applies to business travel to client locations for mobile groomers.
• Grooming services to consumers in Ireland may attract VAT at 23% — register once you reach €37,500.
• City & Guilds or iPET qualifications are deductible professional development costs — keep certificates as evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I claim grooming van running costs in Ireland?

Yes. A van used exclusively for mobile dog grooming can have 100% of running costs claimed (fuel, insurance, servicing, NCT). If used privately as well, claim only the business proportion.

Are grooming qualifications deductible in Ireland?

Yes. City & Guilds, iPET Network, or breed-specific grooming qualifications are professional development costs fully deductible on your Form 11.

Are tips from clients taxable in Ireland?

Yes. Tips are taxable income in Ireland. Keep records of regular or significant tips and include them in your self-employment income on your Form 11.

Can I claim grooming van finance or hire purchase payments as a deduction?

No. Finance or hire purchase capital repayments are not deductible. Instead, claim Irish capital allowances on the van at 12.5% per year over 8 years, plus the interest element of any loan — interest is deductible as a finance cost, but the capital repayment portion is not.