In this episode of the Today’s Family Lawyer podcast, host David Opie discusses the increasing number of disputes between separating partners when it comes to pets, and a new working group looking at amending legislation to bring it more in line with the challenges family professionals face on this emotive topic.
Barrister Sarah Lucy Cooper, Diane Matthews, a senior associate at MSB Solicitors in Liverpool, and Karis Nafte, a certified dog behaviour consultant and accredited family mediator all join this discussion on the growing recognition of pets as family members in separation and divorce proceedings.
As pet ownership continues to rise, so too does the emotional complexity of deciding who keeps the dog, cat, or other companion animal when relationships break down. There is both an emotional and legal element to the conversation, highlighting how courts in England and Wales currently treat pets as property—often overlooking the welfare of the animal or the emotional bonds involved.
There is precedent abroad where other jurisdictions have enacted legislation which recognises the emotional and well-being role our pets play and a new working group, launched this year, it looking at how UK legislation could amended.
The discussion explores how this tricky topic can be navigated under current legislation, exploring how collaborative approaches—combining legal expertise with behavioural insight—can lead to more humane, balanced outcomes. From shared care agreements to pet parenting plans, the episode showcases practical tools that help families navigate separation without turning pets into pawns.
How can we evolve traditional legal frameworks to tackle a topic that’s often overlooked but deeply felt.
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