Cat people

We have been appointed to act on behalf of a cat club which has recently registered as a charity. The club has asked us whether it is now in a position to reclaim VAT on the veterinary bills it pays out in respect of the cats which it rescues and re-homes.

The VAT helpline is helpful but seems to be not totally certain as to the position here. As the sums involved are considerable readers' views would be much appreciated to advise if there is any way in which such input tax can be recovered. Perhaps this could be either by providing a certificate to the relevant veterinary surgeons or if necessary having to register for VAT. However as most of the outputs of such a charity would appear to be exempt or outside the scope of VAT the prospect of recovering input VAT...