Dog groomer invoice template
A worked example for dog groomers in the retail, repair and other trades category, with 2026 prices and the VAT rules that apply.
A dog groomer invoice should show a unique invoice number, your name and address, the client's details, the date, each item of work with its price, and the total due. Dog groomers typically ask for payment on receipt. VAT at 20% is added only if you are VAT registered.
Example dog groomer invoice
Dated 1 October 2026 with payment due on receipt. Names and prices are fictional.
Invoice
INV-0042
From
P. Fletcher
Dog groomer
88 Victoria Road
Manchester
M14 7KL
Bill to
Mrs J. Okonkwo
14 Elm Road
Reading
RG2 8QT
- Invoice date
- 1 October 2026
- Due date
- On receipt
- Terms
- Payment on receipt
- Reference
- Dog groomer work, October 2026
| Description | Qty | Unit price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full groom, cockapoo, bath, dry, clip and style | 1 groom | £58.00 | 20% | £58.00 |
| De-matting, additional time | 30 minutes | £0.60 | 20% | £18.00 |
| Nail trim and ear clean (walk-in) | 1 service | £15.00 | 20% | £15.00 |
- Subtotal
- £91.00
- VAT at 20%
- £18.20
- Total
- £109.20
Typical rates for dog groomers
Guide figures for 2026. Rates vary by region and experience; the VAT figures come from the 2026-27 tax year data.
| Item | Typical figure |
|---|---|
| Typical hourly rate | £20 to £40 |
| Typical day rate | Not usually quoted |
| Payment terms | On receipt |
| Deposit | Not usually taken |
| VAT flat rate sector | Boarding or care of animals (12%) |
| VAT registration threshold | £90,000 taxable turnover in 12 months |
How do dog groomers usually invoice?
Dog groomers price a full groom by breed and size, paid at collection by card with a receipt from the booking system, and charge extra time for matted coats or difficult dogs at a stated per-minute or per-15-minute rate. A booking deposit is now common to reduce no-shows. Mobile groomers add a travel charge, and both salon and mobile groomers record the dog's name and any health notes on the invoice.
Dog groomers in this example are paid on receipt. Hourly rates run from £20 to £40.
What should a dog groomer put on an invoice?
Beyond the legal basics, dog groomers should:
- State the breed, size and groom type so the price matches your list.
- Charge de-matting and extra handling time as a separate line at a stated rate.
- Take a booking deposit and show it credited at collection.
- Record the dog's name and any coat or health notes with the invoice for next time.
Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:
- a unique, sequential invoice number
- your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
- the client’s name and address
- the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
- a clear description of each item of work or goods
- the amount due and when it must be paid
- your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered
Do dog groomers charge VAT?
You only charge VAT once registered, which is compulsory when taxable turnover passes £90,000 in any rolling 12 months. Below that, show no VAT line and no VAT number. Once registered, this work is standard rated at 20%.
On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for dog groomers is usually “Boarding or care of animals” at 12% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.
Source: GOV.UK: Invoicing and taking payment from customers; GOV.UK: VAT Flat Rate Scheme, how much you pay. Last updated .
Frequently asked questions
- How much does dog grooming cost?
- A full groom is £35 to £55 for a small dog and £55 to £90 for a large or doodle breed in 2026, with mobile grooming £10 to £20 more. De-matting is charged by time. Nail trims and tidy-ups are £10 to £20.
- Should a dog groomer take a deposit?
- Yes, a deposit of £10 to £20 or 25% at booking, kept if the owner cancels with less than 24 or 48 hours notice. It is the single most effective way to cut no-shows. Show the deposit credited on the receipt at collection.
- Do dog groomers charge VAT?
- Only once registered, above £90,000 turnover, which a single groomer rarely reaches. Salons with several groomers may cross it and must charge 20% on grooming and retail products. The flat rate sector for the care of animals is 12%.
More retail, repair and other trades templates
- Tailor invoice template
- Seamstress invoice template
- Upholsterer invoice template
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Cite this page: “Dog groomer invoice template (free UK example)”, SoleKit, https://solekit.co.uk/invoice-template/dog-groomer