Can you imagine being separated from your adorable, furry companion? Increasingly, pets are becoming subjects of contention for couples undergoing divorce. In some cases, pets are even included in prenuptial arrangements, also known as “pre-pups.”
There are nearly 179 million cats and dogs living in U.S. homes, according to the Human Society of the United States. Pet ownership has surged over the years, and many Americans would rather go to court than leave a bad marriage even more alone.
“It’s essential a couple that has a pet deal with these with issues because pets aren’t treated in the same way under the laws,” said attorney Ann-Margaret Carrozza.
Vicki Ziegler, star of Bravo cable network show “Untying the Knot” about divorce battles, wrote in her July 2 blog: “Conflicts over pets can be just as important to divorcing spouses as any issue when both spouses have developed a special connection to a furry friend that they love and care for day-in and day-out. This feeling can be even greater when the couple has no children and the animal has taken on the role of the couple’s ‘child’.”
She adds that it is becoming increasingly popular for divorcing couples to set up visitation schedules for their pets and negotiating specific agreements on who will be responsible for vet visits, dog park exercise and more.
via Pets increasingly at center of divorce battles.
