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GVMA Legislative Alert
OPPOSE THE PET TAX
HOUSE BILLS 385-388
Take Action by Contacting your Legislator Today
Please join our veterinary practice and Georgia Veterinary Medical Association as we oppose House Bills 385, 386, 387 & 388, which will tax "veterinarian expenses for pets." Veterinarians are the only healthcare group targeted. Currently, veterinary services are not taxed; only medications and supplies are taxed.
*Should the proposed pet tax become written into law, pet owners could see veterinary bills increase 7% to 8% due to taxation.*
How you can help:
1. Identify your legislator via http://www.legis.ga.gov
2. Write a letter requesting that the legislator oppose any effort to impose Pet Tax. See the sample letter & message points included.
3. Enlist your fellow pet owners and animal lovers to do the same!
4. Media inquiries or questions? Please refer any media inquiries to GVMA. We have dedicated, media trained spokespersons to ensure consistent messaging. We welcome your questions at 678-309-9800 or
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Sample letter
Your address (or use letterhead stationary)
Date
The Honorable John Doe
344 Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30339
Dear Representative (or Senator) Doe:
As a pet owner, I am writing to express my concern regarding House Bill 385, the proposed pet tax.
(Include one or two concise paragraphs describing your concerns). With this in mind, I respectfully ask that you oppose any effort to impose a tax on veterinary services. Your consideration of this matter would be truly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Polly Pet Owner
Tips for a great letter
- Mail or fax your letter. Letters carry more weight than e-mails.
- Be succinct. Message points, below, are provided to give you ideas for your letter.
- Explain how the proposed tax would impact the health of the animals in your care and potentially the public health of your community.
Message points
Pets are often abandoned to shelters when owners can no longer afford their care. Animal shelter populations are increasing beyond capacity, yet counties are cutting budgets. In the past two years, the number of cats and dogs euthanized at animal shelters in the five core metro counties has risen 24 percent. Almost 30,000 cats and dogs were euthanized in Clayton, Cobb, Dekalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties alone last year.
Rescue groups and animal shelters --How will an across the board increase in medical care affect your program?
No other professionals are being targeted by this legislation. Medical services have long been exempt from taxation at the state and federal level.
Taxing veterinary services has been proposed by several states in the past few years (CA, ME, MI, PA), and this was rejected by legislators as contrary to the best interests of citizens of those states.
In the current economy, animal owners must make difficult decisions regarding the welfare of their pets and/or horses. Adding sales tax to veterinary services may force owners to forego life-saving procedures and opt for economic euthanasia.
Nearly two out of every three households have a pet, and a majority of pet owners have more than one. A tax on veterinary services could have a substantial financial impact on responsible veterinary care of pets.
The public health and safety will be at risk. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), more than 80% of diseases in humans originate in animals. Studies show that veterinarians are most likely to identify these zoonotic diseases. A recent nationwide study by Bayer Animal Health showed that routine veterinary checkups have declined in the past years due to the economy. Increased expenses will intensify this trend, causing pet owners to forego veterinary care. Pet abandonment will
increase, and many pets will be euthanized. |
