In the midst of all the heated conversation about health-care reform, a Michigan Congressman is sponsoring a bill to give pet owners a tax break for pet care.  

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mi) has introduced H.R. 3501 to create a deduction of up to $3,500 on federal tax returns for the care of "qualified" pets, defined as "legally owned, domesticated, and live animals." Animals used for business purposes–say, a dog that helps round up sheep or a cat filmed in TV commercials–aren't covered. The bill says qualified care includes veterinary care, though it doesn't mention what else (pet sitting? chew toys?) would be included. There's no apparent provision for people who don't itemize and utilize the standard deduction instead. And there's no word on whether the pet needs a valid Social Security number. (Just kidding.)

A main finding to support the proposed deduction is that the human-animal bond "has been shown to have positive effects upon people's emotions and physical well-being," in the bill's words. The title of the bill is the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (HAPPY) Act. 

The bill doesn't mention the growing expense of medical care for pets, though ostensibly that's a major impetus for it. Consumer Reports Money Adviser recently discussed ways to save on pet expenses, regardless of whether this bill becomes law.

What do you think about such a tax break? Is it needed? Feel free to comment below.–Tobie Stanger