Can You Claim Your Pet as a Tax Dependent?

Ever glanced at your pet’s vet bills, grooming expenses, and premium food costs and thought, “This pet is practically my dependent!”? You’re not alone. A New York attorney is attempting this exact argument in federal court.

In December 2025, attorney Amanda Reynolds filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against the IRS, seeking to have her golden retriever, Finnegan, recognized as a legal dependent for federal tax purposes.

While the case may seem unconventional, it raises a question many taxpayers ponder: Are pet expenses deductible? If not, why?

Here’s the current status of the lawsuit, the legal standing on tax deductions, and situations where tax benefits for animals are allowed.

The Legal Arguments: Why My Dog Qualifies as a Dependent

Reynolds argues Finnegan matches the IRS’s criteria for dependents as he:

  • lives with her full time,

  • lacks income, and

  • relies on her for over half of his needs, costing around $5,000 annually for essentials like food and medical care.

A national news report highlights Reynolds’ contention that, “For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like a daughter, definitively a ‘dependent.’

Beyond these claims, Reynolds presents constitutional arguments, asserting unequal treatment for similarly supported “dependents” based on species (an Equal Protection claim) and arguing that failure to recognize pets equates to improper “taking” under the Fifth Amendment.

Current Status of the Case

Currently in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, this case is on hold as a motion to stay discovery has been granted, allowing the IRS time to seek dismissal.

In a court document, the judge acknowledges the case’s “novel but pressing question” about listing pets as tax code dependents while also noting significant legal obstacles. The IRS counters that the claims seem “facially unmeritorious,” predicting a likely dismissal.

In summary, the lawsuit is active and controversial, though its success remains doubtful at present.

The Limitations on Pet-Dependent Claims Under Tax Regulations

The crux of this lawsuit’s issue lies in tax law, which defines dependents strictly as “individuals.”

According to IRC Section 152, a dependent is either a “qualifying child” or “qualifying relative,” where “individual” is notably interpreted as a human being.

Thus, IRS forms don’t accommodate pets as dependents; dependents must have Social Security numbers or taxpayer IDs. Associated tax credits and deductions revolve around familial relationships involving human family members.

Despite Reynolds’ argument that Finnegan meets the functional dependency test (no income, resides with and supported by her), the tax code does not classify animals as “individuals.”

Existing Tax Deductions Related to Pets

While typical pet expenses aren’t tax-deductible, exceptions exist. Your readers may find these scenarios practical.

1) Deductions for service animals

Certifiable service animals aiding individuals with disabilities may qualify for medical expense deductions on itemized tax filings.

The IRS guidelines allow medical deductions if itemized expenses surpass a specific AGI threshold, including costs related to acquiring and maintaining service animals.

Note: Emotional support animals seldom qualify under federal criteria; only those specifically trained for disability-related tasks are recognized as service animals.

2) Allowances for business animals

In some scenarios, animals used within businesses—such as guard dogs safeguarding business assets or animals utilized for pest control—may justify deductions as business expenses. Documentation and a legitimate business intent are essential.

The outlined scenarios remain among the few where the IRS recognizes pet-related tax reliefs.

3) Charitable deductions for fostered animals

Fostering animals for accredited organizations might, under particular rules and documentation, allow deduction of unreimbursed expenses as charitable donations.

Conclusion for Taxpayers

While this lawsuit resonates emotionally, recognizing pets as family, tax laws prioritize clear statutory definitions.

Currently:

  • Pets aren’t claimable dependents on federal returns.

  • Common pet expenses remain nondeductible as personal costs.

  • Certain animal-related expenses qualify under specific conditions—service animals, business-centric animals, and sometimes, foster-related deductions.

As for Amanda Reynolds’ case, it offers a poignant reminder that many individuals consider their pets essential, emotionally and financially, even as tax policy distinctly classifies family members as human. Before assuming deductions, it’s vital to verify IRS definitions and permitted claims.

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