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HAPPY Act: $3,500 Pet Care Expenses Deduction (Proposed)
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Wouldn’t you throw your support behind something called the HAPPY Act? I know I would, it sounds so… cheery!
It exists and it’s a bill that has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI). The Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, H.R. 3501, would offer a $3,500 tax deduction for qualified pet care expenses. A qualified pet is a “legally owned, domesticated, live animal” that isn’t used for research or business. Expenses cover pet products, service, veterinary visits, and basically anything that is related to the care of a pet.
It seems like a difficult time to be introducing this bill when we have so many other economic issues to deal with but it sure is sweet. 
First reaction: Frivolous deficit spending? Or legitimate deduction we should entertain?
{ 109 comments, please add your thoughts now! }
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As much as I like the idea of being able to deduct more expenses that I incur by having pets, I have a feeling that this would be a nightmare to manage.
Also, there isn’t anything better we could be spending our taxes on, or reducing the taxes on something else, like gas?
Pets are great but this really doesn’t seem like something the government needs to be subsidizing.
Aniamls are a sence of therapy… If the government can legalize medicinal marijuana they can pass this.
This guy is an example of why we need term limits! If they won’t do it, then the voters will have to. Argh! Absolutely absurd.
There is a tax break for a bunch of crap… Why not for our fuzzy babies that have unconditional love? What is wrong with you? half of the tax breaks are BS… this one is a good idea.
Now you know why Michigan is so messed up — we have reps like this guy!
There is a tax break for a bunch of crap… Why not for our fuzzy babies that have unconditional love? What is wrong with you?
I’d love to have a pet deduction since I have pets, but how about applying the money to just reducing my tax bill anyway?
Still, I’m sure it’ll pass…who could vote against HAPPY Act and pets? Just think what their opponents would say in the next election.
Haha – I can just imagine the types of commercials that the political opponents of any politician who voted against this bill would run: “Senator X voted against the HAPPY Act so they must hate animals.” etc etc
I would approve of this idea if it actually encouraged people to take care of their pets properly, instead of treating them like disposable entertainment.
That said, it’s a silly idea. If you can’t afford the proper care of a pet, it’s better not to get one at all until you can, sorry. Pets are a voluntary thing, and there are probably better things this money could be spent on in these times.
If you cannot afford proper care…
That’s just ridiculous – I know that I can afford my dogs normal “proper” needs; however, when he was diagnosed with treatable cancer and the bills came in at $1000 to $2000 each visit it’s more than just proper care.
There needs to be restrictions on this but I think something does need to be set up for our furkids. Maybe showing proof of vet care & only being able to deduct up to the $3500?
I don’t care about the money myself (much)- I’d much rather see them come out with tougher laws/regulations on breeding, fighting, neglect, abuse, etc.
I have to disagree with you. Alot of families out there want to love and provide care for many abandoned, and mistreated pets… due to the economy many pets die. You saying that you are an accessory to murder sad but true
Makes me sick… animals are innocent, and need love and care
I like this idea a lot, especially if it means more animals get adopted from shelters. Speaking as the owner of 3 dogs, this would help a lot! It would probably be a PITA to manage and monitor though. The idea is finally one that benefits real people and not large, faceless corporations.
Its already bad enough that a large percentage of folks don’t have any tax liability, we certainly don’t need to add this.
I know some folks are likely to argue that pets are the same as ‘dependents’. Maybe so, in some ways, but I don’t see them deserving a tax break like this.
Would this count for my “pet” cow I’m raising for beef (to eat, not sell)?
Seriously though, I agree that our tax system shouldn’t be subsidizing pet care costs. I hope this doesn’t pass!
How about allowing them to deduct qualified expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI… as currently applies to residents and citizens of the US.
Of course I’m being facetious! As much as I love my pets, if we can’t agree on health care for humans… we really shouldn’t even pry open this can of worms yet.
So what’s the real intent here?
This would be great for my family, but I don’t think this is a huge issue that the government should be focusing its attention on. But I do like the name!
I don’t think there should be a deduction for children, let alone pets – although I’d love the break (2 cats, 1 dog).
As the caretaker for a dog and 2 cats, this would be wonderful. Vet expenses have been climbing drastically over the years.
Is this for real? I find it slightly ridiculous. $3,500 is ALOT of money. This, but we can’t find money to reduce college costs or fund a health care bill? I love my pets as much as the next person, but no thanks.
You really don’t love animals then
I have 2 dogs and a cat and I certainly wouldn’t turn down the deduction if it passed and I was eligible but I am not really sure owning pets is something that government should go out of its way to incentivize when there area already tons of other things in the tax code that they should be fixing (i.e. like the incentive to NOT get married because there are bigger tax breaks to just live together without tying the knot).
I love companion animals, but this proposal is much more than frivolous. It’s an open invitation for all those tax cheats to cheat even more.
How about we implement the fair tax and then this becomes a non-issue?
I love the absurdity around finding ways to tax people, and then applying “credits” that make people say “oh wow – great!”
Every time I think the government has come up with the most ridiculous way to spend our money, along comes an idea even more ridiculous than the last. It’s as if many view the government as one big ATM.
@Thomas
The “fair tax” ain’t fair. And, there is NO way the congress critters will allow the repeal of the 16th Amendment. Don’t trust these snakes when it comes to stealing what is ours. No, we have to block them at every attempt to get “new sources of revenue”. Then, when they are under pressure, we need to force them to cut gooferment. Drastically.
Sounds good to me. I spend $500 a month on doggie day care and a tax break would help a lot. Let’s hope it passes.
I just sent him this. You guys should send him stuff too.
Congressman McCotter:
I have just become aware of the bill ntroduced by you, H. R. 3501, the “HAPPY” bill allowing $3500 deductions for pet expenses. I own 2 dogs and 1 cat requiring medication and would be able to make significant deductions if this bill were passed. That being said, this bill pisses me off – I can’t believe that with this country in the worst financial shape it has EVER been in, you are introducing additional
frivolous spending when you should be tyring to figure out ways to reduce spending. It’s like you are sitting around brainstorming new creative ways to increase expenditures. So dissapointed. I’ll be going out of my
way to vote for your opponent next election.
Why? look at the other BS bills they pass. This one benefits mans best friends and you are opposed? Take what you can get to make your fuzzy babies lives better, because half of the shit we will NEVER see.
Ridiculous – unless it is limited to service animals.
I love my cats, but this seems ridiculous to me.
I like it. For me it would be an incentive to take in more abandoned animals. I won’t say how many are living with me because I don’t want people to gasp and call me crazy.
Okay I am curious how many pets do you have?