Sharing a dog after a divorce or separation is “absolutely” possible – and many canine companions can adapt to life in two separate households after a couple separates.
That’s the message from the RSPCA – who discuss the sensitive issue of post-split pet arrangements as part of a new podcast from divorce specialists amicable.
But separating couples need to be aware of the individual needs of different dogs, and to take steps to try and make any adjustments to new living arrangements as easy as possible.
On a new episode of ‘The Divorce Podcast’, RSPCA pet welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines and Divorce Specialist Carol Harte discuss common misconceptions about pet ownership through separation, important legal advice for couples, and chat about prioritising animal welfare considerations throughout the process.
The Divorce Podcast is a go-to resource for financial, legal and parenting advice presented by amicable, the trusted legal service for separating couples.
On the episode, hosted by co-founder Kate Daly, Samantha said: “A shared care arrangement is absolutely a possibility. When I think of my separated friends that have got shared arrangements with their dogs, they have very rich lives, because both caregivers go to incredible lengths when they get to spend time with them.
“They are very much committed to the time they have for their dog when it is their turn.
“They’ll be at home, plan exciting walks and do things they know their dog will absolutely love.”
More than half of all UK households own a pet – and with approximately 42% of UK marriages ending in divorce, a large number of animals are impacted.
However, while acknowledging that in the “vast number of cases” dogs can “adapt very, very well” to carefully-planned new living arrangements, there are further challenges with other species of animals.
Sam adds: “It’s potentially a little bit more difficult having that shared arrangement with cats. They find being transported very, very stressful.”
And for more ‘portable’ animals – like rodents, Sam warns: “We make assumptions because they are small and easy to relocate. But for hamsters, rats and mice, the transport can be incredibly stressful for them.”
She says small furry animals are also “subtle communicators” – and that it can be challenging to notice serious welfare problems until it is too late.
Ultimately, the RSPCA has stressed that – regardless of the species of animal – separating owners need to consider the pet’s individual needs, unique personality, and to ensure their welfare is a focal consideration of the separation process.
In some divorces, changes in living arrangements may be so significant that a couple may need to give up an animal – something Sam says owners should “not feel guilty about”.
She says: “If they get to a point where sadly the only decision they can come to is to potentially relinquish that pet into rescue, they should not feel guilty about that or blame themselves.
“There are circumstances where it is incredibly difficult and that may be the best outcome for a pet – and they reach out to reputable rescues and get the help they need.”
Christina Brazzale – an amicable employee – rehomed a shared family pet due to having different ideas of what an ideal ‘co-parenting’ relationship could look like with her ex-husband.
Juniper, a much-loved German Shepherd, became part of their family during the third year of marriage – but after being unable to agree a successful co-parenting/co-petting arrangement, and due to changing life circumstances post-divorce, the couple reached the difficult decision to rehome Juniper.
She was rehomed the same week that their consent order was approved, in a move supported by her breeder and after several discussions and a meet-up with her new owners.
