Personal Pet Expenses: Generally Non-Deductible
For the average pet owner, the costs associated with dog care—such as food, grooming, veterinary bills, and pet insurance—are considered personal expenses and are not deductible on your tax return. The IRS views pets as personal property, and personal expenses do not qualify for tax deductions.
Exceptions: When Dog Care Expenses May Be Deductible
Although personal pet expenses are not deductible, there are certain circumstances where you may be able to claim deductions for dog care. Here are some scenarios where dog-related expenses could qualify for tax deductions:
Service Dogs for Medical Purposes
If you have a medically necessary service dog, you can deduct the expenses related to its care under medical expenses. This includes costs for purchasing, training, grooming, and veterinary care. To qualify, the service dog must be trained to assist with a specific medical condition, such as guiding a visually impaired person, alerting a deaf person to sounds, or helping a person with a physical disability. These expenses can be claimed as medical deductions on Schedule A, provided your total medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Guard Dogs for Business
If you own a business and use a dog to guard your business premises, the expenses for the dog’s care may be deductible as a business expense. The dog must be specifically trained as a guard dog, and its primary function must be to protect your business property.
Deductible expenses can include the cost of purchasing the dog, training, food, veterinary care, and insurance. These should be reported as business expenses on Schedule C for sole proprietors or the appropriate form for other business entities.
Dogs Used for Business Purposes
If you use a dog in your business, such as a dog employed in a hunting or breeding business, the expenses related to the dog’s care may be deductible. Like guard dogs, the dog’s role in the business must be clearly defined, and expenses must be directly related to the business use. Documenting the dog’s role and maintaining detailed records of expenses is essential for supporting your deductions.
Therapy Dogs
If you have a therapy dog used in a medical or therapeutic setting, some expenses may be deductible. This typically applies to individuals or businesses providing therapy dog services. Expenses can include training, certification, and care costs. These should be carefully documented to demonstrate the dog’s role in providing therapeutic services.
Tips for Claiming Dog Care Deductions
Maintain Detailed Records
Keep thorough records of all expenses related to your dog’s care, including receipts, invoices, and documentation of the dog’s role in your medical treatment or business operations. For medical deductions, retain documentation from your healthcare provider confirming the medical necessity of your service dog.
Separate Personal and Business Expenses
If you have a dog that serves both personal and business purposes, maintain separate records for personal and business expenses to avoid complications during an audit.
Stay Informed About Tax Laws
Tax laws and regulations can change, impacting the deductibility of certain expenses. Staying informed about current tax laws can help you make informed decisions about claiming deductions.
Talk to Our Tax Experts
Navigating tax deductions for dog care expenses can be complex. Consulting with a tax professional can help ensure you comply with IRS regulations and take a bite out of your tax obligation. Our team is doggone good—and we’re here to help!