In today’s world, pets are more than just animals; they’re family. For many couples, the bond they share with their pets is so significant that it often becomes a topic of discussion when making legal arrangements before marriage. This was precisely the case for Geoie Krull and Kellie Coker, a married couple who decided to include their two beloved dogs, Peyton and Pixie, in their prenuptial agreement.
Krull and Coker’s relationship blossomed in 2020, and they tied the knot in November 2023. Before meeting Krull, Coker had already been the proud owner of Peyton, a German Shepherd-Labrador Retriever mix, and Pixie, a Chihuahua-Italian mix, for nearly a decade. These dogs were more than just pets to her—they were companions who had been by her side through many of life’s ups and downs. However, Krull, who quickly grew to love the dogs, also felt a deep connection with them. He affectionately referred to himself as the “best dog dad” they could ask for, stating that Peyton, in particular, had an empathetic nature and could sense when someone was feeling down.
When the couple decided to get married, they agreed to sign a prenuptial agreement (prenup). The prenup included a special clause that stipulated, in the unlikely event of a divorce, Coker would retain custody of Peyton and Pixie since she had owned them long before the relationship. For Coker, the decision to create a prenup was based on her previous experience with divorce, which opened her eyes to the importance of making sure personal matters, like pet custody, were clearly outlined.
Prenuptial agreements have been on the rise in recent years as more couples are getting married later in life and often bring significant personal property and assets into their relationships. Julia Rodgers, CEO of HelloPrenup, explains that many individuals have acquired assets, including pets, before marriage and wish to protect them through a prenup. Data from HelloPrenup shows that two-thirds of their clients have pets at the time of their agreement, and among those, one-third choose to include pets in the legal document. Rodgers points out that although pets are legally classified as property in most states, many couples treat them as family members and want to plan for their future care.
Pet clauses in prenups not only address ownership and custody in case of a divorce but also tackle practical matters like who will be responsible for vet bills, medical decisions, food costs, and insurance. This foresight helps prevent potential disputes and ensures that both parties are on the same page about their pets’ care and well-being.
For Krull and Coker, the prenup brings peace of mind, ensuring that Peyton and Pixie will always be in the best hands if something unexpected happens. Interestingly, the couple also welcomed a new member to their furry family in 2023—a stray kitten named Binx. Since Binx joined them after their marriage, the couple jokes that they may need to amend their prenup or draft a postnuptial agreement to plan for the kitten’s custody should the need ever arise.
Ultimately, Krull and Coker’s decision to include a pet clause in their prenup is reflective of a growing trend where couples prioritize their pets’ well-being in legal agreements. While the couple laughs about how they won’t need to use the prenup, they value the comfort and clarity it provides. For them, their pets are not just property—they’re family, and their prenup ensures that no matter what happens, Peyton, Pixie, and Binx will always be cared for. As more couples follow this path, pet prenups are becoming a common and valuable tool for navigating relationships and protecting what matters most: love, companionship, and a shared life with our four-legged friends.
