Money paid for adoption of rescue dog - deduction?

[Anonymous]

We adopted a puppy from a rescue organization in November and paid a $300 "donation." (They set the price.)  At that time, we were told we could take a deduction on our taxes. I recently contacted the organization to see if they offered a tax receipt and they said our contract was our receipt. When I inquired as to the amount to deduct (as I figured the dog has a worth and also had vaccinations, so we could not deduct the full $300,) they told me to contact my tax professional. 

Am I able to claim any of the $300 donation? It is my understanding this is a registered non-profit organization.

Thank you.

[HelenC12]

The cost to adopt a dog is not deductible. However, any donations made in excess of regular adoption fees are. According to the law, only those donations made where no goods or services are received in exchange (i.e., your new dog) can be deducted.

Even if they were deductible, you would have to itemize your deductions and not use the Standard Deduction to get a tax benefit.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, HelenC12! I understand the full amount paid would not be deductible but I guess my question now is "How do I determine the deductible amount?" How does one put a value on a puppy? I can determine cost of vaccines but the value of a puppy? 

We're hoping to itemize; still to be determined as I'm working through this year's paperwork.

[JohnW222]

Unfortunately, there are only limited types of expenses that can be deducted, as HelenC12 describes above.

Please see the TurboTax Blog “Is This Deductible? Adopting a Pet” for additional information.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, JohnW222,

I know I can't deduct the amount actually paid FOR the pet. I'm trying to determine the pet's value so I can deduct the other part of my $300.00 "donation" (after subtracting the pet's value & vaccines received.) I haven't been able to find anything online in regard to that.

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my request.

[KarenJ2]

Maybe another animal shelter can assist you with how to determine the value of your puppy.  If you know your puppy's breed, you can look it up online.