Pets are so much part of the family that some couples even consider taking them in a cohabitation agreement in case they shoot apart.
This would be an option for almost half of unmarried couples with a pet, reveals a survey.
But only about a quarter (26 percent) of those who live together have taken the step to have a written agreement.
This leaves them the risk of complications if the relationship ends in terms of splitting assets, property and responsibilities such as pets, according to Co-op Legal Services, which gave the research on behalf of Valentine's Day.
According to company details of the organization, the sale of cohabitation agreement has risen by 200 percent in the last five years.
The findings of the study also indicated that about a third (34 percent) of people who live together with a partner stated that they are not planning to get married in the next 10 years or not know for sure if they will do this.
The average value of assets between cohabiting partners is £ 394,000 and rises to £ 520,545 among people over 55, according to the study.
Although the primary focus of a cohabitation agreement is usually on ownership and financial assets, the survey also revealed some other items that would like to protect couples.
Only about a quarter (26 percent) of those who live together have taken the step to have a written agreement
About 44 percent of the cohabiting couples who share pets with their partners would consider including their pets in a cohabitation agreement
One in six (16 percent) of the jewelry and watches investigated as assets that they want to protect in the case of separation.
About 44 percent of the cohabiting couples who share pets with their partners would consider including their pets in a cohabitation agreement.
Ben Evans, leading family lawyer at Co-op Legal Services, said: “As more people choose to live together instead of marriage, these similarities will continue to win in popularity.”
In January, opinion matters responded 1,000 people in the United Kingdom who live together with a partner.
