Growing ‘Petnups’ trend for couples

A family law firm have identified a growing trend of couples taking out ‘petnups’ when buying a pet.

A quarter of breakups involve a pet, but only one in six would consider pre-agreed terms for their pet in the event of a break-up when buying a dog with their partner.

Stowe Family Law, the UK’s largest specialist family law firm, surveyed 500 people throughout the UK, asking if they would consider a petnup when buying a dog with their partner.

In the UK, a reported 25% of divorces include a dispute about a pet. However, just 17% of those surveyed said that they would consider a petnup when buying a pet.

Gabrielle Read-Thomas, Senior Solicitor at Stowe Family Law’s Altrincham & Chester offices had this to say on petnups:

“I have had numerous clients come for an appointment to discuss their divorce, an important part of which is ongoing arrangements for their much-loved pet. I have a cat myself and can entirely empathise with this situation!

Reportedly, one in four divorces now involves a dispute over a pet and as a result, The Law Society has previously suggested that entering into a ‘petnup’ might be beneficial. This is like a prenuptial or separation agreement, but specifically dealing with pets.

Currently, the law is clear – a pet is classed as a chattel i.e. an item of personal property such as an item of furniture or jewellery. Essentially, the party who bought the animal, and to whom it is registered, will keep it. The only exception is if there is clear evidence the animal was subsequently gifted to the other party.”

Furthermore, Stowe Family Law found that while 26.1% of Scots would consider a petnup, just 17.6% of English couples would consider the agreement.