Can my bf take the dog if we split up?

[D0lphine]

We're both registered owners on the microchip. We shared the adoption fee (unequally).

If you're both the registered owners, I would say he could, but I'm no expert.

Will it be acrimonious? Who does most of the work with the dog? No chance of sharing nicely?

I would say so, as you both own the dog.
Trevor Cooper is a canine law specialist, if you need it.

If you are both joint owners, you could try and arrange to look after the dog 50/50, but no he cannot just take the dog, but who you go to if he just takes the dog, I don’t know.

Thanks this is helpful.

Things were great when we got her but recently he has been shouting and arguments. Unsure whether the relationship is salvageable, but really don't want to lose the dog!

Then leave first with the dog

Not a chance would I let my Dh takes my pupsters

I’ve never known a microchip have two names. The person named on the chip is the legal owner. If you have any other adoption paperwork then check who is named on it.

if you were to split could you manage without his help?
who paid more of the adoption fee? Are you both mentioned on that paperwork
have you split on going costs like food and vets?

Trevor Cooper is the specialist on such matters and has some basic advice here doglaw.co.uk/civil/ownership-custody-disputes/

Some rescues get you to sign an adoption contract so the rescue remain owners so they can take the dog back. I think in reality it would be expensive legal case and dogs are seen as possession so its market value at small claims. So you could offer to pay ex off and then update contract.

Would they look after the dog or is it just a means of keeping control? My split was acrimonious & gave my ex option to see the dogs when we split, for some people shared care can work well and save dog walking/boarding costs. However despite owning them together years ex wasn't interested in them at all as didn't fit in with new partner/life.

If you were to split could you manage without his help? - yes
who paid more of the adoption fee? Me
Are you both mentioned on that paperwork - yes
have you split on going costs like food and vets? - yes

It's in 2 names. I checked today and logged in.

The microchip isn't proof of the legal owner it's like a car of current registered keeper so potentially these aren't the same person.

I share our dog with my ex... works v well so far

No of course he can't just take the dog if he/she belongs to both of you.

Lots of helpful information on the Trevor Cooper link that truhamboys has posted.

The chip details do not signify ownership in law. Well over 50% of dog microchip details are not accurate.

Who pays the vet bills and who is the chip details logged to would help though. I would just take the dog anyway. The chances of him entering into a protracted legal battle over a dog is unlikely and if you have lived with the dog etc, you would be deemed equally legally the owner.

while your still working things out with your partner I would start to try to pick up all the necessary dog expenses- food, vet etc without saying anything to him, just start to take over all the responsibilities.
I’d get some legal advice now, and maybe get something drafted so if you do leave you can preempt the situation.
even if he is happy to let the dog go he might challenge you just to be an arse.
on my dogs, I pay for them do all the contracting with the breeder, KC reg and microchips are in my name only with my partner listed as additional contact and I pay all food and vet. my partner thinks it’s just because I am particular about food etc- but I don’t want any legal questions over ownership.