You cannot deduct the value of your volunteer services, but you can deduct unreimbursed expenses that you incur while performing those services for an approved charitable organization. An approved charity is one that is recognized by the IRS with the 501(c)(3) designation as a Not-for-Profit organization. The most important consideration in determining deductibility of your unreimbursed expenses is whether or not the volunteer work caused or necessitated the expense. So taxpayers that are fostering dogs and/or cats for approved charities may claim unreimbursed expenses such as food, medicines, veterinary bills, crates, garbage bags, etc.
With regard to the travel expenses, see this IRS reference: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tips-to-keep-in-mind-for-taxpayers-traveling-for-charity
**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
