For millions of Americans, pets are family. When a pet becomes sick or injured, veterinary bills can quickly reach hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Families are often forced to make difficult financial decisions at the exact moment their pet needs care the most. Congress already has a bipartisan bill that could help: the People and Animals Well-being Act, H.R. 1842, also known as the PAW Act. The PAW Act would allow Americans to use certain HSA and FSA funds toward qualified veterinary care and pet health insurance expenses. This is not about asking the government to pay for our pets. It is about allowing Americans to use more of their own tax-advantaged savings to help care for the animals who depend on them. We are asking Congress to support and advance H.R. 1842, the PAW Act, so pet owners have greater financial flexibility when facing veterinary expenses. If you believe Americans should have more freedom to use their own HSA and FSA money to care for their pets, please sign this petition and share it with other pet owners. Pass the PAW Act.

This petition is not asking the government to give people money. It is not asking for a handout. We work for my HSA funds. That money is part of our compensation and belongs to us.

I like many other Americans,  pay thousands and thousands of dollars in taxes every year in New Jersey. I pay taxes on practically every part of my life. So yes, I question why, if I am healthy one year and don’t need to use my HSA funds for myself, I shouldn’t have the option to use some of that money toward veterinary care for my pet.

So what happens if someone has money sitting in their HSA, they’re healthy, and suddenly their dog becomes seriously ill and needs thousands of dollars in surgery or medical treatment? Amd what if they’re struggling financially and can’t dip into their savings that particular year. Why should they not even have the choice to use some of their OWN accumulated funds toward that expense simply because their family member happens to have four legs instead of two?

People can absolutely argue that HSA money receives a tax advantage and therefore should remain limited to human medical expenses. Fine. That is an actual argument, and I am willing to have that discussion.

There are tax breaks, deductions, benefits, and advantages built into countless areas of our tax system. People benefit from them in all kinds of different circumstances.

 I am simply asking whether pet owners should also be allowed a limited amount of flexibility with money they have already earned and saved in their own HSA accounts.