I am a pet owner, and like many others, my pets are more than just animals; they are my family. I have three dogs who I love dearly. They are my children and maintaining their health and wellbeing is a significant part of my expenses. The costs for their food, veterinary bills, grooming - it all adds up quickly. It's not different from the costs associated with raising human children, yet we can claim our human dependents on our taxes but not our furry ones.

This discrepancy in tax law seems unfair given that an estimated 67% of U.S households (or about 85 million families) own a pet according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). These families incur substantial expenses annually for the care and upkeep of their pets.

We believe that it's time for change. Our pets play an integral role in our lives; they provide companionship, emotional support, and even health benefits such as reduced stress levels. Given these contributions and the financial burden associated with pet ownership, we propose that tax laws be revised to allow us to claim our pets as dependents.

Join us in advocating for this change by signing this petition today! Let's work together to recognize pets' rightful place within our families – both emotionally and financially!