Pet owners scrolling social media this tax season might have seen chatter circulating about a so-called “pet tax credit” that would allow claiming dogs or cats as dependents on taxes. With petflation outpacing overall inflation by 1.4% over the past 5 years, the viral misinformation has sparked confusion among pet owners hoping to offset the rising costs of pet care.

As far as many pet owners are concerned, fur babies come with a similar financial responsibility as human dependents, from food to healthcare and toys to daycare. In 2024, Americans spent an average of $318 a month on their pets — that’s more than utilities ($260), personal care ($258), and gas ($203). But can you claim your dog on your taxes? It depends.

While no broad pet tax credit exists, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does allow pet owners to deduct certain pet-related expenses in limited circumstances. Here’s everything there is to know about when pet expenses are tax-deductible.

Read more: Inflation-induced cutbacks? Not for Fido

Are pet expenses tax deductible?

The IRS does not recognize pets as dependents, and most pet-related expenses are considered personal and non-deductible. However, there are some cases in which Americans can write off pet expenses on their taxes:

Foster pets

If you work with a qualified 501(c)(3) organization to foster an animal, you may be able to deduct unreimbursed expenses as a charitable contribution. This can include things like food, pet supplies, training, veterinary bills, and donations. If you make any trips for the organization, like transporting an animal to the vet, keep track of your mileage. You can deduct eligible miles at 14 cents per mile as a charitable contribution.¹

Service animals

If your pet legally qualifies as a service animal, like a guide dog, you can typically include the costs of buying, training, and maintaining a service animal as part of your itemized medical expenses. This applies to animals trained to assist a visually impaired or hearing disabled person, or a person with other physical disabilities.²

You should only include expenses relating to the health and wellness of the service animal, which enable them to perform their duties. Unreimbursed medical expenses are only deductible once they exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), found on line 11 of your 2024 Form 1040.³

Business use

You may be able to claim pet-related costs as a standard business expense if your pet earns income as a performer — perhaps if your pet works in film, TV, commercials or social media — or if they serve as a guard dog for your business.⁴

Read more: Nearly 2 in 5 Americans say their pets make them more financially responsible

How to claim pet expenses on your taxes

If your pet is a foster or service animal, or integral to a business, be sure to keep itemized receipts of any qualifying expenses you intend to deduct on your tax return. A tax professional can provide guidance on qualifying expenses and how you can lower your tax liability.  

FAQs on deducting pet expenses

Can I claim my emotional support dog on my taxes?

Emotional support animals who solely provide comfort or emotional support are generally considered pets and do not qualify as service animals, meaning you typically cannot deduct pet-related expenses for them from your taxes.⁵ The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct expenses for service animals who are specially trained to perform a specific job task to help with physical disabilities.

Are vet bills tax deductible?

You may be able to deduct pet medical expenses on your taxes if your pet is a legal service animal, a foster for which you have unreimbursed medical expenses, or has a business use. Vet bills are not tax deductible for all other pets.

Is pet insurance tax deductible?

Pet insurance can be tax deductible if your pet is a service animal or performs in a way that contributes to your annual income. Pet insurance is not tax deductible for all other pets.

Read more: The pros and cons of pet insurance

The bottom line

Most pet owners won’t qualify for any tax benefits related to their pets, but there are options available for those with foster pets, service animals, and performance animals. If you’re unsure about potential deductions, contact a tax professional for guidance.