If you've seen headlines about Virginia taxing dog walking and pet grooming, you're not alone. A bill currently moving through the General Assembly would add sales tax to pet care services for the first time — and pet owners across the Commonwealth are paying attention.
Here's what we know, what it could mean for your grooming costs, and what happens next.
Under HB 900, "companion animal care" would become a taxable service in Virginia. This specifically includes:
What stays exempt: Veterinary medical procedures and services performed under licensed veterinary supervision would remain tax-free.
Virginia's combined state and local sales tax rate is currently 5.3% in most areas (4.3% state + 1% local). Some regions have higher rates.
| Service | Current Price | With 5.3% Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Groom (Medium Dog) | $75.00 | $78.98 |
| Full Groom (Large Doodle) | $88.00 | $92.66 |
| Spa Day Package | $101.00 | $106.35 |
*Based on 5.3% combined sales tax rate. Actual rates may vary by locality.
For a dog groomed every 6 weeks, that's roughly $35-47 in additional taxes per year. Not huge for one household — but it adds up across the industry.
HB 900 is part of a broader effort to expand Virginia's sales tax base beyond physical goods to include services. Supporters say:
The bill also proposes taxing many other services including haircuts, dry cleaning, home repairs, gym memberships, streaming services, and delivery fees.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has raised concerns about the proposal's impact on small businesses:
"These are not luxury services. They are everyday services people rely on and the kinds of small businesses that exist in nearly every community in Virginia."
— Nicole Hammond, NFIB Virginia State Director
For small, independent groomers like me, the concern isn't just the tax itself — it's the added complexity. Collecting sales tax, filing returns, and managing the paperwork adds administrative burden to businesses that are often one or two-person operations.
HB 900 did not make it out of committee before the crossover deadline, effectively killing it for the 2026 session. The bill could be reintroduced in 2027, but for now, pet grooming and other companion animal services remain tax-free in Virginia.
If you want to follow the bill or share your thoughts with your representatives:
Good news: Nothing changes for now. Pet grooming remains tax-free in Virginia.
If a similar bill is reintroduced in 2027, I'll update this post with the latest information. In the meantime, our prices stay the same — no sales tax on your grooming appointments.
Last updated: March 14, 2026. This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.
Give your pup the grooming experience they deserve.