National Pet Month April 2025
This month of April is “National Pet Month”, this is the perfect time to reflect on the incredible impact our animal companions have on our lives.
In the UK, an estimated 40% of households bring a new pet into their homes each year. This translates to around 10.9 million households welcoming a new pet over the last four years. Specifically, an estimated 640,000 dogs, 370,000 cats, and 15,000 rabbits were added to households in 2024 alone.
The bond between people and their pets has continued to strengthen in recent years. In 2024, it’s estimated that 60% of UK households (17.2 million) own a pet. Dogs and cats are the favourite pets of our nation. Many people view animals as no longer simple pets but members of our family.
Pets have a positive impact on our physical and mental health with some of the benefits being:
1) Increased physical activity – People with dogs walk more often than people not.
2) Lower blood pressure – Petting animals can reduce blood pressure and heart rate.
3) Stronger immune systems – Children raised with pets can develop stronger immunity to allergens
4) Faster recovery times – Pet owners can require quicker from illness
5) Reduced stress and anxiety – Petting can lower stress levels and increase endorphins
6) Less feelings of loneliness
7) Improved mood
8) Social connections – lovers of pets often connect with other pet lovers.
The pandemic years taught us how valuable companionship can be. Many people reported that their pets helped maintain their mental health during isolation.
Pets on divorce in matrimonial finance proceedings
In UK law pets are classed as chattels. A chattel is a personal property that can be touched and moved, unlike real estate or intangible products. This classification can come to a shock to pet owners who view their animals as family members as this means that pets, in principle should not be treated any differently than a car or sofa.
No pet custody law exists. Unlike children, there is no law governing the arrangements post separation for a pet.
During divorce proceedings pets are subject to property division as they are treated as assets rather than dependents. The Courts are able to order the transfer of ownership of a pet like other chattels. Any payments for maintaining the pet can be calculated as part of a party’s income needs in a final settlement.
It is becoming more common for pre-nuptial agreements to specify a pets living arrangement on divorce as well as ownership and maintenance. Its important to know that whilst pre-nuptial agreements are not currently recognised as legally binding, they can be persuasive to the Court’s final decision, and it is up to the Court to decide whether the agreement is enforceable. If the parties both took independent legal advice, the agreement was entered into in a fair manner and there is no suggestion of duress or coercion, the Court is more likely to uphold an agreement however, this is at the discretion of the Court.
Ownership of pets will often follow financial evidence; proof of purchase, registration papers and payment of vets’ bills can determine ownership of a pet.
If you are concerned about your pet’s future in case of relationship breakdown there are some steps you can take to assist with determining ownership such as: keeping records, registering the microchip in your name and including the arrangement in a pre-nuptial agreement.
The recent case of FI v DO EWFC 384 (B) highlighted a shift in attitude towards pets in financial remedy proceedings. The Court addressed the ownership of the family dog. The Judge acknowledged the dog’s role in the family and the emotional bond between the children and the dog. The Judge considered the pet’s welfare and who could provide the best care. The Court awarded the dog to the wife finding her evidence compelling and demonstrating her ability to prioritise the dog’s needs.
If you have any issues concerned pet ownership on separation then our specialist family solicitors are able to advise.
We hope you enjoy the pictures below of our staff’s pets.
