Ohio2026Passed Legislature
HB148
Ohio Tax Refund Option for Pet Sterilization
Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:32 AM
In one sentence
This law creates an option for Ohio taxpayers to donate part of their income tax refund to a fund that helps low-income individuals pay for spaying and neutering dogs and cats.
What it does
- Creates the 'Companion Animal Fund' in the state treasury to hold money from donations, gifts, bequests, and designated tax refunds.
- Allows taxpayers to designate any part of their income tax refund on their return form to go into this new fund.
- Requires a nonprofit group called the Ohio Pet Fund to manage the money and set rules for who can receive help.
- Sets up eligibility rules so only low-income families or those receiving specific government aid, or owners with adopted pets from shelters, can get subsidized pet sterilization services.
- Directs funds to animal shelters, local nonprofit veterinary associations, and charities that run programs to spay and neuter dogs and cats.
Who it affects
- Ohio taxpayers who want to donate part of their tax refund to help pets.
- Dog and cat owners whose family income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guideline.
- People receiving government assistance programs like Section 8 housing, Ohio Works First, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs disability benefits, SNAP, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Owners who adopted their dog or cat from a licensed animal shelter, municipal pound, or nonprofit adoption service.
Limits and unknowns
- The law does not state when it will officially take effect or start accepting donations.
- It is unclear how much money each taxpayer can donate, as the text only says they may contribute 'any part' of their refund up to the total amount due.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Companion Animal Fund
- A new account in the state treasury where money from tax refunds and donations is kept to pay for pet sterilization programs.
- Ohio Pet Fund
- The nonprofit group made up of humane societies, veterinarians, shelters, breeders, dog wardens, or similar entities that manages how the money is spent.
- Federal Poverty Guideline
- An official income limit set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services used to decide if a family qualifies for low-income help based on their size.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Establish tax refund designation for spaying, neutering pets
Official activity
Bill history
- As Introduced