“Last Christmas, I gave you… my dog”: Co-op Legal Services reveals emotional toll of pet co-parenting during the festive season

10 December 2025

• New research* from Co-op Legal Services reveals 9 in 10 (88%) people who share custody of a pet with an ex-partner say that spending the festive period without their pet negatively affects their enjoyment of the season.
• The research reveals that 85% of pet co-parents admit that conversations about pet arrangements over the festive period cause tension between them and their ex-partner.
• A quarter (25%) take turns each festive period to have the pet, while almost two-fifths (37%) say their ex gets the pet every holiday.
• Three-fifths (59%) admit to feeling guilty about holiday pet arrangements.
• Only a third (34%) are very satisfied with how much time they get to spend with their pet over the festive period.

New research from Co-op Legal Services highlights the emotional impact of pet co-parenting during the festive season, with almost nine in ten (88%) pet co-parents admitting that being apart from their beloved companion over Christmas dampens their holiday spirit. The findings reveal that almost two-fifths (37%) say their ex-partner has the pet every Christmas, leaving them without their furry friend during the holidays.

Three-fifths (59%) of those surveyed say they feel guilty about their holiday pet arrangements, and only a third (34%) report being very satisfied with the amount of time they get to spend with their pet at Christmas.

Over 15% of survey respondents say that pet custody arrangements were not amicably agreed upon, and 85% admit that conversations about pet arrangements over the festive period cause tension between them and their ex-partner.

The research reveals that pets often remain a key emotional link between ex-partners. Approximately a third (30%) of respondents say they would not communicate with their ex at all if it weren’t for sharing custody of their pet, while a quarter (25%) take turns each festive period to have their pet.

Despite the emotional strain, pet co-parenting can sometimes foster positive relationships, with more than three-fifths (62%) of respondents say sharing a pet has helped maintain a friendly connection with their ex.

As more couples choose to live together without marrying, Co-op Legal Services has seen a 200% increase in cohabitation agreement sales over the past five years between 2020 and 2024.**

This reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect shared assets, including much-loved pets. In fact, Co-op Legal Services research conducted earlier this year revealed one in four cohabiting couples have a legal agreement in place, and over two-fifths (44%) of cohabiting couples who have a pet would consider including their pet in a cohabitation agreement to outline clear care arrangements should the relationship end.***

Ben Evans, Family Law Solicitor at Co-op Legal Services said:

“Pets are often considered part of the family, and during the festive season, emotions can run high when couples separate. Deciding who gets the pet can feel as heartfelt as any other decision. More people are now taking proactive steps to avoid future disputes by putting cohabitation agreements in place, helping ensure peace of mind and a smoother start to the new year.”

As the festive season approaches, Co-op Legal Services is encouraging couples, married or not, to consider legal agreements that reflect their shared responsibilities and emotional bonds, especially when pets are involved.

Find out more about Co-op Legal Services

ENDS

• Research conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1000 people who currently co-parent a pet with an ex-partner. The data was collected between 6-7 November 2025.

** Co-op Legal Services' business data.

*** Research conducted by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 1,000 respondents across the UK who are cohabiting (aged 18+). The data was collected between 27-28 January 2025.

About Co-op Legal Services:

Co-op Legal Services is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, providing legal services in England and Wales. It is one of the largest providers of estate planning and probate services in the UK, with specialist practices in family law, serious injury and medical negligence.  

Co-op Legal Services’ mission is to help people understand the law, to use the law to protect their future and that of their loved ones. It achieves this by providing accessible, engaging, professional legal advice and support through a blend of digital and 1-2-1 specialist advice.   Co-op Legal Services is part of the Co-op Group  

About Co-op Group

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by 7 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.