Now that the winter holiday season is almost over, you know what comes next!  That’s right – tax season!  But what do taxes have to do with pets?  Although most pet owners will probably tell you that they consider their pets to be a part of the family, and I personally don’t even want to think about how much a year I spend on mine, the IRS seems to take the stance that dependents have to be human.  Since they can’t be claimed as dependents you might be asking, is there any way pet owners can claim pet expenses on taxes?

In certain circumstances there are!

Keep in mind that the IRS is pretty strict about how deductions are calculated.  If you’re claiming any of these pet-related deductions, you will need to be able to provide proof of the expenses and why you are claiming them.  Keep in mind, I’m far from a tax expert.  If you have any questions I’d recommend speaking with someone who is!

But in general, here is a list of some pet-related expenses that you may be able to claim on taxes…

• If you are assisted by a service animal for a documented illness, your service animal can technically be classified as a medical expense.  Money spent to care for your service animal can, in some circumstances, be claimed on taxes.
• Pet-related business expenses, if well documented, can be claimed on taxes as well.  This can include things like the care of a guard dog that protects your business property or a cat used as a form of pest control.  But remember you may be asked to prove that the upkeep of these animals is an “ordinary and necessary” business expense.
• Moving costs, including those incurred to move your pet with you, can be claimed on taxes.
• If you have a pet-related hobby that generates some income, you can claim hobby expenses to help offset taxes owed on your hobby income.  However, hobby expenses must be itemized.  You’ll only be allowed to deduct them if they exceed 2% of your gross income.
• You can deduct money spent helping to fund qualified nonprofit organizations.  This includes offsetting monetary donations, as well as donations of supplies such as pet food.  If you volunteer for an animal-related charity you can also deduct a small amount for travel expenses.

Talk to your tax expert!

Again, I am far from a tax expert. If you plan on using any of these tips to claim pet expenses on your taxes I recommend you first do your own research and/or talk to a tax professional.  Claiming these pet related deductions comes with certain limitations. You will want to make sure you have the proper documentation.

Unfortunately, pets can’t be claimed as dependents.  This means that most people won’t be able to claim Fluffy and Fido on their taxes.  The best way, currently, to help animals as well as your bottom line come tax time is to donate to a recognized animal related nonprofit.    

There’s no way around it, pets are expensive.

People should certainly never purposely take in pets that they are not prepared to be financially responsible for.  But, especially in today’s financial climate, unexpected things do happen.  You may not be able to claim your pets on your taxes. But if you find yourself in a difficult financial situation remember that help is out there!  Check out our list of organizations that help provide financial help with veterinarian care.  Also, don’t be afraid to reach out to your pet’s veterinarian or any local animal rescue organization.  If they aren’t able to give you and your pet the help that you need, they may be able to direct you towards an organization that can.

Comment below!  Are you looking forward to tax season (note my sarcasm there!)?  Have you ever been in a position to be able to claim any of your pets expenses on your taxes?

We’ve, unfortunately, been dealing with content scrapers stealing our articles lately.  You shouldn’t be seeing this article on any site other than pawprintpetblog.com!  If you’re reading this article on any other site, we’d love for you to take the time to contact us and let us know.  If you have the time, stop by and visit us on our official site!  Thanks you. 

Types of dog collars: Do your dogs like wearing their collars?  I remember when my Alaskan Klee Kai, Fenrir, was a puppy he wasn’t crazy about wearing his collar or his harness.  I joked that he was an exhibitionist because he liked to run around ‘naked’.  These days, though, things have changed.  Fen is really good about letting me put his harness on him, and he actually loves wearing his collar.  That sounds weird, right?  But he often gets upset when I take his collar off.  He tries to pick it up and put it back on himself.

Not all collars are created equal!

I use collars exclusively as a form of ID for my two dogs.  I walk them on harnesses.  Being small dogs, I worry about putting a lot of pressure on their tiny necks.  Small dogs are more prone to developing tracheal damage due to the pressure of collars.

Putting some extra time into researching different types and brands of collars is worthwhile. Finding the perfect collar is important for your pet’s comfort, and can also save you from having to replace your dog’s collar too often.

Basic Dog Collars

Basic dog collars are usually adjustable, and buckle closed around your dog’s neck. Some are equipped with safety-release buckles that will allow your dog to pull out of his or her collar if it ever gets caught on anything. Quick-release buckles tend to be less secure though.  Be careful if you’re using them to walk or hold onto your dog. Special breakaway collars are made to come off easily if your dog is in danger of choking.  But this feature can be bypassed during walks so you don’t have to worry about your dog escaping.

Basic collars are commonly made from nylon or leather. They come in a wide variety of designs and colors, and can be a great way to show off your pup’s style.  Be careful when choosing leather collars, as some dyed or painted leathers may stain your pets fur, or the color can chip. Rolled leather collars are durable, and work great for dogs with long fur. The rolled leather helps prevent hair loss or damage around where the collar lays. Leather cleaning and care products can be used to clean and maintain your pets collar to help keep it looking clean and new for longer.

Martingale Collars

Martingale Collars, commonly used for greyhounds and other sight hound breeds, are collars that help to prevent dogs from being able to slip out of their collars while walking on a leash. They have a special feature that allows them to tighten if your dog tries to pull out of their collar.

Slip Collars

Slip collars are usually simple collars designed to be easily slipped over your dog’s head.  They are normally loose and not designed to be adjusted to your dog’s individual neck size the way that basic collars can be.  Slip collars are used often during rescues, when you need to catch a dog and get a collar on them but may not know exactly what size you need.  Slip collars are commonly used temporarily rather than left on dog’s as a form of ID.  Some people use slip collars as a form of training collar, as they are often designed to tighten if your dog pulls against them.

Training Collars

Training collars are a hot button issue in the dog world.  I don’t personally use things like choke chains on my own dogs.  Since I don’t know a lot about them, I’m not going to write much about them here.

Some websites list head collars and harnesses as types of collars too.  For the sake of this post, I’m only going to refer to collars that go around a dog’s neck.

Dogs, like people, have sensitive necks.

My own dogs are always walked on harnesses that are designed to avoid putting pressure on their delicate necks.  I always recommend harnesses for walking dogs, but that doesn’t mean I don’t use collars too.  My dogs wear collars as a form of ID.  Although they are both micro-chipped, for someone to get their microchip info they’d have to be scanned by a vet or shelter.  Collars equipped with clear ID info can be easily and quickly read by anyone.

My boys’ collars, knock on wood, have never come in handy as a form of ID because I’m very careful to make sure they never have any opportunities to wander.  But you never know what’s going to happen, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.  Plus, I do have fun picking out cute collars for my dogs.

Do you and your dog(s) prefer any specific type or brand of collar?