Trend Alert: Pupnups
We often use the term “pet parents” around here, so this really shouldn’t come as a huge surprise… “Pupnups” are like prenups, as in prenuptial agreements, that focus on the custody of the pet in case of a divorce or break-up. Apparently, it’s becoming quite the trend.
There are quite a few different arrangements you can consider for a pupnup, but the most important thing to remember is to keep the needs of the dog front and center.
According to Jennifer Keene, a dog trainer who wrote a book on this topic after her own divorce, consider these factors:
- The dog’s personality
- Who the dog has bonded with
- His activity level and who can accommodate it
- His stress level
- His age, breed and any special needs
Aside from one person keeping full custody of the dog(s) involved, there are a few other pupnup options that Keene runs through.
Pupnup Option 1: With two dogs, split them up
This option works well for dogs that were never really best buds and have each bonded with the different pet owners, which was Keene’s case.
Pupnup Option 2: With one dog, share custody
The back-and-forth shared custody arrangement is a hot debate, with many people citing the dog’s need for routine and consistency as a reason NOT to follow this option. Keene says that for dogs that are happy-go-lucky, the shared custody becomes the routine, and this arrangement can be successful.
Pupnup Option 3: Part-time pet parenting
One person remains the dog’s primary owner, and the other person is the part-time owner who only takes the dog on vacations, weekends away and situations that would otherwise require a petsitter or dog walker.
Keene also suggests communicating all of these arrangements via email so there is a record of the agreements you’ve made.
Thoughts?
