What is a Pet Prenup? And Why You Need One
Posted May 21, 2025 in Guides
Relationships are the best, except for when they end. If you share a pet with your partner, it might be wise to discuss the roles and responsibilities each of you would share in the unfortunate event of a split. Pet prenups can help your pet avoid stress and other issues that could worsen a break-up for both of you. It’s best to be prepared. Let’s jump in and discover what a pet prenup is and what information to include.
What is a Pet Prenup?
Pet prenups are an agreement within a prenuptial agreement that describes the responsibilities of each pet parent in the event of a divorce or separation. This legal document is a great way to keep the ending of a relationship amicable, especially regarding your canine.
Even if you and your partner are not married, agreeing on pet care and custody may be important in the unfortunate event of a break-up. Even if you’re not worried about a break-up in your future, an agreement could be helpful to navigate a change that doesn’t allow all parents to live with their furry friend (moving, job relocation, etc).
Break-ups don’t just affect the couple involved. Unfortunately, our furry friends can experience issues in various ways when their day-to-day lives are changed. No longer seeing a pet-parent, changes in environment, and an unstable daily schedule can upset your furry friend. To avoid behavioral issues, consider putting your canine first with a pet prenup.
Essential Aspects of a Pet Prenup
There are many different topics you and your partner may want to include in your pet prenup. Here are some of the most important details you can’t forget to include!
Pet Custody: Who gets Fido? We see our pets as family members, so it’s important to note how pet time will be divided. If you got the pet together as a couple, it would be wise to split time or find a way for your dog to see both parties. Separation for one parent can cause separation anxiety and other issues.
Financial Responsibilities: Pet care can be expensive. Detail how you plan to break down grooming, vet visits, pet insurance, and other emergency costs. Having this sorted helps put the needs of your canine and all other future pets first.
Major Decisions: If you’re sharing a beloved pet with an ex, making significant decisions regarding your furbaby could be challenging. Preemptively managing who will make the decisions will help your pup avoid stress and discomfort.
Some families hesitate to have prenuptial agreements, as some have poor connotations about them. However, it’s essential always to put your pup first. Whether you’re preparing for marriage or just want to define your responsibilities, a pet prenup can be the perfect way to organize your roles in the case of an unfortunate break-up.