City of La Quinta Supports Pet Adoption Tax Credit

La Quinta Seeks Support for Pet Adoption Tax Credit from Chair of Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation

LA QUINTA — This city is placing its full-throated weight behind AB 691, legislation Assemblymember Wallis introduced by aimed at creating a personal income tax credit of up to $250 for adoption fees and $500 for veterinary expenses within the first year of adoption for Californians who adopt pets from qualified animal rescue organizations and provide essential veterinary care for those animals.

In a letter, signed by Mayor Linda Evans, to Mike Gipson, chair of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation, Evans  wrote that, “In the City of La Quinta, we have seen firsthand how local residents are deeply committed to animal welfare, yet face challenges in accessing affordable veterinary care and adopting pets due to rising costs. Supporting AB 691 would provide meaningful financial relief to our residents, encourage more adoptions from local shelters, and help ensure that newly adopted animals receive the care they need to thrive.”

The support from La Quinta is no surprise. This legislation is rooted in La Quinta.

In a guest column for Uken Report earlier this month, La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez wrote that as the Vice Chair of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission, he 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.

The question now is whether other cities will get on board.