RSA Insurance : Stay together for the pet

In the event of more extreme cases, a further 21% even admitted that they were so concerned for their pet's welfare after a split that they took them to a vet to have them cared for, with 14% saying their pet was subsequently prescribed medication to help them through the ordeal, illustrating just how serious an issue it can be.

The logistical challenges of animal ownership post-break were also detailed as part of the study, with pet custody battles a growing trend. Indeed, the study revealed that people would now be more likely to fight over custody of a pet (11%) than traditional areas of contestation in the midst of a split, such as money (7%) and shared possessions (4%).

In the case of more amicable parting of ways, 8% admitted to effectively sharing custody of the pet to allow both people to see the animal regularly. Less harmonious break-ups proved slightly more popular however, with 12% saying their pet now lives with a partner and they're no longer allowed to see it.

John Ellenger, head of pet insurance at MORE TH>N said:

'It is true that our beloved pets have never played a more important role in our day-to-day lives. As our study reveals, a number of pet owners will remain in a relationship with a partner in order to prevent their shared pet from experiencing any negative effects from a breakup. It is testament to the lengths we'll go to protect our pets' emotional wellbeing - even if it means making sacrifices of our own. That said, if couples do decide to split and they share an animal, it remains important to keep the pet's best interests at heart when arranging its future living arrangements, as a means of minimising the stress of lifestyle changes as much as possible.'

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Notes to Editors

Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of MORE TH>N Pet Insurance. 2,000 pet owners were surveyed.