Pets Should Be Claimed as Dependants

Pets, we adopt them and bring them into our families. The very same way we would if we had adopted a child. We feed them. Take them to the vet for checkups or when they are sick Some of us even dress our dogs and cats up in those funny little outfits. We do everything for them just as we would our children.

They have the same basic needs as us. So we give them what they need and then some. Food, medications, and sometimes toys.

So then why can't we claim them? They are our dependents after all. Our pets do depend on us a lot more than some of us would like to think. They can't feed themselves. They can't walk themselves. Nor can they pick up after themselves. And they certainly can't take care of themselves when they are sick.

So, if we do all that for them, why shouldn't we be able to claim them as our dependents? If it's a matter of identification, then how about upon adopting a pet, the facility, will have to issue the pet owner an Identification card. Or we could simply use a little tag that came with them from the shelter. I am sure that no animal in the shelter was given the same tag.

To some of us our pet is our child. Our baby. And when our baby is sick, and needs a hospital do we not take them? For some of us, when we go on a vacation do we not take them along or leave them in a care facility? I know I an one who takes my beloved dog along.

I have always felt that if you take care of your pet like you do your children, then you should be able to claim them as your dependents. I am certainly not asking for a tax credit or anything like that. All I want is to be able to claim my pets as if they were my children. After all I do pay taxes on the things that they need to survive. I paid taxes on his adoption too. So why not get a little something back in return? I think it's only fair that we should be able to do so.