Short answer: dog grooming is a taxable service, so Alberta groomers charge 5% GST once they're registered. You must register when your revenue passes $30,000 in a single calendar quarter or over the last four consecutive calendar quarters. Below that you're a small supplier and registering is optional — but many groomers register early so they can claim back the GST they pay on a van, equipment and products.
How much GST do groomers charge in Alberta?
5%. Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so a registered groomer adds only the 5% federal GST. On a $100 groom, that's $5 GST and a $105 total. If you groom in another province — say, across the BC border — that province's rules apply instead. Our free GST/HST calculator works it out for every province.
When you have to register
The CRA's small supplier threshold is $30,000 of taxable revenue:
- In a single calendar quarter. If you pass $30,000 in one quarter, you stop being a small supplier that day. You must charge GST starting with the sale that took you over, and register within 29 days.
- Over four consecutive calendar quarters. If you pass $30,000 across the last four quarters combined, you must register too.
Grooming adds up fast. At $100 a groom, $30,000 is 300 grooms — six a week for a year. A full-time mobile groomer usually crosses the line in the first year.
Why many groomers register before they have to
Registering lets you claim input tax credits: the GST you pay on business costs comes back to you. For a mobile groomer, that includes the GST on a van, its fit-out, dryers, clippers, tubs, shampoo and fuel. When you're setting up, those credits can be worth more than the GST you charge in your first months.
The trade-off is that you add 5% to every price. Most pet owners are used to seeing GST, so it rarely costs you clients — but decide before you publish prices, so you're not raising them a month after you start.
What goes on your invoices
Once you're registered, the CRA sets out what your invoices must show so business customers can claim their credits:
- Under $100: your business name, the date, and the total.
- $100 to $499.99: also the GST charged (or that it's included) and your GST registration number.
- $500 or more: also the customer's name, a description of the service, and your payment terms.
Most grooms are for individuals who won't claim credits, but putting your GST number on every invoice is simpler than deciding each time. Try our free invoice generator to see what a compliant invoice looks like.
Filing and remitting
The CRA gives most small businesses an annual reporting period, so you file one GST return a year and remit the GST you've collected minus your input tax credits. Set the GST aside as you go — it's not your money, and the bill arrives all at once. Ask an accountant whether the simplified Quick Method makes sense for you; for some small service businesses it reduces the paperwork.
Two questions groomers ask
Do I charge GST on tips? No. A tip the owner chooses to give isn't payment for the groom, so there's no GST on it. Keep tips separate from the price on your invoice.
What if I'm not registered yet? Then don't charge GST and don't put a GST number on your invoices. You can't claim input tax credits until you register, which is the main reason to register early if you're buying a van or equipment.
Let your software do the maths
PayDash invoicing adds 5% GST to Alberta invoices automatically, prints your GST number, and adds a pay-now link. Deposits, bookings and the website work the same way for every province.
Detailers follow the same rules — see GST for mobile detailers in Alberta.
See how PayDash works for groomers →
General information, not tax advice. Confirm your situation with the CRA or an accountant.