Here's how your pet pooch can help you save your taxes!

Melbourne, July 6 (ANI): A new Australian Taxation Office (ATO) rule has provided tradesmen with the ability to claim a legitimate tax deduction on food and vet bills of pets used in the work place. ccording to accountant Rosemarie Chad, owner of easytax.com.au, dogs could serve as a serious deterrent to would-be thieves eyeing off tradies' tools.

"I've never seen anyone claim the purchase of their dog, but the dog's food, vet bills and probably any training would be deductible," the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying.

An ATO spokesman said pets could be claimed as tax deductions provided one can show that their pet is used in the course of income production - for instance, workhorses, guide dogs, guard dogs and sheep-herding dogs.

Bricklayer Jordan Rockett, 25, of Narrabeen, who spends 30 dollars to 40 dollars a week on food for his two American staffordshire bull terriers, Nala and Indie, as well as about 500 dollars a year on vet bills, was very happy to learn about the new rule.

"I will be mentioning it to the boys, for sure. It's a great thing to know with tax time coming up. I know people take dogs to work to guard their tools, so it makes sense," he said. (ANI)