What is co-petting?

Co-petting refers to the shared care and responsibility of a pet between two people who were previously in a relationship. It is similar to co-parenting, but instead of children, it relates to pets.

Co-petting avoids the distress of “losing” a connection with a pet when a relationship ends, and ensures the pet continues to receive love and care from both its owners.

In practice, both parties agree to split the duties and care of pet ownership, such as decision making, financial responsibility, walking, veterinary visits, and general care such as feeding.

Co-petting can be informal or formalised through documents such as a Separation Agreement.