The HAPPY Act may bring tax credits for our four-legged friends

Missy Woodward interviews US Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI, who has introduced the HAPPY Act to provide a $3500 tax credit for pet and veterinary care. HR 3501, or the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow individuals a deduction of up to $3500 a year for qualified pet care expenses. Qualified expenses would be amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet. The pet must be a legally owned, domesticated, live animal. Animals used in research or business would not qualify for the deduction. The HAPPY Act may be welcome news to cat owners. The ASPCA estimates yearly expenses for one cat at nearly $700, and if the cat is a senior, has any health problems, or suffers an injury, the cost could be much higher. Individuals involved in animal rescue could benefit greatly by these allowable expense deductions as medical care is very costly and this could aid in the rescue of more animals from our nation’s overcrowded shelters. Individuals concerned about adopting animals during these difficult economic times could then move forward and save a life due to this tax break on qualified pet care. A win-win for humans and animals. The bill is currently with the House Ways and Means Committee. To further support this bill, please write your Congressman and urge them to co-sponsor / support the bill.

I've added a tracker to the side bar of my blog which updates on the status of the bill. You can also find out the exact details of the bill by following the link...its a very quick read and not confusing. The bill has been around for a while now, I'm just hoping that this actually passes instead of getting passed over and seen as unimportant. The only help we can offer is to contact our Representatives...so here are a few links for you:


Senator Dianne Feinstein (Democrat • California • 4th Term • Sworn In 1992)

Official website: http://feinstein.senate.gov/

Address:
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Phone: 202-224-3841
Fax: 202-228-3954

Senator Barbara Boxer (Democrat • California • 8th Term • Sworn In 1983)

Official website: http://boxer.senate.gov

Address:
112 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Phone: 202-224-3553
Fax: 202-224-0454

You can find other Representatives by following this link.