Currently, there is a movement underway to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for pet care expenses. According to the proposal the maximum deduction is $3,500.
Deduction for pet care expenses, I'm in favor. I have two dogs and I spend an average of $600 to $1,000 per year on pet care. The big mutt, most of the time, has limited care outside of heart worm meds and vacinations. The Yorkie, another story, she has allergies, ear infections, skin infections etc. An average visit to the vet always seems to cost $200. They are family members though and they have to be taken care of and I will spend what I have to spend to insure their care as long as possible even if it means eating peanut butter sandwiches.
Some folks, I have heard say, are very opposed to a pet care deduction and I understand their objections. I have been told you shouldn't have a pet unless you can afford the vet visits. A pet is not a necessity--medicine for the elderly is a necessity. Well, I happen to agree with that also. But, on another level, I'm also here to tell you, as a child, my pets were a necessity. They were the one stable factor.
According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners' Survey, 63 percent of U.S. households own a pet. As well, it is a well-know fact that the human-animal bond has been shown to have positive effects upon people's emotional and physical well-being.
Sitting her petting my little dog, I'm feeling pretty good. Sounds like good medicine to me.
Deduction for Pets
Wow. A deduction for pets? What a swell idea. Does that include my pet rock? Gee, I hope so. An income tax deduction would be a great incentive to own a pet, which everyone needs - - why?
Deduction for Pets
Yeah? Well the same thing can be said about kids. We get deductions for them, right? No one told me, you or anyone else to go out have a pack of kids. So explain how getting a deduction to take care of pets is any different?
Kids vs. Animals
Kids are humans, pets are animals. Animals don't run governments, perform surgery, manage corporations, etc. People do. The Republic has an interest in contributing to their welfare. Actually I have difficulty answering your comment because your comparison of animals to people is logically, emotionally, and intellectually bizarre.