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Photo by: Dizznbonn I'm deductible!
You’ve undoubtedly heard the sad stories of families being hit hard by the recession and finding themselves suddenly unable to care for their pets. Beloved cats and dogs might be abandoned or turned over to animal shelters if the family home is lost to foreclosure, or sick animals might go without necessary but expensive veterinary care or, worse yet, fall victim to “economic euthanasia.” But if Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) has his way, pet owners may soon get relief in the form of a tax deduction.
McCotter recently introduced H.R. 3501, or the “Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act,” which would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a deduction of up to $3500 a year for qualified pet care expenses. Qualified expenses would be “amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet.” The pet must be a “legally owned, domesticated, live animal.” Animals used in research or business would not qualify for the deduction.
HAPPY may be welcome news to cat owners. The ASPCA estimates yearly expenses for one cat at nearly $700, and if the cat is a senior, has any health problems, or suffers an injury, the cost could be much higher.
The bill is currently with the House Ways and Means Committee.
For more info:
Congress Considers Pet Expenses Tax Deduction
Economic Euthanasia on the Rise
Comments
What a great way to reward loving pet owners! Goodness knows we spend into the thousands every year with our two furry kids.
The picture of the Siamese(?) is awesome as well!
This is a great way for people to keep their animals!
The other thing might be to take any taxes off of the food, litter, etc. that we need for these animals. Without the taxes these things would become more available to people.
Being a rescue in this time of economic trouble what a Godsend this would be to families and us! We are overloaded with pets and our donations are down to nothing..that's right nothing. Bless this man for trying to help!
This would be awesome since my husband and I do not have any children, our dogs are our children!
Hey people get tax breaks for their kids, unplanned or not, so for those of us who choose to have a pet rather than kid, I think its great.
I would love to see a spay/neuter requirement for the animal to be required to be eligible.
I always wanted a dog for company, live alone and finance was the only thing stopping me from getting one. When this bill pass I will be the firs to get a pet. This bill will definitely help take more animal out of shelters into loving homes. Great news.
VIDEO on YouTube - Missy Woodward interviews U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI, who has introduced the HAPPY Act to provide a $3,500 tax credit for pet and veterinary care.
youtube.com /watch?v=v_uiSuy7TR8
You can not be serious a tax deducton for an animal. What is Congress thinking or not thinking. With all the other problems and they come with this dumb idea? Please!
I love the idea of getting some help in providing for my pets. Vet bills, food, toys, etc. they all cost money, a lot of money througout the year.
If people get help for having children, us, pet owners, should too.
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