Dog bloggers, sorry, your bully sticks aren't tax deductible
Navigating tax season and itemized lists for professional pet writers
The delivery driver has handed you, the pet blogger, a ginormous box of toys. And you’re all set to test them out. Which are the best? Which ones will the dog ignore? Which ones are a big hit? Which ones are best for teething puppies? Which ones are best for senior dogs? Which ones won’t scratch up the hardwood floors? Obviously after all the funds spent on writing and reviewing these products, and a slew of other dog expenses being paid and documented, you can use your itemized pet list as a tax deduction, right? Not necessarily.
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As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a percentage from purchases with my referral links. I know some consumers are choosing to boycott Amazon for its DEI removal. However, after thinking about this thoroughly, I want to continue promoting cool products from small businesses, women-owned businesses and (specifically) Black-owned businesses who still feature their items on Amazon. As of the first date of Black History Month 2025, each new post will ALWAYS include a MINIMUM of one product sold by a Black-owned business. (I have visited the seller’s official site to verify that Amazon Black-owned logo.) I am (slowly) doing this with older, popular posts too. If you still choose to boycott, I 100% respect that decision.
Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue Service sees your pet expenses (from a wellness exam to ringworm medication to bully bones) about how they look at a parent buying a Barbie Dreamhouse for their daughter. You chose to buy this stuff like you chose to be a pet owner, and some choices just won’t make the cut on your tax forms.
From the time I adopted my Hound mix on Juneteenth until New Year’s Eve 2021, I spent $1,447.30—and none of it is tax deductible. However, for some dog owners, there are exceptions to the rule. Emotional support animals (ESAs), service animals and pet influencers that generate regular income have a leg up on tax season.
Recommended Read: “Rental walk-throughs: Pet-owning renters should inspect the floors ~ From pet-friendly rentals to homeowners, dodge pet floor damage early”
When the dog supply itemized list works and when it doesn’t
According to TurboTax, unless a pet is generating steady income (ex. dating app revolving around pets, dog grooming salon, pet product vendor), that pet blog is more of a hobby than a full-time career. While you may have earned a few hundred dollars here and there, if it’s not paying the bills, your itemized pet list is probably not going to get a green light from the IRS.
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As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a percentage for each purchase with my referral links.
A couple of gray areas involve pets that are necessary but may not be the central point of the business.