Introduced by Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, H.R. 3501—known as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years (“HAPPY”) Act—is a federal bill that would reward responsible pet parents by allowing them to keep more money in their pockets come tax time.

We all want to give our animal companions the best care we possibly can, but it seems that pet care costs are always on the rise—and these days, it’s harder than ever to stretch the family budget. That’s why the ASPCA supports H.R. 3501, which would amend U.S. tax code to allow qualifying pet care expenses, including veterinary care, to be tax-deductible.

This means that when you prepare your income taxes, money you spent on pet care that year would count as non-taxable income—and you can deduct up to $3,500 per year!

Please help us support the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

1. Cat Survives Kick in Face with Steel-Toe Boot
On September 14, ASPCA Agents arrested 33-year-old Ronald Ross for kicking his family cat in the face with a steel-toe boot, resulting in the surgical removal of the cat’s eye. Ross has been indicted on felony charges and could face up to two years in jail. Read more about the case... 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html

 2. ASPCA Happy Tails: Inspector 12
A little kidney trouble doesn’t stop nine-year-old Cricket from making sure the house is in order! 
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#2

3. Judge Rules! NYC Must Create More Animal Shelters
Nearly 10 years after being mandated to create full-service animal shelters in all five boroughs, the City of New York’s being ordered by the State Supreme Court to uphold the law!
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#3

4. Help Pets Overcome Separation Anxiety
As summer vacation comes to an end, pets are spending more time alone. Here’s how you can help them enjoy, rather than destroy, while you're away.
http://www.aspca.org/news/national/09-25-09.html#4

*DOG TIP*

Exercise: Pets need enough room to exercise. If your dog is indoors, be sure to take it on frequent walks or to a doggie park. Outside dogs need enough room to run around and chase birds and squirrels. Always carry a plastic bag when walking your dog. Pick up after it and wash your hands when you get home.

*CAT TIP*

Many cat owners like to keep collars on their cats for identification purposes. Break away collars are recommended for all collar-wearing cats, but
especially those who go outdoors.

*BONUS TIP*

Instead of buying those expensive little pipes for your hamsters to play and crawl in, you can simply use the empty toilet rolls for them.  And if it is dirty or being chewed on, simply throw them away and replace them again with the rolls. It will definitely save you money and time to wash the pipes when they are dirty. Little windows or doors can be cut in the toilet rolls too!