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Allow a Deduction for Pet Care Expenses
Target: U.S. House of Representatives
Sponsored by: Care2
Sponsored by: Care2
What would life be without companion animals? During these difficult economic times however, more and more people find that the financial cost of giving pets the care they deserve becomes a burden, or worse, unbearable.
The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act (H.R. 3501) was just introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet care expenses" - including veterinary care - for a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.
As you, your family members or your neighbors may be trimming budgets to make ends meet, innocent animals should not have to go without adequate care! Even a small tax deduction for responsible pet owners will go a long way to meet the needs of companion animals, ease the tax burden of those who own a pet (63 percent of all households) and may even encourage more people to provide loving homes to the countless animals filling America's shelters.
Urge your representatives to co-sponsor the HAPPY Act!
The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act (H.R. 3501) was just introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. The Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet care expenses" - including veterinary care - for a legally owned, domesticated, live animal.
As you, your family members or your neighbors may be trimming budgets to make ends meet, innocent animals should not have to go without adequate care! Even a small tax deduction for responsible pet owners will go a long way to meet the needs of companion animals, ease the tax burden of those who own a pet (63 percent of all households) and may even encourage more people to provide loving homes to the countless animals filling America's shelters.
Urge your representatives to co-sponsor the HAPPY Act!
Send Letter see who signed this
We took action on “Allow a Deduction for Pet Care Expenses”!
# 30,107:
7:54 am PST, Feb 9,
Name not displayed, South Carolina
My husband and I have no children and our cat is our only child.
My husband and I have no children and our cat is our only child.
# 30,106:
7:16 pm PST, Feb 8,
Name not displayed, Michigan
When my Husband and Son were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver ,my pets were the one thing that kept me sane enough to want to keep living and they gave unconditional love in a very sad time for me.
When my Husband and Son were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver ,my pets were the one thing that kept me sane enough to want to keep living and they gave unconditional love in a very sad time for me.
# 30,105:
11:47 am PST, Feb 8,
Name not displayed, California
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CARE FOR MY PET JUST AS I CARE FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILD. WITHOUT PROPER FUNDING, IT JUST ISN'T POSSIBLE!
I WANT TO BE ABLE TO CARE FOR MY PET JUST AS I CARE FOR MYSELF AND MY CHILD. WITHOUT PROPER FUNDING, IT JUST ISN'T POSSIBLE!
# 30,104:
10:13 am PST, Feb 8,
Lisa Bailey, Missouri
# 30,103:
9:22 am PST, Feb 8,
Holly Plunkett, Missouri
Please allow deduction for the sake of our animals that we love!
Please allow deduction for the sake of our animals that we love!
# 30,102:
10:34 am PST, Feb 7,
Lynne Van Alstine, Wisconsin
# 30,101:
7:47 am PST, Feb 7,
April Hagan, Missouri
I also feel the spay and neuter problem would be erased, if help of this nature were given, and I pray that if you have a beloved 4 legged family member of your own, you try to put yourself in the shoes of the families living paycheck to paycheck,and consider giving us some small relief in caring properly for our beloved animals-and I still believe "All Dogs are Better People Than Most People"i
I also feel the spay and neuter problem would be erased, if help of this nature were given, and I pray that if you have a beloved 4 legged family member of your own, you try to put yourself in the shoes of the families living paycheck to paycheck,and consider giving us some small relief in caring properly for our beloved animals-and I still believe "All Dogs are Better People Than Most People"i
# 30,100:
12:23 am PST, Feb 7,
Leigh S, California
# 30,099:
6:40 pm PST, Feb 6,
Cookie Mc Crrory, California
We are retires and on a fixed income, but when it comes to our pets, they are first. Animal lovers need all the help they can get. If they are not taken to a vet right away for an illness, they may not be able to treat it! Which might lead to death. thx and let's all stand together as one!
We are retires and on a fixed income, but when it comes to our pets, they are first. Animal lovers need all the help they can get. If they are not taken to a vet right away for an illness, they may not be able to treat it! Which might lead to death. thx and let's all stand together as one!
# 30,098:
5:56 pm PST, Feb 6,
Marissa Flores, California
# 30,097:
12:24 pm PST, Feb 6,
Mike Brownell, Michigan
Not only do pets make a sizeable difference in the lives of their families, but many pets - including my certified therapy dog - do everything they can do give back to the community. Training for this type of certification is not cheap, nor is the cost of quality food and veterinary care. It seems only logical that all pet owners, and particularly those whose pets make a positive difference in their communities, should qualify for a tax credit.
Not only do pets make a sizeable difference in the lives of their families, but many pets - including my certified therapy dog - do everything they can do give back to the community. Training for this type of certification is not cheap, nor is the cost of quality food and veterinary care. It seems only logical that all pet owners, and particularly those whose pets make a positive difference in their communities, should qualify for a tax credit.
# 30,096:
11:12 am PST, Feb 6,
Beverly Akin, Missouri
Currently I have two daughters and a son and I am expecting another girl in May. They are exotic reptiles, ball pythons, and a rat. Sometimes it does get hard especially when one gets sick and being exotics sometimes it makes it harder. Last year one of my ball pythons got really sick. I was off to the vet twice a week and then it went to every day for injections and emergency clinic visits. I know I spent over $1000 and she ended up passing. That cost hit me hard and I have been struggling ever since. I would do it again in a heart beat but it would help to have a deduction to get some of that money back. I don't have human children and I just think it's unfair for a hard working single person around tax time. Any family gets up to 5 and 6,000 back. I'm lucky if I get 1000 and most of the time it's under that. In these hard times everything helps.
Currently I have two daughters and a son and I am expecting another girl in May. They are exotic reptiles, ball pythons, and a rat. Sometimes it does get hard especially when one gets sick and being exotics sometimes it makes it harder. Last year one of my ball pythons got really sick. I was off to the vet twice a week and then it went to every day for injections and emergency clinic visits. I know I spent over $1000 and she ended up passing. That cost hit me hard and I have been struggling ever since. I would do it again in a heart beat but it would help to have a deduction to get some of that money back. I don't have human children and I just think it's unfair for a hard working single person around tax time. Any family gets up to 5 and 6,000 back. I'm lucky if I get 1000 and most of the time it's under that. In these hard times everything helps.
# 30,095:
11:07 am PST, Feb 6,
Joshua Burton, Texas
I have several small furry family members, and they cost quite a bit each year. It would help us quite a bit if we could reduce our debt. Please help us.
I have several small furry family members, and they cost quite a bit each year. It would help us quite a bit if we could reduce our debt. Please help us.
# 30,094:
10:54 am PST, Feb 6,
ELIZABETH TRACY, Missouri
I have 5 adopted sons. They all have fur and four legs. They mean the world to me and my husband. 2 of our cats are seniors now and vet bills can be very expensive. There are times when I have to choose to pay those bills and provide for them, when I really need to buy groceries.
I have 5 adopted sons. They all have fur and four legs. They mean the world to me and my husband. 2 of our cats are seniors now and vet bills can be very expensive. There are times when I have to choose to pay those bills and provide for them, when I really need to buy groceries.
# 30,093:
10:32 am PST, Feb 6,
Name not displayed, New Jersey
# 30,092:
10:23 am PST, Feb 6,
Maureen Cohen, California
# 30,091:
8:58 am PST, Feb 6,
Ann Wagner, Arizona
I would limit the number of animals per household, but this is the right idea.
I would limit the number of animals per household, but this is the right idea.
# 30,090:
6:45 am PST, Feb 6,
John Norman Dela Cruz, Utah
As care provider for two family pets, the cost of veterinary care has more then doubled. I am simply outraged that within the past five years the expenses of providing for my pets is going through the roof. Please make it possible that this Act would help ease the cost of providing excellent health care for my pets.
As care provider for two family pets, the cost of veterinary care has more then doubled. I am simply outraged that within the past five years the expenses of providing for my pets is going through the roof. Please make it possible that this Act would help ease the cost of providing excellent health care for my pets.
# 30,089:
9:39 pm PST, Feb 5,
Diane Wildermuth, New Jersey
As a volunteer, for a "No-kill" animal shelter, I have had the great fortune to come in contact with dogs of all ages and all breeds. It has reinforced for me that with the proper management most companion animals are capable of being safe, well-mannered pets. Dogs and cats serve a vital role in our lives. For some people, they provide constant companionship, when there is no one else. They have been known to save lives by warning they owners of fire and other potentially lethal events. These creatures are not disposible and should not have to be abandoned due to the cost of maintaining their health. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to reinforce spaying and neutering to improve the health of our companion animals and reduce the over population. A measure that would ease the burden on all animal shelters and their supporters.
As a volunteer, for a "No-kill" animal shelter, I have had the great fortune to come in contact with dogs of all ages and all breeds. It has reinforced for me that with the proper management most companion animals are capable of being safe, well-mannered pets. Dogs and cats serve a vital role in our lives. For some people, they provide constant companionship, when there is no one else. They have been known to save lives by warning they owners of fire and other potentially lethal events. These creatures are not disposible and should not have to be abandoned due to the cost of maintaining their health. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to reinforce spaying and neutering to improve the health of our companion animals and reduce the over population. A measure that would ease the burden on all animal shelters and their supporters.
# 30,088:
8:12 pm PST, Feb 5,
Delores Schnoor, Maryland
# 30,087:
8:12 pm PST, Feb 5,
Kathy And Judy Sutter, Florida
It's very expensive to go to the Vet. Most of them charge as much for pets as for people. This would help alot!!
It's very expensive to go to the Vet. Most of them charge as much for pets as for people. This would help alot!!
# 30,086:
6:48 pm PST, Feb 5,
Cynthia Chesser, Texas
Pets are family members too and owners should not have to give up their pets in this difficult economy.
Pets are family members too and owners should not have to give up their pets in this difficult economy.
# 30,085:
6:42 pm PST, Feb 5,
Ashley Hicks, California
I have two dogs, Riley & Sophia, who I care for and love just as much as my 9 month old son. They are absolutely members of our family and there's nothing we wouldn't do for them. That includes buying them prescription dog food due to allergies (at $60/bag), rehabilitative water therapy sessions for Sophia (at $100/month), and the list goes on. I am absolutely in favor of any legislation that would assist responsible pet owners in providing the best care for their pets.
I have two dogs, Riley & Sophia, who I care for and love just as much as my 9 month old son. They are absolutely members of our family and there's nothing we wouldn't do for them. That includes buying them prescription dog food due to allergies (at $60/bag), rehabilitative water therapy sessions for Sophia (at $100/month), and the list goes on. I am absolutely in favor of any legislation that would assist responsible pet owners in providing the best care for their pets.
# 30,083:
11:00 am PST, Feb 5,
Joan Soudersw, Texas
I do not have children...but as a taxpayer, for over 40years, I have always been forced to pay for Medicaid & other welfare programs for irresponsible individuals....I would like to see my elected representatives pass a bill that would benefit me as a pet owner...I currently have 2 Great Danes(Great Dane Rescue of North Texas)...this legislation, I feel, would be a great help presently to a lot of "my fellow Americans" who are anim al-lovers......sincerely, Joan M. Souders
I do not have children...but as a taxpayer, for over 40years, I have always been forced to pay for Medicaid & other welfare programs for irresponsible individuals....I would like to see my elected representatives pass a bill that would benefit me as a pet owner...I currently have 2 Great Danes(Great Dane Rescue of North Texas)...this legislation, I feel, would be a great help presently to a lot of "my fellow Americans" who are anim al-lovers......sincerely, Joan M. Souders
# 30,082:
6:48 am PST, Feb 5,
Name not displayed, Ohio
# 30,081:
9:24 pm PST, Feb 4,
Debbie Geno, Missouri
# 30,080:
8:53 pm PST, Feb 4,
Tia Mikito, Colorado
i am getting old 7 my animals are getting old, too. they are 8yrs.-17yrs. all of us are needing more medical care. my animals are the only children i have now. with prices going up on food & vet care, it is very hard to take care of us.
i am getting old 7 my animals are getting old, too. they are 8yrs.-17yrs. all of us are needing more medical care. my animals are the only children i have now. with prices going up on food & vet care, it is very hard to take care of us.
# 30,079:
6:49 pm PST, Feb 4,
Carrie Hay, Virginia
Had this bill been in effect when I had my dog I could have decided to let her life a few days longer. She was put down at 3 yrs due to lime disease.
Had this bill been in effect when I had my dog I could have decided to let her life a few days longer. She was put down at 3 yrs due to lime disease.
# 30,078:
2:31 pm PST, Feb 4,
Christopher Snell, Georgia
# 30,077:
2:30 pm PST, Feb 4,
Cynthia Steckbauer, Georgia
I have always had animals in my life and never understood why I couldn't count them as a 'dependant' as they are more dependant on me than any child would be. Children grow up and get jobs. My cats are always children. Please, support this Act and help those of us who are responsible caregivers. Thank you.
I have always had animals in my life and never understood why I couldn't count them as a 'dependant' as they are more dependant on me than any child would be. Children grow up and get jobs. My cats are always children. Please, support this Act and help those of us who are responsible caregivers. Thank you.
# 30,076:
7:45 am PST, Feb 4,
Krystle Andrews, Georgia
# 30,075:
7:08 am PST, Feb 4,
Jane Johnson, Virginia
# 30,074:
6:38 am PST, Feb 4,
Dawn Baker, Virginia
I am not fortunate enough to be married or have children, but what I do have is irreplacable. I have three German Shepherds ages 12yrs, 11yrs and 12wks. My pets ARE my family! They encourage me to hike on a daily basis and to take long backpacking trips keeping us all healthier and happier. Being without any family in a 600 mile radius they are also responsible for getting me involved in the community and helping build relationships with much needed friends and neighbors. I take excellent care of my pets and it is NOT without a cost. Sometimes I feel like my responsible decision to not have children outside of marriage is held against me as a taxpayer. I still must fill the void of loneliness, but without human children, I do not get the ease of dependent burden with my taxes. I am a responsible pet owner who spends thousands of dollars every year keeping my pets safe for everyone and healthy. This bill represents recognition to many millions of citizens as responsible pet owners. Studies show that pet ownership increases the quality of life through exercise and stress relief and I believe this bill will encourage others towards pet ownership and healthier lifestyles. I also believe this bill will help our pets by encouraging pet owners to feed their pets a healthier diet and keep their vaccinations up to date. Please pass this bill!! Humans and animals have co-existed since we first walked this earth. Our animals have helped up cross new frontiers, sow crops, protect our families, rescue us when we thought all was lost...let's return the favor by allowing them the healthiest and happiest lives possible! Thank you for your time and service, Dawn D. Baker
I am not fortunate enough to be married or have children, but what I do have is irreplacable. I have three German Shepherds ages 12yrs, 11yrs and 12wks. My pets ARE my family! They encourage me to hike on a daily basis and to take long backpacking trips keeping us all healthier and happier. Being without any family in a 600 mile radius they are also responsible for getting me involved in the community and helping build relationships with much needed friends and neighbors. I take excellent care of my pets and it is NOT without a cost. Sometimes I feel like my responsible decision to not have children outside of marriage is held against me as a taxpayer. I still must fill the void of loneliness, but without human children, I do not get the ease of dependent burden with my taxes. I am a responsible pet owner who spends thousands of dollars every year keeping my pets safe for everyone and healthy. This bill represents recognition to many millions of citizens as responsible pet owners. Studies show that pet ownership increases the quality of life through exercise and stress relief and I believe this bill will encourage others towards pet ownership and healthier lifestyles. I also believe this bill will help our pets by encouraging pet owners to feed their pets a healthier diet and keep their vaccinations up to date. Please pass this bill!! Humans and animals have co-existed since we first walked this earth. Our animals have helped up cross new frontiers, sow crops, protect our families, rescue us when we thought all was lost...let's return the favor by allowing them the healthiest and happiest lives possible! Thank you for your time and service, Dawn D. Baker
# 30,073:
6:07 am PST, Feb 4,
Kerri Hoselton, New York
Please acknowledge that animal companions are not simply pets we obtain as a priveledge or a collectible item of which we can easily dispose of when economic times get tough. Animal companions are family members not different than a spouse, child or immediate family member. It is not just a matter of convenience that we wish for this Act to be approved. It is essential in order to protect and improve the quality of our family's lives especially during these extremely diffiicult economic times.
Please acknowledge that animal companions are not simply pets we obtain as a priveledge or a collectible item of which we can easily dispose of when economic times get tough. Animal companions are family members not different than a spouse, child or immediate family member. It is not just a matter of convenience that we wish for this Act to be approved. It is essential in order to protect and improve the quality of our family's lives especially during these extremely diffiicult economic times.
# 30,072:
10:22 pm PST, Feb 3,
Sylvia Stewart, California
# 30,071:
6:10 pm PST, Feb 3,
Elijauh Frausto, Texas
# 30,070:
8:48 am PST, Feb 3,
Corinne Bonolis, Maryland
# 30,069:
10:22 pm PST, Feb 2,
Joyce Barone, Pennsylvania
# 30,068:
3:52 pm PST, Feb 2,
Ray Kondler, Nevada
# 30,067:
11:13 pm PST, Feb 1,
Pam Boland, Georgia
# 30,066:
8:21 pm PST, Feb 1,
Name not displayed, Minnesota
# 30,065:
8:09 pm PST, Feb 1,
Jessica Waldron, Minnesota
Just this last weekend, my dog died at a young age because we couldn't afford the surgery she needed to survive. With the surgery, she probably would have lived 6 more years, or even more, considering how long our dogs tend to live. But her problem just wore her down and then her body quit on us. I can only imagine now how much different my life would be for the next several years if she were still with us. She helped to glue the family together in difficult times.
Just this last weekend, my dog died at a young age because we couldn't afford the surgery she needed to survive. With the surgery, she probably would have lived 6 more years, or even more, considering how long our dogs tend to live. But her problem just wore her down and then her body quit on us. I can only imagine now how much different my life would be for the next several years if she were still with us. She helped to glue the family together in difficult times.
# 30,064:
8:01 pm PST, Feb 1,
Amie Carey, Georgia
I have heard and seen so many animals put up for adoptions. I have volunteered at shelters, and I have tried to make room in my budget to give a home to an animal. I think that there are many, many people like myself who would love to help take care of the nation's animals, and just need a little help to make sure they can afford to care for those creatures as they care for the rest of their families.
I have heard and seen so many animals put up for adoptions. I have volunteered at shelters, and I have tried to make room in my budget to give a home to an animal. I think that there are many, many people like myself who would love to help take care of the nation's animals, and just need a little help to make sure they can afford to care for those creatures as they care for the rest of their families.
# 30,063:
5:35 pm PST, Feb 1,
Cat Conkling, Florida
I'm definitely for this. While we only have one animal I know so many families who would not have had to give up well-loved pets over the past few years if this were the case.
I'm definitely for this. While we only have one animal I know so many families who would not have had to give up well-loved pets over the past few years if this were the case.
# 30,062:
8:48 am PST, Feb 1,
Liliane Dediot, Florida
I happen to have a service animal, and I cannot express how much this would benefit me, and pet owners in general.
I happen to have a service animal, and I cannot express how much this would benefit me, and pet owners in general.
# 30,061:
8:12 am PST, Feb 1,
Marilyn Alvarez, Florida
# 30,060:
4:37 pm PST, Jan 31,
Melba Sirna, Florida
# 30,059:
3:47 pm PST, Jan 31,
Deborah Bowman, Ohio
# 30,058:
3:31 pm PST, Jan 31,
Name not displayed, Ohio
I can not believe this hasn't happened yet - Many people care for the pets as if they were their children. why shouldn't this care be a tax deduction??
I can not believe this hasn't happened yet - Many people care for the pets as if they were their children. why shouldn't this care be a tax deduction??
# 30,057:
10:31 am PST, Jan 31,
Tammy Mclearen, Illinois
As middle class income family with no children but advid pet owners. With the rising cost of pet care a deduction would help many keep their pets that otherwise they could not do to the economy.
As middle class income family with no children but advid pet owners. With the rising cost of pet care a deduction would help many keep their pets that otherwise they could not do to the economy.
# 30,056:
10:14 am PST, Jan 31,
Nicholas Feda, Illinois
# 30,055:
9:37 am PST, Jan 31,
Barbara Caprita, Georgia
This is a necessary Act to pass. I hope you will vote for its passage.
This is a necessary Act to pass. I hope you will vote for its passage.
# 30,054:
9:00 am PST, Jan 31,
Name not displayed, Georgia
# 30,053:
8:22 am PST, Jan 31,
Name not displayed, Missouri
i think that this would be a great act to pass. you know there are so many animals that just get dropped off in my area, this would help out alot.
i think that this would be a great act to pass. you know there are so many animals that just get dropped off in my area, this would help out alot.
# 30,052:
5:57 am PST, Jan 31,
Barbara Quick, New York
Please pass this bill. For instance; it cost me over 5000.00 to care for my pet with cancer. It would be a great help and encouragement for pet owners to care for their pets if we had a tax incentive.
Please pass this bill. For instance; it cost me over 5000.00 to care for my pet with cancer. It would be a great help and encouragement for pet owners to care for their pets if we had a tax incentive.
