The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) has called on the government to include commercial kennels and catteries in the tourism businesses who will be able to pay lower rates of VAT from next week.
The federation said businesses in the pet boarding sector (kennels and catteries) have experienced a huge drop off in the number of bookings and wholesale cancellations because of the collapse in holidays and breaks being taken by people during the current crisis.
The letter, written to both the chancellor, Rishi Sunak; and Steve Barclay, the chief secretary to the treasury, highlights the fact that commercial kennels and catteries provide a “vital service” to their local community and support many of the 41% of the nation’s pet owners with an exceptional standard of animal care, advice and customer service.
The letter states: “Your [the Chancellor’s] announcement yesterday to cut VAT for businesses in tourism and hospitality is welcome news. However, we are seeking clarity on whether accommodation for pets is covered within the reduction of VAT for businesses.
“Pet boarding is an essential allied business to the tourism industry; it is a form of accommodation and helps encourage people to go on holiday, knowing that pet owners have somewhere safe and secure to leave their pet whilst they are away. We believe that these services should fall into the same category as hotels, guest & boarding premises.”
The letter concludes by urging the government to include within the guidance on this issue clarification that the reduction in VAT extends to commercial pet boarding businesses.
A template letter has also been sent to PIF’s commercial kennel and cattery members urging them to write on the same issue to their own MPs.
