Readers’ forum: Is there VAT on dog training classes performed in France?

I act for a client who trades as a greyhound dog trainer. She is registered for VAT. All work has so far been carried out in the UK but that is about to change because she has taken on a big job with a wealthy lady who lives in Manchester but spends many months at her holiday villa in the south of France. The lady has three greyhounds and my client has agreed to travel to France and give private training sessions to the dogs for a two-week period. My client will stay at the lady’s villa during this period. The lady also has a French VAT number because she sells plants vegetables and flowers that are grown in her very big garden.

My understanding is that my client will treat this contract as a B2B sale to a VAT registered business in France and not charge...