The love of a pet is priceless. With the advent of the pandemic and the consequent lockdown , more and more Italian families have decided to welcome one or more four-legged companions into the family to find comfort and company . However, it is undeniable that opening the doors of the house to a new furry friend requires commitment, and that – last but not least – there is an economic component that should not be underestimated.

Especially in the case of medical expenses, the figures can soar and become particularly expensive. A little help comes from the 2021 Budget Law which, among other measures, provides a bonus for pets that is slightly increased compared to 2020 .

Pet bonus 2021, how it works

Delivered in the form of a deduction, the 2021 Pet Bonus is designed to reimburse part of the medical expenses necessary for the care of pets, such as dogs and cats , for which it is necessary to prove ownership via microchip (mandatory for Fido) or other type of documentation.

According to the law n. 178 of 2020, the maximum ceiling on which to calculate the deduction increases slightly compared to the previous year: if, in fact, in 2020 a reimbursement was expected on a maximum amount of 500 euros, for 2021 the total on which to calculate the deduction corresponds to 550 euros.

The law also provides for a minimum threshold – or rather a deductible – of the value of 129.11 euros, which is always the responsibility of the taxpayer..

The calculation of the refund

The taxpayers concerned can have access to the personal income tax deduction of 19% on the total expenditure .

To calculate the amount of the deduction, it is necessary to subtract the deductible of 129.11 euros from the 550 euros of the maximum limit. From the remaining amount, or 320.89 euros, the personal income tax deduction of 19% can be calculated. The amount obtained will correspond to the refund. 

If you spend more than 550 euros, the maximum reimbursement that can be obtained will in any case be 80 euros , while those who will incur expenses for a total lower than the deductible will not be entitled to the bonus.

The deductible expenses

But what are, specifically, the deductible expenses? Alongside the veterinary visits , the list also includes the purchase of drugs, but also the costs related to surgery and the laboratory analyzes necessary for the treatment of Fido or Fuffi.

To access the Bonus, there is only one precaution to take into consideration when paying for the services: the transactions at the veterinarian will be valid for the Irpef refund only if carried out with traceable means of payment., such as credit or debit card, debit card, bank or postal transfer. The novelty – introduced on the occasion of the last Budget Law – was implemented by the Revenue Agency with the provision of 16 October 2020 and is therefore valid for the entire current year.

By filling in the dedicated fields in the tax return prepared by the Revenue Agency, from 10 May to 30 September , it will therefore be possible – receipts of the transactions in hand – to access the deduction and obtain the 2021 pets bonus 

. traceable payment obligation does not apply to expenses incurred for:

• the purchase of medicines and medical devices;
• deductions for health services made by public or private structures accredited with the NHS.