Posts Tagged: responsible pet ownership

Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital loves our animals just as much as the next person. Pets are a huge part of what we do, and we can understand the impulse to allow your furry family to grow unbounded. 

Although the right number of pets can vary from person to person, there are some limits on how many animals you should bring into your home. How many is too many? Is there really such a thing?

The Right Number of Pets

If you own a pet, you are not alone. Current estimates show that about 84.6 million households in the United States include at least one pet. Over 60% of those homes house more than one. 

Who gets the kids? The house? The car? And…the dog? For over 70% of pet owners, our animals are considered to be part of the family. So it’s natural to assume that if the family separates, that the pets will be part of custody hearings. 

Research shows that in 38% of divorce proceedings, neither party wants to give up their four legged “children.” Because the law views pets as property, just as furniture or real estate, this has caused a legal crisis which begs the question: who gets the pets in a divorce?

Times, They Are A-Changin’

It’s likely that the case of who gets the pets in a divorce would be up to the interpretation of the individual judge. Although the laws in Texas primarily consider pets to be nothing more than property, in certain states the laws are being challenged and updated.  

It’s easy to assume that owning a pet is…well, easy. Pets are typically adorable, sweet, fun, good-natured, and excellent snuggle buddies on cold nights. Besides food, water, and shelter (not to mention cleaning up any messes), a prospective pet owner may wonder: what else is there? Continue…