Calls grow for law to change so during divorce pets aren’t treated as “chattel” i.e., as personal property like furniture. Over a quarter of UK divorces involve pet custody disputes1.
Pets should not be treated as simply ‘chattel’ – that is, as property like a car or a piece of furniture – in a divorce say nearly one in four (23%) UK pet owners.
The Opinium2 survey, commissioned by pet insurance provider, Insure Your Paws, finds that many pet owners are unhappy that pets are classed as ‘property’, when a relationship breaks down, and are calling for a change in the law.
The strong bond between owners and pets is clear, according to the survey, with almost two thirds (65%) saying they consider their pet a family member.
More than one in ten (12%) say they love their pet more than anyone else in the family, with a similar amount (13%) saying they would consider legal action if an ex-partner tried to take their pet - rising to 16% among women. Only 15% are open to a shared custody arrangement.
As pet custody cases become increasingly common3, more than one in ten (11%) think couples should draw up a ‘pet-nuptial agreement’ to decide in advance who keeps the pet if the relationship ends. Over a quarter of UK divorces3 involve pet custody disputes, with an average of 25 hours spent discussing the animal in divorce cases.
Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet, at Insure Your Paws said: “For most pet owners, their dogs and cats aren’t just property - they’re family. What we’re hearing loud and clear from this survey is that people want the law to catch up with that reality. When relationships end, it’s not just about dividing up belongings, it’s about recognising and looking after the welfare of our furry friends.”
1 McSherry Halliday Research.
2 Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 30 April – 6 May 2025
3 https://blanchardslaw.co.uk/the-ultimate-guide-to-pet-custody-all-your-questions-answered/
