Who Should Get the Pet When You and Your Significant Other Break Up?
So you just broke up with your significant other. The details of how or why don’t matter, not when you both adopted a pet while you were a happy couple. Now that the relationship is over, who gets to keep the pet?
Whether it’s a dog or a cat, our pets are held very close to our hearts. For couples, their new puppy or kitten can even feel like their first child. That’s why a potential break-up can be devastating for pet owners. Separating from your partner might mean separating from your furry friend as well.
To make the decision smoother, we recommend having a discussion before you adopt your pet about what you and your significant other should do if you break-up. While the conversation may be uncomfortable, it would help to have an understanding beforehand while everyone is calm.
If having a discussion before hand is not possible, then it’s best to begin the conversation when you are both are calmer and no longer arguing. Remember that this is not about your relationship, but about the future well-being of your pet.
Some things to consider when deciding who would get custody of the pet includes:
- Who wanted to adopt the pet more? Who does the pet like more?
- Who has the greater ability to care for the pet, such as with free time, money, or housing?
- Would splitting custody or allowing visitation days be possible?
It’s alright to admit that your ex-partner may be the best person to care for your pet. That does not make you a bad pet owner.
Deciding who should keep custody of your dog or cat after a break-up is difficult, but it’s one of the most essential parts of being a mature and gracious person.
Copy Editor
DOG PERSON🐶
Pets: I have a fluffy, 14 year old chow-collie mix with red fur named Rosso. He's very stubborn and has the standoffish personality of a cat.
Fun stuff: I am a hot chocolate connoisseur.
