Our fur babies can’t be claimed as dependents but we can now use expenses as tax deductions.

Service animal medical expenses

The biggest category of eligibility is for owners of a certified service animal, like a guide dog for the visually impaired. For these owners the costs of the guide dog may count as medical expenses, meaning that they are tax deductible.

The IRS allows expenses like veterinary care, training and maintenance for service animals used to help a legitimate medical condition.

Deductions for pet-related businesses

For most people, a dog is simply another member of the family. But if you use pets in a business - a security animal on a farm, a performer in a show - the cost of keeping the pet may be tax deductible.

Again, costs for veterinary care, training and maintenance may be filed as businesses expenses if they are necessary for work.

Foster pets may be a charitable contribution

If you choose to adopt an animal from a registered non-profit organization you may be eligible for a charity deduction. In some cases the charity will cover the costs of veterinary care, training and maintenance, but if not they could be counted as a charitable contribution and therefore eligible for a deduction.

Pets moving expenses for active military

For the typical pet owner, moving costs are no longer tax deductible. However active duty military members, those who have to move due to a reassignment, can claim pet relocation costs as part of their moving expenses.