Should You Get A Tax Break For Your Pet?

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- It's the pet project of a Michigan Congressman, and it could put money in the pockets of pet owners nationwide.

It's called the Happy Act, an acronym for Humanity and pets partnered through the years.

Representative Thaddeus McCotter wants to give pet owners a $3,500 tax break for pet expenses, including vet care.

It's a bill that Keith Kline of Howard County, Maryland would gladly support. He's spent more than $10,000 taking care of his three dogs over the years, for everything from a ruptured bladder to stomach problems after they ate indigestible rubber toys.

"The costs just add up because they take care just like people do," Kline says.

But not everyone thinks Congress should throw pet owners a bone.

"If you choose to have a pet, you should take care of it," Katrina Ulrich says.

But Elisa Kamens, who opened the Club Pooche Spa and Boarding Facility in Columbia last year says the Happy Act could actually boost the economy.

"It takes the stress off of people knowing their pets played all day and are appropriately care for,"she says. "They're more productive since they don't have to worry about their pet."

At Club Pooche, recently named Howard County's Best Pet Day Care Center, each dog gets a private villa, special treat, individually prepared meal and a bath, if they need it.

Breeder Susan Stup, who's taking care of a litter of Labradoodles, says the Happy Act is long overdue.

"I was looking all over for deductions," she says, "$3,500 for a pet. That would be great."

The Happy Act is stalled in the House Ways and Means Committees. Pet lovers are hoping with some dogged determination and letters to Congressmen, they can get it moving again.