Pet Tax Deductions You May Be Able To Claim During Tax Season

Pet tax deductions you may be able to claim during tax season include food, veterinary visit, travel and businesses expenses. Many pet parents and foster parents do not know that they MAY be able to deduct certain expenses for caring for their pets.

I recently started fostering daschsunds through a non-profit called DREAM Dachshund Rescue.  As a foster parent, I drive (put mileage on my car) to pick up the rescues from animal shelters.  I also will drive and conduct meet and greets with prospective adoptive parents. With my own money, I buy the dogs clothes, feed them, and will buy a harness and leash.

Since I have two dogs already, I do have some items at home but these dogs come in different sizes so I have to accommodate them while they are with me.

My Pet Tax Deductions as a Foster Dachshund Mom

If you foster a pet, the tax deductions you may be able to claim during tax season include vet visits, pet supplies, food, and mileage reimbursements. To get this deduction you HAVE to work with a 501 (c)(3) organization. You should also keep receipts of your purchases and a log of your mileage.

I have fostered three dogs, and I baby sat a foster dog for another family. Two of my foster dogs had to be spayed. I had to take the dogs back and forth to vet offices that were no where near where I live. If you use your own vehicle for this type of driving, this is a tax deduction you may be able to claim during tax season.

Pet Tax Deductions for Fido or Ms. Kitty as Legitimate Stars

There are many pets who are stars in this world. Many have their own social network following. I follow a couple of them.

Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund

Meaty, a pittbull (he is super cute and super chunky)

Esther the Wonder Pig

A pet who is a star will get the traditional tax breaks as if it is a business expense. Therefore, the cost to feed and keep the dog healthy will be a tax deduction.

Pet Tax Deductions for Guard Dogs

Also, if you own a business and use your pets to guard your business, the IRS will allow you to get a tax deduction for the care of that pet. Clearly, you won’t get a tax deduction for a daschsund protecting your business. But an Akita, Rottweiler or German Shepard should do the trick.

Pet Tax Deductions When You Move

Another pet deduction you may be able to claim during tax season is moving a pet. For this deduction to apply, you must have had to gone through some length to get the pet to it’s final destination. For example, the pet may have to be shipped to you due to distance or shipped to its final destination due to distance.  IRS Publication, under the section, “Household Goods and Personal Effects” grants this type of pet tax deduction.

Pet Tax Deductions For Service Animals (and Some Emotional Support Pets)

If you are physically disabled, visually impaired or physically disabled you can get the pet deduction for your service animal. You can deduct the costs of buying the animal as well as training and maintaining the animal. However, you can only get a pet tax deduction for an emotional support animal if you can prove the animal is used primarily to alleviate your mental or emotional issues.

I am going to continue fostering dogs, and I am happy to know NOW I can get a tax deduction for helping out. While most of the readers of this post may not fall into this category, you may be able to tell someone about a tax deduction for their pet which can save them money in the future.