Personal Finances

Can You Claim Pets on Your Taxes?

With tax season around the corner, many of us are digging through last year’s receipts and wondering what might qualify as a deduction. And if you’re a pet owner, you’ve probably joked about claiming your dog or cat as a dependent. Sadly, the IRS does not usually share that sense of humor.

In most cases, pets do not qualify for tax deductions. But there are a few important exceptions.

If you have a service animal that assists with a disability, some of the related costs may be deductible. This can include expenses for training, food, supplies, and veterinary care. These fall under unreimbursed medical expenses, which may be deductible if they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income.

Animals that have a job can also qualify in certain situations. Think working farm animals, security animals, or animals used for pest control. In those cases, some of the costs associated with their care may count as business expenses.

If you foster dogs or cats for a registered 501(c)(3) rescue organization, you may be able to deduct unreimbursed expenses as charitable contributions.

And yes, even social media famous pets can sometimes qualify. If your pet earns income through sponsorships, ads, or modeling, some of their upkeep costs may be considered ordinary and necessary business expenses.

The rules can get a little tricky, so if you think any of this might apply to you, it’s always smart to check in with a tax professional before filing.