Pets and divorce – what you need to know

The legal treatment of pets in the context of divorce and separation remains a developing area, with the law in England and Wales continuing to classify animals as property. This webinar will provide an overview of the current legal landscape, examine the case for reform, and consider comparative approaches adopted in jurisdictions such as Australia and Canada.

We will also outline proposed models for change and discuss the anticipated 2026 government consultation on reforms relating to both divorce and cohabitation. This session is intended for professionals seeking a clear and structured analysis of the issues and potential future developments in this area of law.

Topics covered include:

• The current state of the law on divorce and on separation
• Why the UK including England and Wales needs to change their laws
• How other countries have changed their laws
• Proposed reforms – the Australian and Canadian models
• Next steps – the proposed consultation on reform for both divorce and cohabitation in 2026