Tax season can be stressful, and many pet owners wonder if their furry companions qualify for tax deductions. While the IRS doesn’t allow pets to be claimed as dependents, there are specific cases where certain pet-related expenses might be deductible.
Why It Matters
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 45.5% of U.S. households own dogs, and 32.1% own cats in 2024. The average annual cost of pet care is around $1,515 per pet, not counting adoption or purchase costs.
While the IRS doesn’t generally recognize pets as dependents, there are tax benefits available in certain situations. Knowing which expenses qualify could help pet owners save money when filing taxes.
What To Know
Although you can’t claim your pet as a dependent, certain pet-related expenses may be deductible under specific circumstances. Here’s a closer look at what the IRS allows:
Service animals and medical expenses: If you own a certified service animal—such as a guide dog for visual impairment—you may be eligible to deduct expenses under medical expenses. The IRS allows deductions for costs like training, veterinary care and maintenance if the pet serves a legitimate medical purpose.
Pet-related business deductions: If you use pets in your business—for instance, as a security animal for a farm or a performer in entertainment—related expenses may be deductible. Business owners may be able to write off food, training and vet care as business expenses if they are necessary for work.
Foster pets and charitable contributions: Animal foster parents can claim charitable deductions if fostering pets for a registered nonprofit organization. This includes expenses such as food, supplies and veterinary care as long as they are not reimbursed by the charity.
Moving expenses for pets: While most moving expenses are no longer deductible, if you are an active-duty military member moving due to orders, pet relocation costs can still be claimed as part of moving expenses. This can include transportation fees and health certifications required for travel.
Pet trusts and estate planning: For those setting up a pet trust, legal fees associated with establishing the trust may be deductible in some cases. However, routine pet expenses such as food and toys are still not deductible under personal tax returns.
What People Are Saying
Alison Flores, Manager at The Tax Institute at H&R Block told Newsweek: “Unfortunately, deducting medical expenses for pets is not allowed as a medical expense on your tax return. The only exception would be if your pet is a certified service animal, like a guide dog.
If you have a physical disability or are hearing or visually impaired, you can deduct medical expenses for your pets if they are certified service animals. Expenses that may be covered include purchasing, training and maintenance of the animal which includes food, grooming and medical care.”
What Happens Next
While most pet expenses remain non-deductible, there are opportunities for tax savings for service animals, foster pets and business-related pet care. Pet owners should consult a tax professional to determine if they qualify for deductions and ensure they keep accurate records.
The post Can You Claim Pets on Tax Returns? What to Know appeared first on Newsweek.
