Veterinarians and veterinary nurses dedicate their careers to caring for animals and protecting public health. Whether you’re working in a clinic, on the road, or in rural and remote locations, understanding which tax deductions apply to your profession can significantly reduce your taxable income and increase your return.
Let’s break down the top veterinary tax deductions for 2025—so you don’t miss a cent.
Industry Snapshot
- Average Weekly Pay: $1,357
- Employment Size: 11,340
- Future Growth: Strong
- Skill Level: Degree or Higher (Veterinarians), Certificate III (Vet Nurses)
What Can Vets and Vet Nurses Claim on Tax in 2025?
- Motor vehicle expenses – if you travel between clinics, farms, homes, or for training, or if you’re transporting bulky tools.
- Phone and internet costs – claim the percentage used for client calls, admin, and work-related tasks.
- Uniforms and protective clothing – includes scrubs, gloves, boots, overalls, and gear with your employer’s logo.
- Work-related dogs – guard dogs or security animals may be deductible, including food and vet care (with evidence).
- Tools and equipment – such as stethoscopes, mobile diagnostic tools, computers, or software subscriptions.
- Home office running costs – for administrative work like reports, emails, or managing bookings.
- Self-education and CPD – courses, workshops, webinars, or animal first aid training that relate to your current role.
- Memberships and licences – AVA, VNCA, industry journals, or registration with the Veterinary Surgeons Board.
- Overnight travel – for conferences or client visits, including airfares, accommodation, meals, and incidentals (if work-related).
Tax Strategies We Can Help You With
At Accountants Direct, we make sure you claim all eligible expenses and follow ATO guidelines. We can help you with:
- Self-education expenses
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and protective cosmetics
- Computers, tools and veterinary equipment
- Motor vehicle logbook setup and review
- Work-related dog expenses
- Uniforms and protective clothing
- Phone and internet usage claims
- Home office running costs
- Overnight travel deductions
- Union fees, licences, registrations and professional subscriptions
Click here to see Tax Calculator for Veterinarians and Veterinary Nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I claim pet expenses if I use a dog for work security?
Yes—guard dogs used for security at work locations may be deductible, including food and vet bills, but must be proven as work-related.
Q2: Are scrubs and gloves tax-deductible?
Yes—if they are part of your compulsory work attire or protective gear, you can claim the purchase and laundry expenses.
Q3: Can I claim mileage if I work across multiple clinics?
Yes—if you drive between workplaces or client locations during your workday, you can claim either a cents-per-kilometre method or keep a detailed logbook.
Q4: Are CPD courses tax-deductible?
Absolutely. Any professional development that maintains or improves your current skills can be claimed under self-education expenses.
Q5: What if I do admin work from home?
You can claim a portion of your home office running expenses, including electricity, internet, and work-related phone usage.
