Expenses for my Service Dog

[BGlines]

I have a service dog for a qualified mental health condition.  I went on vacation and incurred substantial expenses acquiring import permits for various countries I visited.  We were already booked on a cruise and I couldn't leave my service dog behind.  The islands in the Caribbean all have strict requirements for bringing a service dog  ashore.

What portion of the expenses occurred are deductible?  I had to have expensive rabis testing performed (titer testing for rabies), health certification by my Vet (office visits, vaccinations, USDA Health Certification), very expensive telephone communications (over $400) with the Veterinary Ministeries of these islands just to determine requirements and track my import permits.

Does anyone have any input as to how much of the above is deductible.  Without these country specific expenses, I'll never be able to leave the country for any purpose (except to US Territories).

Just traveling over seas will make these expenses seem like pocket change.

Brett Glines

[Stinkerbellkity]

If the presence of the service animal is prescribed as  part of the treatment for a medical condition, you could deduct expenses as medical expenses, not because you couldn't leave the dog at home, but because you needed him as part of your treatment for your illness while you traveled.  The only amount of medical expenses that are deductible is the amount over 7.5% of your Adjusted gross Income, and only then if all your itemized expenses exceed your standard deduction.  It will be harder to itemize in 2018 because the standard deduction increases to $12,500 for single filers and $24,000 for married joint filers.