This Act may be cited as the "Rescue Pet Caretakers Tax Credit Act".

The purpose of this Act is to encourage the care and adoption of rescue pets, promoting responsible pet ownership and population control through a tax incentive for caretakers of neutered rescue animals.

• The purposes of this Act:
• "Rescue pet" refers to an animal adopted from a recognized shelter, rescue organization, or similar entity, not purchased for the profit of the seller.
• "Caretaker" refers to an individual who assumes responsibility for the health and well-being of a rescue pet.
• "Certified by a vet" implies that the rescue pet has been examined by a licensed veterinarian and is up-to-date on vaccinations, necessary medications, and has been neutered, unless exempted as per Section 4.3.

• Eligible caretakers shall receive an annual tax credit of $2400 for each certified and neutered rescue pet under their care.
• To qualify, the rescue pet must be certified by a licensed veterinarian as being a rescue, in good health, with up-to-date vaccinations, medications, and neutered.
• Exemptions to the neutering requirement are allowed if:
  • The neutering procedure poses a direct risk to the rescue pet's life or quality of life, as certified by a licensed veterinarian.
  • The rescue pet contributes to the benefit of all through controlled and responsible breeding programs, as recognized and certified by a reputable veterinary or animal welfare organization.

The provisions of this Act shall be implemented beginning in the tax year following its enactment.

The Internal Revenue Service is responsible for administering this tax credit, including the development of necessary forms and instructions for caretakers to claim the credit.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is hereby directed to develop a straightforward and simple process for caretakers to claim the Rescue Pet Caretakers Tax Credit. This process should include the option for caretakers to claim the credit directly on the standard Form 1040. This measure is intended to ensure accessibility and ease of compliance, particularly for small, volunteer-run rescue organizations, who may lack the resources for navigating complex tax procedures.