Sunday, May 25, 2008

Who Gets Custody of The Dog? Think PupNups!

The Baltimore Sun has an interesting article on what occurs when couples who own a dog(s) breaks up. Who gets the dog? The issues that have to be considered are very similar to the issues for a child. Does the dog have medical problems, up in age, how do they react to stress and being left alone, activity level? Most dogs don't go to school so that is not a worry but if both people are very attached to the dog(s) there may be trouble.

Legally, dogs are considered to be your property and not family members. Nobody wants to think about divorce but unfortunately it happens very often and the issue of who gets the dog is similar to who gets the kids. People are starting to think about "PupNups", a prenuptial agreement to settle the custody issue of the furry kids.

Couples are now deciding to divide their time with their dogs like they would their children. Pet parents now will take primary custody and the other former spouse will pick up the dogs for the weekend or for vacations and so forth.

It's a sad issue to consider but one that seems based in reality and common sense-what's best for Fido?

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