Every tax season, pet owners ask the same question, “Can I claim my dog or cat on my taxes?”
While most pet related expenses are considered personal and not deductible under IRS guidelines, there are limited but important exceptions. In 2025 and looking ahead to tax year 2026, certain pet owners may qualify for deductions or credits if their animals serve a specific, documentable purpose.
This guide breaks down the three main categories where you may be eligible for pet tax deductions. Outlines the status of proposed state-level credits, and answers commonly searched questions like:
- Can you claim pets on taxes?
- Can I claim my dog as a dependent?
- Is there a tax write off for pets?
- Do emotional support animals qualify for tax deductions?
Let’s dive into to clarify what is changing at the state level in 2026, what the IRS allows and what is still not deductible.
Summary: What Pet Owners Need to Know for Taxes in 2025
| Category | Deductables | Requirement |
| Service Animals | Yes | Medical needs and itemize deductions |
| Emotional support animals | No | Not IRS-Approved |
| Business Animals | Yes | Legitimate business use and records |
| Foster Pets | Yes | 501(c)(3) and unreimbursed expenses |
| House Hold Pets | No | Routine costs not deductible |
| New York tax credit 2026 | Pending | State law, not federal |
Medical Expense Deduction for Service Animals
The IRS allows a deduction for certain qualified medical expenses, and that can include a service animal if it assists with a diagnosed physical disability or medical condition. This is covered under IRS Publication 502.
Eligible Deductions:
- Cost of purchasing or adopting the service animal
- Professional training
- Food and grooming
- Veterinary care and medicine
Requirements:
- You must have a documented medical requirement, like a letter from a licensed physician.
- You must itemize deductions on Schedule A.
- Only the amount of your medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI is deductible, even if those expenses include a qualified service animal.
Emotional Support Animal Tax Deduction:
Emotional support animals are not considered service animals under IRS rules and generally do not qualify for medical tax deductions. Although often helpful for mental health!
Business Expense Deduction for Working Animals
The IRS may allow you to deduct related expenses as a business expense under Schedule C business tax preparation. If you use a pet for a legitimate business purpose.
Eligible Situations:
- A guard dog used to protect business premises (as a warehouse or junkyard)
- A cat used for pest control in a commercial location (a farm, store, or restaurant)
Deductible Costs:
- Purchase or adoption fee (possibly depreciated as a business asset)
- Food
- Training
- Veterinary expenses
- Insurance (if applicable)
Requirements:
- The animal must serve a clearly defined business purpose
- You must keep detailed records of the animal’s role, location, and related expenses
- The deduction must be reasonable and necessary for the business
Charitable Deduction for Foster Pets
If you foster animals through a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, you can claim a personal tax deduction for unreimbursed out of pocket expenses as a charitable contribution when doing your tax preparation.
Deductible Expenses:
- Veterinary bills
- Food, supplies, and medicine
- Mileage for transportation related to the organization’s work (at the IRS charitable rate)
Requirements:
- The rescue or shelter must be a qualified 501(c)(3) charity.
- You must itemize deductions.
- You must receive no reimbursement from the organization.
Adoption Note:
If you adopt the pet yourself, the adoption fee is not deductible only the costs incurred while fostering.
New York State Pet Tax Credit (Proposed for 2026)
While federal law doesn’t provide a general pet tax deduction, New York State may soon become the first to offer a pet tax credit to regular pet owners.
Assembly Bill 5340 (Pending):
- Offers a credit of up to $900 per household
- Applies to up to two dogs or cats
Proposed Breakdown:
- Up to $150 per pet for everyday expenses (food, toys, grooming)
- Up to $300 per pet for medical and veterinary costs
Status:
New York taxpayers should monitor its progress throughout 2026. As the proposal is still under review!
Final Thoughts on Pet Tax Deductions
Everyday pet expenses are not usually tax deductible, but there are some important exceptions. You can claim some deductions, if:
- Your pet is a service animal
- Used for business
- You are fostering through a registered nonprofit
Just be sure to keep good records and itemize your deductions when you file. While regular pets don’t qualify for federal tax credits, some states like New York could offer new credits soon.
Tax King Service is here to help you navigate the rules and get the most out of your tax return. If you are unsure about what you can claim, contact us for expert tax preparation assistance!
FAQs
Generally, you can not claim! Unless your pet is a qualified service animal, used in a business, or is being fostered through a registered charity.
No. Emotional support animals do not qualify for the medical expense deduction under IRS rules.
No. Pets are not dependents. They are considered property. The IRS only allows human dependents.
No. There is currently no federal credit for household pet expenses in 2025.
Yes, you can claim! If you are using animals for business purposes, like guarding a commercial property or pest control. Keep detailed records and ensure the role is legitimate.
Yes, if you’re working with a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and not reimbursed. You must itemize deductions and document all costs.
