A Lawyer's Unusual Case: Can a Dog Be a Tax Dependent?

Ever feel like your pet's expenses should count on your taxes due to vet bills, grooming, and specialized food? You’re not alone. In an intriguing turn of events, a lawyer is making this case in federal court.

In December 2025, New York attorney Amanda Reynolds took a bold step, suing the IRS to have her eight-year-old golden retriever, Finnegan, recognized as a dependent for federal tax purposes.

While amusing to some, this case taps into a genuine question many taxpayers ponder: Can any pet-related expenses be deducted? If not, why?

Explore what’s happening, the tax law’s stance, and the few scenarios where animal-related tax benefits are feasible.

The Unique Lawsuit: Proving Finnegan as Dependent

Reynolds argues Finnegan should be a dependent because he:

  • lives with her continuously,

  • has no independent income, and

  • is supported by her (expenses exceeding $5,000 annually on necessities like food and medical care).

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A national news report summarized the filing with Reynolds stating, “For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like a daughter, and is definitely a ‘dependent.’

The suit also challenges tax rules on constitutional grounds, claiming discrimination based on "species" and constituting an improper “taking.”

The Current Status of the Case

Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, the case is temporarily on hold.

A judge paused discovery while the IRS prepares a dismissal motion, noting the claims seem “unmeritorious on their face”.

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Why Federal Tax Law Doesn’t Consider Pets as Dependents

The primary hurdle is that tax law defines a dependent as an “individual.”

According to Internal Revenue Code Section 152, dependents include a “qualifying child” or “qualifying relative,” mostly implying humans.

Dependents require identification numbers, reserved for humans, surrounding human familial and household dynamics.

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While Reynolds indeed shows Finnegan’s functional dependence (no income, living with her, supported by her), the federal tax code doesn’t treat animals as dependent “individuals.”

Existing Tax Benefits for Animals

Though you commonly can’t deduct ordinary pet expenses, there are exceptions. Readers will find these insights helpful for practical tax advice.

1) Medical deductions for service animals

If an animal is a trained service animal assisting with a disability, some expenses qualify as medical expenses when itemizing deductions.

The IRS notes medical expenses may be deductible if they exceed a certain AGI threshold. Costs related to acquiring, training, and maintaining a service animal can be considered medical expenses.

2) Business expenses for working animals

In specific cases, animals involved in business—whether:

  • a guard dog for protection, or

  • used for pest control—qualify as business expenses.

Documentation remains key for any deductions claimed.

3) Charitable deductions with foster animals

Some fostering animal costs for approved organizations may qualify as deductible charitable contributions.

Conclusion for Pet Owners

This lawsuit captures the emotional reality—pets are like family, yet tax law relies on defined statutes.

The takeaways:

  • You cannot claim pets as dependents on federal tax returns.

  • Standard pet expenses (feeding, grooming, vet care) are personal and non-deductible.

  • Certain exceptions exist for service, business, or charitable-related animal costs.

The case of Reynolds attracts attention, not for impending tax law changes, but for highlighting how sharply tax policy distinguishes “family” from “property.”

The lesson: Always verify with the IRS before assuming something qualifies for deductions.

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