According to research released today, animal loving Brits admit they’re more likely to argue over the custody of a much-loved dog during a relationship breakdown than the ownership of the house.
According to research released today, animal loving Brits admit they’re more likely to argue over the custody of a much-loved dog during a relationship breakdown than the ownership of the house.
The study of more than 2,000 adults, conducted by leading insurer, Norwich Union revealed that seven in ten of us would choose our dog over ownership of the house in the event of leaving our partner – 71% versus 65%.
Though dogs top the list as the nation’s most valued household possession, other pets are not far behind. Over two thirds (68%) of respondents reveal they would make a case for custody of a cat, nearly double the amount of those who said they would want to retain the car (37%). And a staggering 57% admitted they would fight for the fish tank.
The findings also reveal pets are becoming a more complex part of relationship dynamics. Over a third of young women attempt to make partners jealous by going behind their back to win the favour of a pampered pet. More alarmingly, one in five of those approaching child rearing years (16-24) use the purchase of an animal to vet a partners potential parenting skills.
Leading pet behavioural expert, Carrie Evans, commented on the findings: “A household pet can function as a third person in a relationship, a role which enables them to manipulate the behaviour of both parties and disrupt the balance. This has been evident during TV reality show Big Brother with the housemates forming close bonds with the resident chickens.
“While a third of respondents admit pets and their upkeep can be a cause of arguments it’s surprising that almost a quarter of those questioned are prepared to commit to a pet by the time they move in with a partner, if not earlier.”
With the number of divorces on the increase - rising from 166,737 divorces in 2003, to 167,116 in 2004*, Norwich Union would suggest the owners of the 15 million pets in the UK think about the future provisions of their pets by considering creating a “pet-nuptial” agreement.
Over a quarter of respondents said they would sign a “pet-nuptial” to outline the roles and responsibilities of pet ownership and prevent the potential heartache involved during an acrimonious split. Making custody decisions puts extra strain on parting couples demanding visiting rights, with over half (52%) willing to spend time with an estranged ex purely to visit a beloved pet.
And it’s not just the couple who can be affected. Paul Fowle at Norwich Union explains: “When a relationship breaks down it can be a difficult time for everyone concerned – and this includes the family pet. If you find your pet is pining it may be because they are missing one of their owners. Your vet may recommend a consultation with an animal behavioural specialist. Check if, like ours, your insurance will cover this treatment.”
Even celebrity couples have not escaped the bitter battle of custody arrangements. Recent disputes include Amanda Holden’s and Les Dennis’s fight for their “surrogate children,” West Highland Terriers Nobby and Fudge. Football legend George Best also took on his ex wife Alex for the parental ownership of Irish Setters Rua and Red.
For more details of our ‘Cats and Dogs’ pet insurance customers should contact Norwich Union Direct on 0800 107 0497 or visit the website at www.norwichuniondirect.co.uk.
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For further information please contact:
Claire Culshaw or Jasmine Agbulos at Lexis Public Relations on 0207 908 6488 or email cculshaw@lexispr.com or jagbulos@lexispr.com or Sally Leeman at Norwich Union on 01603 684225/07800 699670 or email sally-leeman@norwich-union.co.uk
Notes to editors:
Research commissioned by Tickbox, September 2005. Over 2,000 people were questioned in the survey
Key Statistics
- 85% of us consider a pet to be a family member
- one in five 16-24 year olds use a pet to vet partners potential parenting skills
- 1/3 of respondents admit pets and their upkeep can be a cause of arguments
- over half of us would be willing to spend time with an estranged ex purely to visit a pet
*Source: National Statistics 2004
Norwich Union Direct ‘Cats and Dogs’ Insurance is introduced by Norwich Union Insurance Services Limited. The insurance is sold, underwritten and administered by Allianz Cornhill Insurance PLC.
About Norwich Union Insurance
- Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer with a market share of around 14 per cent
- With a focus on insurance for individuals and small businesses, Norwich Union insures:
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- One in five households
- One in seven motor vehicles
- Around 800,000 businesses
- Norwich Union products are available through a variety of distribution channels including brokers, corporate partners such as banks and building societies and Norwich Union Direct.
- Aviva, Norwich Union’s parent company, recently announced its acquisition of the RAC. The acquisition brings together the RAC's powerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leading position in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance.
- Norwich Union's news releases and a selection of images are available on the Aviva internet press centre at www.aviva.com/media.
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