When my beloved dog needed emergency spleen surgery, we were shocked by the out-of-pocket costs from taxes. Despite having pet insurance, Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on veterinary services amounted to nearly $2,000. Since insurance doesn’t cover HST, this additional expense effectively doubled our costs at the worst possible time.

Sadly, many families in this situation would have had to make the heartbreaking choice to euthanize rather than go through with the procedure. In our case, the tumour turned out to be benign, and our dog is now expected to live a normal life. But if we had made the unbearable decision to euthanize, it would have been entirely unnecessary! 

The problem? Under the Excise Tax Act, veterinary services are subject to HST, unlike human healthcare, which is tax-exempt. This outdated policy drives up costs for pet owners, forcing many to delay or forgo medical care for their animals. Even those with pet insurance often find themselves paying significantly more than expected, as most insurers don’t cover HST.

A 2017 report by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association found that 65% of Canadians have pet insurance, yet they still struggle with affordability. Meanwhile, veterinary care for livestock is already tax-exempt, highlighting a clear inconsistency in tax policy.

The Impact of HST on Veterinary Care

1. Increased financial burden: Many families face thousands in unexpected costs, even with insurance.
2. Delayed or avoided medical care: High costs lead to untreated illnesses and suffering.
3. More pets surrendered to shelters: Families unable to afford care are forced to give up their pets.
4. Public health risks: Fewer vaccinations and parasite treatments put communities at risk.

The Solution
We are calling on the Government of Canada to remove HST from veterinary services by amending the Excise Tax Act to recognize pet healthcare as an essential service. This would:

1. Make veterinary care more affordable for millions of pet owners.
2. Encourage responsible pet ownership by improving access to routine and emergency care.
3. Reduce shelter intake and euthanasia rates.
4. Support public health by ensuring more pets receive necessary medical treatment.

Take Action

Sign the petition today to exempt Veterinary Services from HST and help make veterinary care more affordable for all Canadian pet owners!