Reported by: Bobby Sisk/NBC
If you own a dog, a cat or even a bird, you know pets are like family.
Just like kids, they can also be expensive.
So, wouldn't it be nice to get some of that money back at tax time?
Congress is now talking about this in Washington.
It's a great thing to some, but crazy to others.
At a time when Congress is dealing with reforming health care and saving jobs, a Michigan Congressman is proposing the HAPPY Act.
An acronym for "Humanity and Pets Partnered Through The Years," pet owners could deduct up to $3,500 in expenses.
That's only $150 less than parents deduct for children.
The only thing not included is the cost to buy or adopt the animal.
The question still is who would qualify?
The bill specifies it's for domesticated animals, but legislators might want to be a little more specific about exactly what that means.
The way it reads now, supplies for your rat, your bull python or even your bearded dragon would qualify.
"A lot of pet owners will want tax breaks," said John Calchera.
Even though he owns Pineville Pets, Calchera thinks the legislation is full of bull.
"The way I look at it is if they can't afford the pet, they shouldn't have it," he said.
He also worries about hoarding animals just to get a break. "I don't think we should be paying people to keep pets."
At doggie daycare Dogs All Day, owner Anita Williams likes the concept of a tax credit, but even she is skeptical it'll actually happen.
"People may look at it as a luxury. I like it, but I think it's a long shot," Williams said.
The Happy Act, known as H.R. 3501, is currently in the hands of the House Ways and Means Committee.
