Pets are often an important member of a family and therefore their care and who will look after them when a couple separates can often be a problem. Parties may wish to share a pet so that the dog, for example lives, with them both. Parties will need to consider if they share the costs of the pet including any insurance, and ongoing vet costs which are currently setup.

When parties separate, discussions can be difficult, and they may never have spoken about how they would deal with pets on separation. We would strongly recommend that parties do discuss what would happen when they are in fact in the relationship. It is much easier to discuss matters whilst everyone is amicable, and an agreement can be reached and documented. It may be if parties do separate that the agreement may need to be altered due to the circumstances at the time, however, at least parties have some idea on their wishes and feelings about the pet.

Parties also need to consider what is possible – often pets cannot be taken to rental properties and if the parties are to share the care of the pet, how this would work practically. Parties also need to be clear on affordability of retaining the pet and how the arrangements will affect the rest of the family, particularly any children.

We would recommend that parties do document any agreement made within their relationship so this can be referred to upon any separation. Our Family Team are often asked to help families with pets, and this can come up when they are separating or in fact at the start of relationships.

Our specialist family lawyers can review your specific circumstances, and we recommend obtaining advice at the earliest opportunity.  We offer a free exploratory call so that we can match your specific needs with the right person in our family team.  For more information or to arrange an appointment with a member of our Family Team, please contact us on 01206 764477. The team can offer advice at one of our offices in Colchester, Chelmsford,  Frinton-on-Sea, Ipswich or Bury St Edmunds, or by telephone or video appointment. We are also proud to support Blue Light members and offer a discount on our initial fixed fee meeting.