let the gov't help pay for your pets

[RACER X]

http://www.click2houston.com/news/20561531/detail.html

House Considers Pet Tax Deduction
By Ryan Korsgard

POSTED: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
UPDATED: 7:03 am CDT August 26, 2009

HOUSTON -- The federal government could help pay the price of caring for your pet, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

A house resolution would allow taxpayers to deduct up to $3,500 for what it considers qualified pet care expenses, like veterinary bills. It would not allow taxpayers to deduct the price of purchasing a pet.

Linda Weathersby has two dogs. She said food, treats and kennel prices add up to about $400 a month.

"To take care of them, it takes a lot of money," Weathersby said. "It's a budget expense every month and you want to make sure that your dogs are healthy. Expenses like spaying and neutering, it's not cheap."

"It's a difference between pets and people. There's a difference," Dr. Max Heimlich said.

Heimlich said he is not in favor of the deduction. He has practiced veterinary medicine for 32 years.

"When the government elevates pets to the level of humans, then I don't think that's right for the government to do that. I think, personally, that's what they're doing."