Most UK couples lack a ‘pet-nup’ despite rising costs of caring for dogs

Three in four couples in the UK do not have a ‘pet-nup’ - a formal agreement deciding who keeps a pet if a relationship ends - according to new research from digital bank Monzo. The findings suggest that many dog owners could face not only emotional strain after a breakup, but also significant financial consequences, with sole care for a pet costing up to £1,455 a year.

Monzo surveyed 2,000 pet owners in relationships and found that, although most couples have not made any plans for what would happen to their pet after a split, those who have say it brings reassurance. More than half of couples with a pet-nup (55%) said it gave them peace of mind. Of those who put an agreement in place, almost two thirds (64%) did so to protect their pet’s wellbeing, while nearly a third (31%) said it was to safeguard their finances.

The research also highlighted how disagreements about money can arise even when relationships are still intact. Only one in seven couples (14%) split pet expenses equally, and almost half (40%) admitted to arguing over pet-related spending. Women were also found to be more likely than men to buy more gifts and treats for their pets than for their partners (73% compared with 65%).

More than a third of owners (38%) said they would expect sole custody of their pet if a breakup occurred, despite the lack of any written agreement. Monzo noted that pet-nups are most common in Greater London, where 37% of couples have one, compared with just 17% in the South West.

Chris Mucklow-Norell, Head of Brand Marketing at Monzo, said, “Sharing a pet should be one of the joys of being in a relationship, not a source of stress. But with 75% of couples admitting they don’t have an agreement in place for who would keep the pet if they split, it’s clear that many haven’t planned for what could happen if things go wrong. Having the conversation early helps couples protect both their finances and their furry friends.”