How Tax Deductions Work for Animal Care Professionals
Animal attendants, dog trainers, walkers and groomers may personally pay for grooming equipment, protective clothing, cleaning products, work-related travel, professional training and administrative costs.
To claim an expense, you generally need to have paid for it yourself without reimbursement, it must directly relate to earning your income, and you must keep appropriate records.
This 2026 guide explains the main tax deductions animal care professionals may be able to claim in Australia, whether they work as employees, contractors or pet-care business owners.
Your deductions are below.
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Animal Care Professionals: Employment Overview
- Average weekly pay: $1,100.55
- Employment size: 23,310
- Future growth: Strong
- Skill level: Certificate II or III
Typical tax deductions include:
- Motor vehicle travel to and from work if having either shifting workplaces (working at more than one site each day before returning home), or transporting bulky equipment.
- Motor vehicle travel between job sites, to pick up materials, or attend training courses.
- Phone and internet – work %.
- Dogs, when used for work purposes. The purchase cost of the dog and training fees are not deductible as they are capital costs. In contrast, vet bills and pet food bills may qualify as a tax deduction.
- Overnight travel expenses visiting clients or attending different workplaces – includes meals and accommodation.
- Protective clothing and equipment including safety-coloured vests, steel-capped boots, gloves, and overalls.
- Compulsory work uniforms branded with the employers logo.
- Sun protection costs including sunglasses and sunscreens.
- Union fees, licences, registrations and subscriptions.
- Courses, seminars and self-education expenses.
Computers, tools and equipment.
- Home office running expenses.
How Accountants Direct Helps Animal Care Professionals at Tax Time :
- Self-education expenses
- Sunglasses, sunscreens and cosmetics
- Computers, tools, equipment and other assets
- Protective clothing
- Compulsory work uniform
- Tax deductible dogs
- Phone and internet
- Motor vehicle expenses: cents per km method
- Home office running expenses
- Overnight travel expenses
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Animal Attendants and Trainers.
Animal Attendant, Dog Trainer and Groomer Tax Deduction FAQs
Q1: What can dog groomers claim on tax in 2026?
Dog groomers may be able to claim eligible grooming equipment, treatment products, protective clothing, business travel, insurance, training and the work-related portion of phone and home-office expenses.
Q2: What can animal attendants claim on tax?
Animal attendants may be able to claim personally purchased protective items, equipment, eligible travel, professional training and other costs directly related to their current employment.
Q3: Can dog walkers claim car expenses?
Travel between clients may be deductible when it occurs while providing paid dog-walking services. Normal travel between home and a regular workplace is generally private, subject to limited exceptions.
Q4: Can dog groomers claim clippers and grooming equipment?
Clippers, scissors, grooming tables, dryers and other equipment may be deductible to the extent they are used to earn income and have not been reimbursed.
Q5: Can animal trainers claim dog food and veterinary bills?
Only in limited circumstances. The animal must have a genuine and necessary income-producing role. Expenses relating to a personal pet are not deductible.
Last updated: 14 July 2026
