Dog owners know that their dog is a full member of the family. Cat owners feel the same (while recognizing the inherent need for feline independence). When our pets fall ill, we want them to receive the best care possible. Unfortunately, as with human health care, pet heath care is expensive--and sometimes decisions are swayed by fiscal concerns.
A State Board of Equalization want to reduce those costs by exempting from sales and use taxes many medications used in the treatment of animals, provided those medications are prescribed and administered by a licensed veterinarian. Veterinarians are currently required to pay sales or use tax on purchases of both drugs and medicines, and those costs are passed on to the consumer. The exemption would eliminate that extra cost.
Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton), the sponsor of the bill, has clearly loved a pet or two. Speaking about Senate Bill 688, she said,
"I agreed to author this important legislation to make pet medical care more affordable and accessible. As a pet owner myself, I know how costly medical care for pets can be and this bill will provide savings to pet owners and encourage proper medical treatment for our pets."
BOE Chairman Jerome E. Horton strongly supports the measure, noting that the exemption would "negate any perceived deal pet owners believe they might be getting by purchasing prescriptions for their pets online, where the safety of their pets might be compromised." The entire board is also behind the legislation.
SB 688 is scheduled to be discussed by the Senate Appropriations Committee today, May 23, 2013.
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