Pets And A Broken Home

Divorce doesn’t only affect human family members – pets can feel the stress too.

- Gina Hartoog

Earlier this year, Stats SA released the latest marriage and divorce statistics for 2014. Over 24,600 divorce forms were processed during that year, equating to a 3.4% increase in the divorce rate from the previous year.

What about the pets?

While no one gets married with the idea that they will one day divorce, many couples do sign an antenuptial contract with regard to their assets and other possessions – just in case. Christine Kuch, spokesperson for the National Council of SPCAs, believes that couples should also consider the welfare of pets in the event of a divorce. “Having vehicle or household insurance does not mean you plan to be burgled or have an accident, but it is a wise move,” she says. “Likewise, discussing provision for pets in the event of a divorce, relationship break-up or death is a wise move. Leaving things open to interpretation by friends, relatives or ex-partners is not ideal and puts an enormous burden upon loved ones.”

Dave and Michelle Baines* were part of the 2014 divorce stats when their marriage ended that year. They had to reach an agreement on what was best for their daughter and two dogs, Max, a German Shepherd, and Sophie, a Maltese cross. Dave took Max to Cape Town and Michelle kept Sophie.

“What I didn’t consider at the time was that Sophie was used to having Max around during the day while we were at work,” says Michelle. “She was so unhappy without him that it broke my heart. I think I was so focused on my own situation and emotional stress and how the divorce would affect my daughter that I forgot to consider Sophie’s needs.”

Pets and your emotions

Karin Pienaar (Landsberg), COAPE SA lecturer and qualified animal behaviour practitioner, says that even before divorce is on the table, pets are likely to pick up on tension in the home.