Recognizing Assemblymember Greg Wallis for His Commitment to Animal Welfare/ AB691 [Opinion]
I would like to take a moment to recognize Assemblymember Greg Wallis for his dedication to being part of the solution in our ongoing efforts to protect and support the animals in our local shelters.
As the Vice Chair of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission, I reached out to Assemblymember Wallis regarding the concerns and challenges many pet fosters and adopters face. One of the most significant barriers to fostering and adoption is the financial burden associated with adoption fees, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, and other essential expenses.
Understanding the importance of making pet care more accessible, Assemblymember Wallis and I collaborated on a proposal for a State Tax Credit aimed at alleviating some of these costs for those who open their homes to animals in need.
Assemblymember Greg Wallis has introduced AB 691: Pet Adoption Tax Credit. AB 691 offers a one-time tax credit per taxpayer, providing up to $250 for adoption fees and up to $500 for veterinary expenses, such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering, incurred within 12 months of adopting from a qualified rescue organization. This credit applies to dogs, cats, or other companion animals adopted from public shelters, humane societies, or 501(c)(3) nonprofits based in California. For spouses filing jointly, each can claim the credit separately, doubling the potential benefit per household.
While we acknowledge that there is still much work to be done to prevent the euthanasia of animals in our county shelters, this initiative is a meaningful step in the right direction.
It is my hope that this legislation will have a lasting, positive impact and inspire otr lawmakers to introduce policies that further support the well-being of animals in shelters across California.
Time is of the essence, we need the support of the community to email the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, and to email Assemblymember Greg Wallis’ office to show your support for AB 691; we need to help those who are willing and able to help our furry friends in the shelters.
Greg Wallis represents California’s 47th Assembly District.
