Frankie The Law Dog

What can a pet owner do if he or she cannot afford the expenses associated with veterinary care?

We love our animals and tend to treat them as cherished members of our families.  And when they get sick or injured, we want to give them the best possible care to ease their suffering and help them heal. 

Reeves provides valuable information about a number of organizations that offer help in various ways to cover the cost of veterinary care.  Along with helpful descriptions of the services offered by the different organizations, Reeves also includes contact information.

One of our favorite charitable organizations is Frankie’s Friends Charitable Pet Foundation.  Their Happy Tails fund helps “otherwise loving and responsible families who cannot afford the cost” of veterinary care.  (This group has no affiliation with Frankie the Law Dog.)

Check out these groups, make a donation if you can, and pass along this information to friends and family who might need their services.

Will Dog Owners Soon be Able to Deduct Pet Care Expenses?

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI) has introduced the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act – H.R. 3501.  If passed, the HAPPY Act would amend the IRS Code to allow a deduction for pet care expenses.

HAPPY Act Would Give Pet Owners a Tax Deduction for Certain Expenses

The HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501, Would Help Families by Allowing a Tax Deduction for Pet Care Expenses

H.R. 3501, if passed, would give an individual taxpayer an allowable deduction for the amount of the taxpayer’s “qualified pet care expenses” for any “qualified pet.”  Qualified pet care expenses would include “amounts paid in connection with providing care” for the pet, including veterinary care.  Expenses associated with acquiring the pet would not be deductible, however.

The maximum allowable deduction under the proposed legislation would be $3,500.

A “qualified pet” is defined in the bill as any “legally owned, domesticated, live animal.”  Animals used for research or in connection with a trade or business will not be considered qualified pets.

HAPPY Act Would Encourage Responsible Pet Ownership

Most pet owners want to do the best they can for their furry family members.  But with pet care costs rising all the time, providing routine care such as regular heart worm medication and flea and tick preventatives can be a financial burden.  Add in the cost of veterinary care for illnesses, and some families have a difficult time giving their pets everything they need.

The HAPPY Act would encourage responsible pet ownership by allowing pet owners a tax deduction of up to $3,500 for expenses associated with caring for their pets, including veterinary care.

The ASPCA Supports H.R. 3501

The ASPCA has issued an “Advocacy Alert” asking animal advocates to support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501, by contacting their U.S. representative and urging him or her to support and cosponsor the bill.