AVMA wants pet insurance to be pre-tax contribution option

Schaumberg, Ill.

-- The American Veterinary Association (AVMA) wants pet insurance to be another option on the menu of existing pre-tax eligible contribution programs offered by employers.

The AVMA asks Congress to pass legislation amending the Internal Revenue Service Code to include pet health insurance as a pre-tax option, explaining it would be a financial benefit for employees, considering that more than half of U.S. households include a pet.

Congress isn't likely to consider the issue until next year. The AVMA does not endorse any specific insurance carrier.