U.S. representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich) has proposed a congressional bill which would give pet owners a tax deduction on certain expenses related to their animal.

House Resolution 3501, also known as “The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years” or HAPPY Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for “qualified pet care expenses.” That means you’d be able to deduct much of what you pay to provide care for your pet, including veterinary care. The deduction *would not* cover the initial expense of buying a pet.

Animals who are “legally owned, domesticated, live animals” would qualify. Deductions could not be made for animals used for research or owned or used in conjunction with a trade or business.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council has issued a PetAlert regarding the bill: http://www.pijac.org/_documents/us_hr_3501_happy_act.pdf

What do you think of this bill? We’d love to hear your comments.