State Rep Proposes Tax Credit for Adoption of Shelter Dogs and Cats

State Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, has introduced legislation (H.B. 1765) that would provide a $300  to people who  or cat from a Pennsylvania animal shelter. 

White said with the economic downturn and recent flooding, Pennsylvania’s , associations and rescue agencies have seen a dramatic increase in the number of abandoned and homeless dogs and cats statewide. 

"Animal shelters have been given an impossible job of doing more with less, especially as donations and grants dwindle and food and veterinary costs rise," White said.

"This bill would give people incentive to choose their dog or cat from an animal shelter to help offset the expense of caring for the pet, but it would also relieve the strain on overcrowded animal shelters, keep abandoned pets off the streets and give thousands of homeless pets a new home."

The credit would be per taxable year until Dec. 31, 2013, and would apply to adoptions from a pound, shelter, society or other protective or rescue association for the prevention of cruelty to animals. 

White said he is working on the issue on a statewide level with the Humane Society of the United States, which fully supports the legislation, and locally with groups such as Pet Search, a no-kill animal rescue service that shelters and actively seeks homes for pets in Washington County. 

Two of Pet Search’s recently rescued dogs, springer spaniels named Dakota and Montana, are the official mascots of the legislation while they also seek a home. 

"Dakota and Montana were left behind when their owners were forced to move," White said. "Unfortunately, too many pets are meeting a similar fate all across the state, and shelters are simply overwhelmed by the growing numbers of animals they’re taking in. Anything we can do to encourage adoptions from these wonderful rescue organizations will ensure our furry friends get the care and love they need and deserve." 

For more information on how you can adopt Dakota and Montana, or any other abandoned pets through Pet Search, visit www.petsearchpa.org or call 724-228-7335.