When Dr. Rachel Peeples told me about the new set of tax bills pending in the legislature threatening a substantial increase in the cost of caring for our pets, I was horrified. Dr. Peeples is the kind-hearted veterinarian who writes Savannah Best’s free column, askthevet@savannahbest.com to help out owners who aren’t sure if their pet’s problem necessitates a costly trip to the vet. Sometimes, she offers advice on how to deal with the problem at home, sometimes she will bluntly tell the owner that no matter the cost, the pet must see a vet. Often, her answer falls somewhere in between. Whatever the case, Dr. Peeples is always honest. So when she said these bills were a potential attack on pets, owners and veterinarians alike, I knew this was reality. What these bills mean, is that veterinarians would become the only professionals in the health care field who would be taxed on services, meaning examinations, vaccinations and other services routinely provided by these vets. Products provided by them, such as medications, food, toys, etc., are already taxed. Should any of several bills currently in the House be passed, it could mean that pet owners would face an 8 percent total tax. In the current economic climate, increasing numbers of pet owners are turning their pets over to shelters simply due to not being able to afford to take care of them. Worse, some less responsible owners are simply dumping their animals. Any increase in the cost of veterinary care spells disaster. -cs
