Nearly nine in 10 Brits have not discussed who would keep their pet if their relationship ended, prompting a call for couples to consider a 'pre-pup' agreement before bringing an animal home.
Research by comparison website Compare the Market found that almost a third (31%) of former couples disputed who should keep their pet, with more than half (53%) describing these disagreements as more challenging than rows over finances or disputes regarding property or possessions (32%).
Emotional attachment runs deep
One in five Brits (21%) indicated that relinquishing their pet would prove harder than losing their home, while 57% confessed they would opt for their pet over their partner in a hypothetical scenario. Yet merely 13% of separated couples reported having discussed potential arrangements prior to taking on the commitment.
The research further highlights the profound emotional connection owners share with their pets. Six in 10 Brits (60%) would maintain contact with a former partner solely because of their pet, while nearly half (45%) admit they would monitor an ex-partner's social media accounts for photographs or news of a pet they once shared. The study also found that a quarter of Brits (25%) would even contemplate reconciling with an ex-partner due to a shared pet.
Pre-Pup Guide launched
Compare the Market has partnered with prominent UK divorce solicitor Tracey Moloney (@thelegalqueen) to develop a Pre-Pup Guide, modelled on prenuptial agreements, aimed at encouraging couples to address the practical, financial and emotional aspects of shared pet ownership before welcoming an animal into their lives.
Their research suggests that, notwithstanding 87% failing to broach the subject, 31% of Brits would contemplate establishing an informal arrangement covering pet ownership, expenses and responsibilities in advance.
Financial and custody disputes
Pet custody isn't the only source of tension, with nearly three in ten (29%) couples reportedly clashing over the financial burden of pet ownership, from routine costs to unforeseen veterinary expenses. Despite these disagreements, Brits appear unwilling to relinquish their claim to a beloved animal.
Almost half (47%) believe they should retain custody following a separation, compared with merely 13% who suggest it should go to whoever dedicates the most time to caring for them.
Tracey Moloney commented: "When a relationship breaks down, pets can become a surprisingly difficult disagreement point. Unlike financial assets, a pet is a living, emotional part of the family, which can make decisions about where they should live particularly challenging. Having an honest conversation about ownership and responsibilities before getting a pet may feel slightly unromantic but it can help avoid uncertainty and conflict further down the line."
