Figures show that 1 in 4 divorces involve a dispute about what is to be done with the beloved family pet. With this in mind, the Law Society has suggested that couples draw up a ‘pet-nup’: a pre-nuptial agreement which details custody and costs of the pet following the breakdown of the marriage.

Pet charity Blue Cross found that while cats and dogs are the pets the most commonly fought over, horses, rabbits, and guinea pigs also cause heated arguments.

President of the Law Society said “pets are part of the family so it makes sense to think about their welfare.”

It remains to be seen how common such agreements will be, but their existence gives any animal loving couples paws for thought.