Is Service Animal HSA-Eligible? (2026)
Costs of buying, training, and maintaining a service animal for a disability are HSA-eligible.
Typical Cost
$15,000–$50,000+ (purchase/training); $1,000–$3,000/year (maintenance)
Details
If you have a physical or mental disability and use a qualified service animal, the costs can be HSA-eligible. This includes the purchase price, training costs, food, grooming, and veterinary care for the animal. The key distinction: it must be a trained service animal for a diagnosed disability, not an emotional support animal (ESA) or pet. IRS Publication 502 specifically mentions guide dogs for the blind, but the rule extends to other service animals for qualifying disabilities.
Requirements
Must be a trained service animal for a diagnosed disability. Emotional support animals and pets do not qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are service dogs HSA-eligible?
Yes. The cost of buying, training, and maintaining a service dog for a disability qualifies. IRS Pub 502 specifically addresses this.
Are emotional support animals HSA-eligible?
No. ESAs are not trained service animals and don't qualify for HSA funds.
Is service animal food HSA-eligible?
Yes. Food and veterinary care for a qualifying service animal are eligible expenses.
Related HSA Expenses
More HSA Resources
Track this expense in HSA Tracker
Snap a photo of your receipt and let AI categorize it. Never lose track of an HSA-eligible expense again.
Get Started Free