Can You Write Off Vet Bills on Taxes?

Pet parents know how much joy and happiness their fur babies brings into their life. But they don’t always think about the high cost of pet ownership. Which leads many to wonder, “Can you write off vet bills on taxes?”

The quick answer is, not every household will be able to write off expenses related to veterinary medicine. Having said that, there are a variety of ways to either make money with your fur baby, use them in a small business, or for a charitable or medical reason.

Keep reading to learn about some legitimate tax strategies you may be able to use to get some of that money back you have spent on vet bills!

5 Ways to Write Off Those Vet Bills on Your Taxes!

Do you – or can you – legitimately use your fur baby in your business? Here are some ways other pet parents use their dog or cat in their business to be able to then write off a portion of their expenses.

Guard Dogs

Keeping property and employees safe is a top priority for any business owner. One of the best security measures used for hundreds, if not thousands of years, is using a security dog. 

Simply having a dog onsight -even a small one – that will bark loudly at any noise or intruder can be effective. If you have a sizable dog that looks intimidating, even better.

Not only can a guard dog detect intruders or potential security threats, but simply having one on sight can be a major deterrent to criminal activity. And the IRS has long recognized the use of security dogs as valid business expenses. Even home offices may be able to write off pup expenses if their office is the site of personal, private client files.

If your pup legitimately serves as a security dog, then expenses related to caring for them, such as food, bedding, boarding, and grooming supplies, including veterinary care and medication, may be deductible.

Pest Control

For many businesses, a pest-free environment is crucial. This is particularly true for those in the food service or hospitality business. And one of the most effective methods of pest control is the use of cats. In fact, distillery cats have a long history in the whiskey business.

Cats are natural hunters. If you have any cats in your life, they may have very well left you a dead mouse in your slipper, or part of a dead bird near your flower garden. 

And guess what? The IRS recognizes the use of cats as a valid business expense for pest control purposes. A well-known example of this is Disney’s use of cats for pest control. That’s right, there are about 200 feral cats living in Disneyland for the specific reason of keeping away the varmints!

To claim a business expense deduction for a cat, it must be primarily used for business purposes and be considered an ordinary and necessary business expense. Specifically, you must demonstrate how the cat helps control pests at your business location and how this protects your products or inventory from potential damage. Be prepared to provide detailed records and explanations justifying the cat’s role in your business operations.

Working Animals

Many different types of businesses use working animals on a daily basis. For instance, dogs are often used on farms and ranches to herd livestock. In fact, their job is ESSENTIAL for the business to operate. 

Here are some other examples of working animals that may be able to have part of their expenses deducted:

• Event Business: A drug-sniffing canine can be a valuable asset for maintaining a safe and secure environment at events.
• Wedding Business: Doves symbolize love and purity, making them a classic and elegant addition to wedding ceremonies.
• Physical Therapy or Nursing Home: Therapy animals offer companionship, emotional support, and can aid in physical rehabilitation for patients.
• Yoga Business: Goats provide a unique and entertaining experience for yoga practitioners, adding a playful element to the practice.

Advertising

We all love those commercials or magazine ads that use adorable dogs and cats to promote their business. Pets are a great way to attract attention to your own business, and if you use your fur baby in your advertising strategy, you may be able to write off some of their expenses. Advertisements could be on printed material, your logo, on signs or your website, and/or used throughout social media. Some business owners even bring their fur babies to special events like trade shows, which can be an impactful way to attract attention and promote your brand. 

Foster and Rescue

Devoted foster and rescue parents know the incredible impact they make on animals’ lives. Fortunately, you might be able to offset some of your expenses through tax deductions.

To maximize your potential tax benefits, follow these steps:

1. Partner with a Reputable Organization: Ensure you’re working with a legitimate 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on animal rescue or fostering.
2. Consult with a Tax Professional: Work closely with your tax advisor and the charity to determine the most effective way to claim deductions. This might involve making donations to the charity and having them reimburse you for expenses.
3. Meticulous Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of all expenses related to fostering or rescuing animals, including medical bills, medications, transportation, supplies, and equipment.

Commonly deductible expenses typically include:

• Veterinary care
• Medications
• Adoption fees
• Transportation costs (gas, mileage)
• Supplies (food, litter, toys)
• Equipment (crates, kennels)

By following these steps and working closely with your chosen charity, you can potentially turn your passion for animal welfare into valuable tax savings.

Final Thoughts

Can you write off vet bills on taxes? Yes, there are some legitimate ways you can deduct those expenses and more. Be sure to speak with your own accountant to see what you may qualify for.

Pet Insurance: Another Way to Recoup Those Vet Bills

Another way to get paid back on those expensive vet bills is to enroll your fur baby into a pet insurance plan. Many plans will reimburse you for up to 90% of qualified expenses. This allows you to give your baby the care they need when they need it while giving yourself peace of mind.

References:

1. https://smartasset.com/personal-finance/when-are-pet-expenses-tax-deductible
2. https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/tax-help/jh-tax-talk/how-to-claim-your-pet-on-your-taxes/
3. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-ways-you-can-write-off-your-pets-on-your-taxes-165104458.html?

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.