Paw-paring for Tax Write-offs
By: The Muttly Crew
Video: FRR Show (Furry Friends Can Fetch Tax Deductions)
Since we started covering the topic of pet tax deductions and the desire for pet tax credits years ago, some expenses have become widely accepted in 2025. Although pets cannot be reported as dependents to the IRS, many deduction possibilities exist. Paw-rents with working, service, competitive, or performance animals may take deductions. Volunteers, foster parents, and people moving for work or relocating for the armed forces also may have write-offs.
Paw-lease keep these expenses in mind as you read this article! Veterinary care.
Food necessities Boarding
Pet supplies Transporation
Training Pet Insurance
Grooming Pet Clothing & Accessories for photo/video shoots/events
Here are some common tax deductions:
Service Animals
If your pet helps you in a medical capacity or performs services, you may be able to claim medical expense deductions. You can write off the costs for keeping therapy or emotional support animals. You must be able to show proof that your animal helps you treat a diagnosed mental or physical need.
Working Animals
Business owners may be able to get a tax deduction if the pet provides a service to the business and the costs of keeping the pet are necessary to operate the business. Examples of working animals would be a guard dog or a cat to chase away rodents.
Performance Animals
If your pets’ performances earn you income on social media, TV and film, advertisements (modeling) and competitions (dog shows), you may be able to claim their bills as business expenses. Whether they are chewing in front of a ring light or are a furry extra on a movie set, they may be able to help. Keep detailed records of bills related to your pet and the activity that earns income. Their earnings may be counted as part of your income.
Fostering Pets
If you foster animals from a qualified non-profit, the expense you pay caring for the foster animals may qualify as a charitable donation. Many fosters help with costs like food and medical care. But if you pay for any necessity it may be a tax-deductible expense.
Volunteering
If you volunteer at animal shelters or rescue organizations, you can deduct fuel costs. This only applies to driving done during your service for the organization. Your commute to and from the organization does not count. Keep track of your mileage.
Pet-Related Moving Expenses
If you’re an active-duty military member relocating due to orders, pet moving costs can still be claimed as part of expenses. This includes transportation fees and required health certifications for travel. Keep in mind the new job location must be at least 50 miles away from your previous place of work.
Pet trusts and Estate planning
If you’re setting up a pet trust, legal fees associated with establishing the trust may be deductible.
Overall, you should check out if it makes more sense to take a standard deduction or itemized deductions. The standard deduction lowers income by one fixed amount. Itemized deductions are a list of eligible expenses. Pet expenses will be itemized. You can claim whichever deduction reduces your tax bill the most. So sniff out the amount you can claim for either scenario and see what is better for you. It’s a woofin good idea to refer to irs.gov for more details and ask your accountant for advice.