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PET AGREEMENT
THIS PET AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), dated this ________ day of ________________, ________.BETWEEN:
__________of __________, __________ County, the Commonwealth of Virginia("__________")
OF THE FIRST PART
-and-
OF THE SECOND PART
BACKGROUND:IN CONSIDERATION OF the mutual promises and covenants contained in this Agreement and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the parties to this Agreement agree as follows:__________ and __________ (collectively the "Parties" and individually the "Party") desire to live separate and apart from one another. __________ and __________ wish to divide up their shared property interest in the following animals:
Name
Breed
Description
____________________
________________________________
Last Updated September 16, 2024
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A Pet Agreement outlines how two people wish to divide their shared ownership of their pet(s). It’s also known as a Pet Custody Agreement. Often, couples use Pet Agreements to settle pet disputes when they end their relationship.
You can use this template to establish custody and care for any type of household pet, such as a dog, cat, snake, rodent, lizard, or a larger animal like a horse.
Breaking up is hard enough on its own. When pets are involved, it can be even tougher. After all, pets are family members for most people. That’s why using a Pet Agreement is a helpful step in protecting each owner and establishing what’s best for a pet.
In short, a Pet Agreement helps pet owners who are splitting up achieve the following:
Let's break down how you can use our Pet Agreement template to create an enforceable contract:
Most often, couples use Pet Agreements when they’ve broken up. For example, an unmarried couple who co-owns a pet may use this contract if they break up.
Likewise, a married couple may use a Pet Agreement during the process of separating and divorcing. Alternatively, spouses could arrange pet custody directly within their Separation Agreement instead.
Besides romantic partners, roommates may also co-own pets. For example, roommates may adopt a dog together. But what happens when one of the roommates moves to a new property? In this case, the roommates could use a Pet Agreement to establish one of them as the primary owner.
When negotiating a Pet Agreement, it's essential to consider each party's living and financial situation before making decisions relating to the pet's well-being. Here are some things both parties can consider when negotiating:
If negotiating the terms of the Pet Agreement proves to be difficult, it is recommended that you consult a mediator or other professional to help you through the process.
Yes, a Pet Agreement can be modified after you sign it using an Amending Agreement. This legal document allows both parties to make mutually agreed-upon changes to the original contract, whether adjusting visitation schedules or sharing financial responsibilities.
One or both parties may agree to specific terms initially but then break the Pet Agreement eventually. A wronged party can attempt to resolve the issue amicably through an alternative dispute resolution method before they hire a lawyer or pursue litigation.
The wronged party can try communicating and negotiating with the other party, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the agreement. If this proves ineffective, they may consider mediation to facilitate discussions with a neutral third party.
Legal action may be necessary in more serious cases, and the wronged party may need to talk to a lawyer. The wronged party can file a petition in court to enforce the terms of the existing Pet Agreement.
If you create a Pet Agreement during a breakup, separation, or divorce, consider updating other estate planning and health documents that may involve your ex-partner. For example, updating your Last Will, Power of Attorney, and Living Will may be a good idea. By updating these documents, you’ll better ensure your wishes are fulfilled in the future.
Sample
Pet Agreement
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