Vet Tax Axed

Northeast Cobb pet owners can breathe a sigh of relief. Thanks to the determination of Georgia’s pet owners and veterinarians, the proposed tax on veterinary services has been deleted from pending legislation.

The 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians (otherwise known as that bipartisan committee determined to tax every service in the state) has deleted the “vet tax” from a revised bill. The tax would have driven up veterinary costs between seven and eight percent. Veterinarians would be the only health professionals targeted for taxation in Georgia; doctors and other health professionals’ services are exempt.

Since animal health and human health are intertwined, a vet tax could cause owners to neglect routine care for their companion animals. That, in turn, increases the number of zoonotic diseases passed between pets and human.

While the professional services rendered by veterinarians won’t be taxed, it’s not clear if other animal services will be exempted from the tax reform measures. Often, pet illnesses are caught first by observant groomers and trainers. From lumps and bumps to slight behavioral changes, others in the pet industry are important guardians of our pets. 

“Georgia’s pet lovers should congratulate themselves for their courage and determination in fighting this legislation,” said Dr. Kevin Chapman, president of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association in a written statement.

The vets are safe this year, but this is not the time to be complacent. The GVMA urges Northeast Cobb pet owners to continue the letters, phone calls, and emails to state legislators.