I have a question about deducting medical expenses for pets. Can I deduct medical expenses for my pets if I itemize my tax return?

Unfortunately, deducting medical expenses for pets is not allowed as a medical expense on your tax return. The only exception would be if your pet is a certified service animal, like a guide dog.

If you have a physical disability or are hearing or visually impaired, you can deduct medical expenses for your pets if they are certified service animals. Expenses that may be covered include purchasing, training and maintenance of the animal which includes food, grooming and medical car.

Therapy animals are not considered certified service animals by the IRS. For more information about deducting medical expenses for pets (service animals) visit Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses.

If you do have a certified service animal, you can include can deduct the associated costs with owning and caring for the animal on your Schedule A under medical expenses. Some of these medical expenses and associated expenses may include the following:

• Buying
• Training
• Grooming
• Maintaining
• Veterinary Services