Many of us see our pets as part of our family. They sleep in the same bed as us, (some) eat our food, and bring they bring us a huge amount of joy. 67% of the US population has pets. Of these 67%, 95% of them consider their pets to be family members. Therefore, it’s important to keep your pets safe in the event of a divorce or breakup.
If you are married and have a pet, consider creating a prenuptial agreement. Without this agreement, the courts will see your pet as property. While we might think our pets are like children, the courts do not see pets the same way. During a divorce with children, a judge can decide on the child’s best interest. For pets, a judge could decide to divide assets evenly, and your pet could be given to either side based on a quick decision.
If you are in a long-term relationship, you also have some options for protecting your pet. While you can’t have a prenuptial agreement, you can create a cohabitation agreement. First, find out if your state accepts cohabitation agreements. This agreement can include how you want your pet to be protected in the event of a breakup. A cohabitation agreement is better for couples who are financially involved. If you just want a provision to protect your pet, you can create a “Pet prenup.” This can define and outline who keeps the pet, where the pet lives, who will financially care for the pet, and more.
