The "HAPPY" Act--Tax Relief for Pet Owners

For many of us, pets are our family and we treat them as such. However, in these difficult economic times, it has become increasingly difficult to always care for them the way we would like to. You have probably heard stories of people giving up their pets because they can no longer afford them, and shelters across the country are full of these pets. However, it seems there may be some promising news for pet owners in the near future...

(excerpted from http://www.nextdaypets.com/ January, 2010):

Representative Thaddeus McCotter has proposed a simple, concise bill known as H.R. 3501. The Humanity and Pets Partnered through the Years Act, or "Happy" Act, proposes a "$3,500 tax deduction annually for qualified pet expenses." Qualified expenses are defined as "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."

"In order to qualify, a pet must be a legally owned, domesticated live animal. " So, if your dog gets sick, needs surgery or requires a special kind of food, as long as the expenses don't go beyond $3,500 a year, they would be tax deductible. Also deductible is the general care and upkeep for your pet, including but not limited to regular vet visits, teeth cleaning, and food.

As the economic recession continues, at least pet owners have some hope on the horizon! For more information, please visit The Library of Congress website.