Home / FAQ / Divorce FAQ / What happens to pets when you get divorced or separate?
Under current legislation in England and Wales, pets are treated as an item of property. It’s hard to think your much-loved animal is treated in the same way as a piece furniture legally, but thankfully, there is a movement focussing on the importance of treating animals more like a member of our family. Dogs and cats particularly will need to adjust to their new surroundings and it can actually be more difficult to accommodate change for your pets than for your children. It’s one of many reasons why a growing number of people are now considering “petnups” – similar to a pre or postnup, only this document outlines any care arrangements for pets and any agreements held between couples who end up separating.
