Having a dog is oddly similar to having a kid. They’re cute, but expensive. And when tax season rolls around, most of the money you spend on food, vet bills, grooming, and toys doesn’t automatically translate into tax breaks. That said, under specific circumstances, the IRS does allow certain dog-related expenses to reduce your tax burden. Here’s how it works.

Pets Are Not Dependents

First important point: you cannot claim your dog as a dependent on your tax return. Pets simply don’t fit the IRS definitions of dependents (which are limited to qualifying children or relatives). So, even though we think of them as our children, we can’t officially qualify them as such.

When Dog Expenses Can Be Tax-Deductible

Service Animals

If your dog is a certified service animal that performs specific tasks to assist with a medical disability, many of the costs associated with owning and caring for that animal may be deductible as a medical expense, but only if you itemize deductions on Schedule A.

Qualifying service animals (like guide dogs or seizure alert dogs) may allow deductions for:

• Purchase or adoption costs
• Training
• Veterinary Care
•  Food and Supplies
• Grooming (if required for functionality)

To qualify, the IRS requires proof, typically a doctor’s note confirming medical necessity, and these expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) to be deducted on Schedule A. It’s important to note that everyday dogs that provide comfort or companionship, including emotional support animals, generally do not meet IRS criteria for medical deductions unless documented by a physician as medically necessary.

Dogs Used for Business Purposes

If your dog works as part of a legitimate business, related expenses may be deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses. This can include dogs that:

• Herd livestock on a farm
• Serve in security roles
• Protect inventory or business property (rare cases)

For such claims, detailed records showing that the animal’s role is integral to business operations are essential. Many typical personal pet costs become deductible only when directly connected to income-producing activities.

Dogs That Earn Money

If your dog actually generates income, for example:

• Appearing in commercials or films
• Being an influencer or monetized social media
• Earning sponsorships

If you’re raising your pup to be a star, you could treat your dog’s care as a business expense. In that case, food, grooming, vet care, and training costs that support income production may be deductible on your business tax return.

Here’s a fun list of famous dogs that would fit this requirement!

Charitable & Foster Situations

If you foster dogs for a qualified 501(c)(3) rescue or animal nonprofit and pay out-of-pocket for their care without reimbursement, some of those costs (food, vet bills, mileage for rescue work, etc.) may be deductible as charitable contributions, as long as the organization itself qualifies with the IRS.

What You Can’t Claim

In most cases, normal pet care, even for beloved dogs, is not deductible. This includes:

• Ordinary food and treats
• Routine veterinary bills
• Grooming, toys, and boarding
• Pet insurance premiums
• Emotional support animals (unless medically prescribed with documentation)

How to Claim These Deductions

If you think you qualify under one of the special scenarios above, keep detailed records and receipts for all deductible costs. Be prepared to itemize deductions if you’re claiming medical or charitable expenses. For business or income-producing deductions, consult the rules around business expense reporting. And always consult a tax professional to ensure compliance with IRS requirements before you file.

Owning a dog might not come with automatic tax perks, but in some cases, such as when your pup helps with medical needs, business, or charitable work, certain expenses can be deductible. For most pet parents, the daily costs of treats, toys, and vet visits are simply part of the joy and chaos of having a furry companion. At the end of the day, love does not come with a receipt, but it is priceless.