Dogs and Mogs: What happens to pets after divorce?

Posted on: 26/01/2026

Category: For you

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

We’re all familiar with the antics and affection of pets and animals in a domestic setting. But what happens to them when human relationships break down?

An increasing number of people seek lawyers who will be understanding and empathetic not just in relation to finance and children but towards the domestic pets or larger animals such as horses which form such a fundamental part of so many families and lives. It is relatively common for the care (and cost!) of pets to be shared following separation.

Strictly in English law a pet is a “chattel”, which means that it is simply something that is owned. Unfortunately, that simple legal status does not remotely recognise the emotional investment that so many people make in their furry friends. Disputes arise over ownership, contributions, love, and often a significant consideration of how the animals may “feel” about certain issues. This is not the place to examine the evidence around that issue – we are simply reflecting the reality of the disputes that arise and the genuine nature of the human emotions aroused.

Disputes about pets can be reduced in the same way as many other disputes. They can be included within a pre-nup or a cohabitation agreement. They can even be the subject of a “mid-nup” or “post-nup” and they can form part of the mediation proposals, the separation agreement and perhaps the court order on divorce.

For children we cater for visiting arrangements, birthday visits, Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, holidays and school fees. Do we owe it to our pets to make specific provision for pet insurance, vet’s bills, new puppies or kittens and shared care arrangements for them? Maybe…