Veterinary services are not subject to sales tax. Purchases of food, drugs, medicines, bandages, dressings, serums, tonics, and the like that are used in treating livestock raised as part of agricultural production are exempt from tax. Where these same items are used in treating animals maintained as pets or for hobby purposes, sales tax is due. Purchases of equipment and tools used in the veterinary practice are subject to tax. Rule 701-214.17 (423) explains the exemption for machinery or equipment used in livestock or dairy production that may be applicable to veterinarians, but should only be claimed with caution. A veterinarian must charge sales tax on any sales of tangible property or enumerated services, such as pet grooming, that are not part of professional veterinarian services.
This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 423.3(5).
Iowa Admin. Code r. 701-214.5