Sales Tax for Veterinary Care Could Come to Connecticut

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on May 26, 2015.

Governor’s Bill No. 946 proposed adding state sales tax to veterinary services and other services that are presently not taxed in that manner.

Animal advocate organizations, rescue groups and animal control officers are speaking out against the proposal.

Post from Middletown Animal Control:

This is very important! Please email Senators and Representatives and respectfully ask them to reconsider taxing veterinary services. This will only cause more people to surrender their pets because they cannot afford basic care. Animal shelters are full enough already. There are 7 more days in the session. Don’t wait, this affects us all! Please SHARE!!!

Connecticut Votes for Animals writes:

URGENT: Please say NO to sales tax for veterinary care!

Last week, Connecticut’s Finance committee proposed a list of 25 services that should be subject to sales tax from now on. Within this list are interior designers, golf courses, county clubs, dry cleaning, accounting — and veterinary services for your pets!!

Many Connecticut animal lovers — particularly low-income families — already have trouble paying for their pet’s medical care!

The tax will also be felt by rescuers who are not affiliated with a 501c3 tax-exempt organization. These good samaritans dip into their own pockets to cover enormous costs to care for and physically rehabilitate animals they rescue — they should not be penalized with a sales tax!

If enacted, this will be first time medical services in the state of Connecticut will be subject to sales/service tax.

The Governor and State Legislature are negotiating a final plan so your voice is needed now.

Please help turn this around by contacting the Governor and your State Representative and Senator ASAP. Tell them:

• My pets are an important part of our family
• Please do not tax the medical care I provide for my pet
• It’s a struggle now and this tax will make even more difficult to get them the health care they need
• Medical services are a necessity and should not be subject to tax
• This will only add to the expense incurred by many private individuals that voluntarily take care of and rehabilitate homeless animals.

CONTACT:

1. Governor Dannel Malloy (860) 566-4840
2. Your State Representative and State Senator. Look them up here.

Photo: Connecticut Votes for Animals