Pets and Property: Including Your Furry Friends in Your Relationship Agreement

For many couples, pets are cherished members of the family, and their well-being is just as important as any other aspect of their lives. This special role that pets play in our families also means that when it comes to separation or divorce, determining who will  care for pets can become a contentious issue. Including provisions for pets in your relationship agreement can help prevent disputes and ensure that your furry friends are cared for in the event of a breakup. In this blog post, we’ll explore why you should include provisions about your pets in your relationship agreement, and what kinds of things you should include.

1. Recognizing Pets as Family Members: In recent years, there has been a shift in societal attitudes toward pets, with many people considering their dogs, cats and other pets to be integral members of their families. However, the law in most of Canada has not kept up with this shift in attitudes.  Many provinces, with the exception of British Columbia, treat pets the same as any other kind of property for the purposes of property division in a separation, rather than as a member of the family.  This means that courts look at who purchased the pet and paid most of its expenses but not  each party’s relationship with the pet and what would be in the best interest of the pet going forward when deciding who should keep the pet.

This means that if you want to make sure that the welfare of your pets and each person’s relationship with them is taken into account when determining what is best for them in the event of a separation, it’s essential to include your pets in a relationship agreement.

2. Custody and Visitation Arrangements: When creating your relationship agreement, you can include provisions for the custody and visitation of your pets, similar to arrangements for children. This may involve specifying which partner will have primary custody of the pets and outlining visitation schedules for the non-custodial partner. You can also agree to share custody, or you can agree that one partner or the other will keep the pets full time in the event of a separation.  

3. Financial Responsibilities: Owning a pet comes with financial responsibilities, including veterinary care, food, grooming, and other expenses. In your relationship agreement, you can outline how these costs will be shared between you and your partner, taking into account your respective incomes and financial capabilities. You may also include provisions for pet insurance or emergency veterinary care to provide for unforeseen circumstances.  These provisions can apply during your relationship, and can also apply if you separate and choose to share custody of your pets.

4. Putting Your Pets First: Above all, it’s crucial to prioritize the welfare and best interests of your pets when creating your relationship agreement. By including provisions for their care and custody, you can ensure that they are protected and provided for, regardless of the circumstances of your relationship.

Creating Your Relationship Agreement with Jointly

At Jointly, we understand the importance of including pets in your relationship agreement and are here to help you navigate the process with ease. Our platform guides you through the entire process of creating a customized agreement, including provisions for pets, ensuring that your furry friends are cared for and protected.

Don’t leave the well-being of your pets to chance. Take control of their future with Jointly and create a secure foundation for your relationship.  Click here to get started.