I am getting a puppy from KSDS Service Dogs in Kansas and will be a volunteer puppy raiser. Will my expenses be deductible, including my flight to go pick up the dog?

[hawkeyejohnb]

And, ant veterinary expenses?

[TomD8]

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

[sarakiesler]

Follow up on this answer. How do I enter expenses such as veterinarian costs? I do not see a category within charitable deductions for these costs.

[Vanessa A]

You would select the donation category as money.  So you would start by adding KSDS as the charity and then select money as what was donated, then enter the amount of the vet bill.  Basically, you are giving the organization a cash donation by paying their bills, but "skipping the middle man"

You must keep your vet receipts and proof of payment and make sure you note which dog it is for, so it is clear it is not for your own personal dogs. The vet receipt should show the name of the organization on the bill as well as your name.  Also, you could get a statement from KSDS showing that you have made the payments on their behalf. 

According to the IRS "You can't deduct a cash contribution, regardless of the amount, unless you keep one of the following.

A bank record that shows the name of the qualified organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution. Bank records may include:

1. A canceled check.
2. A bank or credit union statement.
3. A credit card statement.
4. An electronic fund transfer receipt.
5. A scanned image of both sides of a canceled check obtained from a bank or credit union website.
6. A receipt (or a letter or other written communication such as an email) from the qualified organization showing the name of the organization, the date of the contribution, and the amount of the contribution." Pub 526