As Americans, it is time we reevaluate the incentives we provide through our tax system. We've been rewarding people for having children through tax breaks and incentives for far too long, effectively promoting the notion that having sex should earn you a financial reward. This isn't just problematic, but it also undermines the responsibility of parenthood and dismisses other significant contributions people make to society, like responsible pet ownership.

Pets are an integral part of The Single, Widowed and Orphaned; offering companionship, emotional support, and enhancing their quality of life. But, the costs associated with caring for a pet can be substantial—routine vet visits, vaccinations, grooming, and food can easily add up to thousands of dollars a year. In states like California and Nevada, where the cost of living is notoriously high, pet owners face significant financial burdens with little to no relief.

Meanwhile, various child tax credits, dependent deductions, and other incentives are given to people for just having children without acknowledging the deep and meaningful joys, responsibilities, and costs that only pet ownership brings. We propose a fair and equitable solution—introduce & expand tax write-offs for pet owners in California and Nevada. This could be modeled after child-related tax benefits but tailored to the needs of pet owners, including deductions for veterinary care and pet insurance costs.

By implementing such a policy for the Single, Widowed & Orphaned not only do we acknowledge the vital role pets play in our lives, but we also address the economic strain carried by those who choose to care for them instead of or in addition to having children. Let’s encourage responsible pet ownership, decrease the number of abandoned children, and ultimately, create a society that recognizes diverse contributions to our community's welfare.

Join us in encouraging state lawmakers in California and Nevada to enact bigger tax write-offs for pet owners. Sign this petition to ensure our tax dollars support a more inclusive and fair acknowledgment of family dynamics,  giving more value to those with pets instead of those who just lay in the bed and have sex.

Studies have shown pets help in reducing societal burdens by decreasing the need for mental health resources and even saving public funds by reducing stray animal populations through responsible ownership. They contribute positively to public health as studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that people with pets tend to have lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and are less likely to suffer from depression.