Call for lower taxes on veterinary care and pet food in Italy

An estimated 10 million Italian households live with around 25.5 million companion animals, yet high VAT rates on products and services related to their care are increasing the risks of neglect and abandonment. In response, LAV is calling on the Italian government to lower taxes on veterinary care and pet food. Specifically, they are asking for the alignment of VAT on these items with the rates applied to healthcare goods and services for people, as well as support for social veterinary services for vulnerable individuals.

Lowering costs for food and veterinary services not only benefits pet owners but also aids animal shelters and could result in a higher number of dogs and cats being adopted. LAV emphasizes the importance of fair taxation and structural social veterinary policies to ensure that all companion animals have access to necessary care, regardless of their owners' financial situation. According to LAV, this is a matter of social justice, prevention of abandonment, and collective responsibility towards the wellbeing of companion animals in Italy.