Can you Write off Pet Surgery?

If you recently took your pet in for a surgical procedure, you may have been shocked with the price tag. You may also be wondering if there is any way to save on this expense come tax season. While a write off is possible, it’s typically only under specific circumstances.

Writing off Pet Expenses

You may be able to write off some of your pet expenses come tax season, given you meet specific conditions.  Some conditions may include:

• If you have a service animal: Owners of service animals, such as guide dogs, may be able to claim a deduction on services such as their surgery. Vet bills can potentially be claimed for service animals as long as there is documentation from medical personnel.
• If you foster an animal: Volunteers who keep foster pets may be eligible for tax deductions. A non-profit organization that is registered and helps foster animals may get tax write-offs if their animals require veterinary services such as surgery. 
• Business Animals: The IRS may allow you to deduct pet expenses if your animal protects your business. As long as the dog is a certain breed and spends most of its time protecting the business property, any pet-related expense could potentially be considered a write off.
• A Profession: If your dog makes you money, then it’s likely going to be considered a business. If the dog needs surgery, it's possible this could be written off.
  

As you can see, there are some ways that pet surgery may be able to be written off come tax season. If you think you fall in any of the guidelines mentioned above, consider talking with your accountant come tax time for more information.