Pet owners - Support the HAPPY Act!

[TMW2010]

ASPCA - Support the HAPPY Act

U.S. Representative Thaddeus McCotter has introduced the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY” Act, legislation to allow individuals to claim tax deductions for qualified pet care expenses. The bill would allow any taxpayer who legally owns one or more domesticated animals to take an annual income tax deduction of up to $3,500 for pet care expenses, including veterinary care costs.

Pet care can be expensive—and in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship. The HAPPY Act is important because it will help Americans provide their pets with the medical attention and quality of life they deserve, while also ensuring that more pets get to remain in their loving homes and don’t wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system.

I don't know about anyone else, but there's been few times in my life where I've gone an extended time without at least one pet roaming around at my heels. Currently, we've got two dogs, a lab-weimaraner mix, and a Great Dane (that's her in my pic) who just turned one.

There's been several studies done on the beneficial effects of pets on their owners including health and happiness including those done by UCal-Berkely, the University of Cambridge and at other research institutes across the world including University of Turku, in Finland.

This bill was introduced to Congress in July of last year, and its been sitting. Even if you're not a pet owner/lover, there are likely people you know who are, there's really not a losing situation to show your support. Even if you lean democrat (yes, this bill was brought forward by a repulican,) pets don't have political pursuasions, and this shouldn't be looked at as a partisan issue, either.

Support the HAPPY Act!

Thanks
-Todd

[P00057870]

Todd,

Thanks for bringing to our attention. Pets have also been shown to be very beneficial to the elderly and those who suffer from depression. They never judge and will love you unconditionally. The one problem is that the expense of feeding and caring for their health sure can add up.

This is one that I have never heard about.