It is my understanding that tax deductions for children were initially established to encourage Americans to have children and grow the population. It's understandable as the costs associated with raising a child are significant.

In a world with people abandoning their pets due to lack of resources to properly care for them, and shelters at maximum capacity with high kill rates, I propose tax deductions for family pets (much like those allowed for children).  Not so that we can increase the population, but so that we can love and care for the already existing population.

The costs of caring for an animal are extensive: food, medical care, flea treatment, vaccinations, training, dog walking, boarding, grooming, toys. These costs are a huge factor for families and individuals when considering to welcome a new pet into their home (or to give one up).

I believe the benefits of a tax deduction would help families, help the animals, help our communities, and could  even ease the over-population and lack of resources at local shelters.