Why are Tax Credits not earned as a Pet Owner?

To be a pet owner is quite expensive. From the initial purchase of a pet until death do you part, the cost of owning a pet is costly. The fact that the government has funded agencies to help the animal population and maintain health and control as a public service makes me wonder why the taxpayer is not awarded for doing their part in being a responsible pet owner by allowing Tax credits for claiming their pet (s) as a dependent upon the household income?
Veterenarian bills are extremely expensive and there is even pet medical insurance offered to the public in case of unforseen emergencies that would otherwise render its owner helpless,financially, to their pet.
This would not happen if it were a human patient, yet, the comparison of medical proceedures between a human and that of an animal are astonishing!
Are they preying on our love of our pet? Why can the taxpayer not be given a percentage of these expenses as Tax refundable? To me, my pet is my family.

All pet owners should rally together!!

Pet ownership can not be verified on a tax return. Pets are not given any type of unique number like a SSN. Without this, everyone could claim they have 10 dogs and take deductions.

Pet ownership is viewed as a choice. When you decide to adopt a pet, you take on the bills and expenses voluntarily. The view is that while pets are nice, they don't really contribute to society. A child deduction is allowed because the child will grow up into a taxpayer. A pet never will.

I hear you about the bills though. I spent thousands on my dog when she became injured this year. When we finally agreed that it was time to put her to sleep, I was more devastated than if I had lost a human family member. I see my family a few days a year, I spent every day with my dog.

Contributions to animal shelters are tax deductible!

They may not grow up to be a potential revenue source for the government, but they are dependents. I think if there were some sort of relief for owners whether that be a tax benefit via a flexible spending account, then people would be more willing to take better care of there pets. Report It

The only people who earn tax credits are those who give the largest political contributions. You pet owners are going to have to start shelling out to the politicians. Look at the oil companies they give millions and receive back billions. Great ROI. And the drug companies. Give millions and receive back hundreds of billions. Even better ROI. And then there is Haliburton. Gave us Chaney and has received back only God knows how much.

Are you kidding...I hope so. Why should the government pay for your pet? Thats insane! If you cant afford the cost of a pet dont get one. Anyone who pays for pet insurance should get their head examined if the animal is sick put it out of its misery.

Pets are property NOT people.

And yes, it is expensive, but it is your choice. Unless your dog is a leader dog, he is an option, not a necessity.

Please, I already pay for everyone else's brats, I really don't want to pay for your dogs too.

A couple of years ago I worked in a tax office and someone came in with vet bills for medical receipts. Was that YOU?

It would be nice. My pets THINK they're people, but they're not. They can't maintain a household nor can they go out and earn income - now or in the future. They will never pay taxes and we can't get a credit for them on ours. Sorry.