Sharing a pet can bring so much joy to a relationship, but it also comes with responsibilities and decisions that require teamwork.
Whether you’re planning to adopt a creature companion or already have a furry friend, asking the right questions can help you avoid conflicts and ensure you’re both on the same page. Here are 15 important questions couples with pets should consider.
1. Who’s responsible for daily care?
Feeding, walking, cleaning litter boxes—it’s important to agree on who handles these daily tasks. Dividing responsibilities fairly ensures the workload doesn’t fall entirely on one person. Discussing this upfront avoids future arguments over who forgot to walk the dog.
2. What happens if one of us is too busy?
Life gets hectic, and there will be times when one partner can’t handle their usual pet duties. Do you have a backup plan in place? Whether it’s hiring a pet sitter or trading off tasks, having a clear plan helps keep things running smoothly.
3. How do we handle training and discipline?
Consistency is key when it comes to training a pet. If one person is strict and the other is lenient, it can confuse your furry friend and lead to frustration. Aligning your approach to training creates a stable environment for your pet.
4. Are we on the same page about house rules?
Is the pet allowed on the furniture? Can they sleep in the bed? Deciding on boundaries together ensures there are no mixed signals. Clear rules make life easier for everyone involved—both human and animal.
5. How much are we willing to spend on pet care?
From food and toys to vet bills, owning a pet can get expensive. Discussing your budget for pet-related expenses helps avoid surprises down the line. It’s also worth deciding how you’ll handle unexpected costs, like emergency vet visits.
6. Who takes the lead for vet appointments?
Scheduling regular check-ups and vaccinations is essential for your pet’s health. Deciding who will manage vet appointments—or whether you’ll split the responsibility—ensures nothing important gets overlooked. Having a plan keeps your pet healthy and everyone accountable.
7. What happens if we go on holiday?
Leaving town means arranging care for your pet, whether it’s a trusted friend, boarding, or a pet sitter. Discussing how you’ll handle trips ahead of time can save stress when you’re planning a getaway. Deciding who will organise pet care avoids last-minute scrambles.
8. Do we agree on how much attention the pet needs?
Some pets need constant interaction, while others are more independent. Are you both on the same page about how much time and energy you’re willing to dedicate? Being realistic about what your pet requires helps prevent future frustration.
9. How do we handle pet-related messes?
From fur on the couch to accidents in the house, pets can be messy. Who’s in charge of cleaning up, and how do you keep your home tidy? Setting expectations about managing messes keeps things fair and reduces tension.
10. Are we prepared for the long-term commitment?
Pets are a big responsibility, and some can live for decades. Are you both ready for the long haul? Discussing how your pet fits into your future plans ensures you’re not taking on more than you can handle.
11. How will we handle disagreements about the pet?
Whether it’s about training, expenses, or house rules, disagreements will happen. How do you plan to resolve them? Having an open line of communication ensures small issues don’t turn into major conflicts.
12. What role does each of us want to play in the pet’s life?
Is one of you the primary caretaker, or do you want to share responsibilities equally? Understanding how each person envisions their role helps balance the workload and keeps resentment at bay.
13. Are we ready for potential lifestyle changes?
A pet can influence where you live, how you travel, and even your daily schedule. Are you both prepared to make adjustments to accommodate your furry friend? Thinking ahead helps avoid regrets or unexpected challenges.
14. What happens if we move or change jobs?
Major life changes can impact how you care for your pet. Do you have a plan for handling relocations, job shifts, or other changes that might affect your routine? Being proactive keeps your pet’s well-being a priority no matter what.
15. Who gets the pet if we split up?
It’s not something anyone wants to think about, but deciding who would take the pet in case of a breakup can save a lot of heartache later. Having this conversation early ensures your pet’s needs are put first, even in tough situations.
