From Exes to Co-Parents: Hollywood's Unconventional Pet-Sharing Arrangements
Former celebrity couples like Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz, Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick, and Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have defied the odds by choosing to raise their beloved pets together even after their breakups Discover more about these inspiring examples of co-parenting with pets!
Many ex-couples choose to maintain a friendly relationship in order to ensure their pets can remain a part of each other's lives. Katie Maloney, who shares dogs Gordo and Butter with her ex-husband Tom Schwartz, revealed in an exclusive interview with We in April 2022 that they are hoping to list and sell their house in the next few months. They are currently in the process of deciding where they will live next and what their future living arrangements will look like.
She continued, "We want to live in the same vicinity since we both have dogs and we will be sharing custody of them. Therefore, it is crucial for us to be nearby for that reason."
Maloney and Schwartz, who got married in 2016, publicly shared their separation in March 2022 after being in a relationship for over ten years. Their divorce was officially concluded in October 2022.
Mary Fitzgerald and her ex, Jason Oppenheim, not only work together at Oppenheim Group brokerage but also share custody of their two beloved dogs, Niko and Zelda. Fitzgerald, who tied the knot with Romain Bonnet in March 2018, spoke exclusively to Us in April 2022 about Oppenheim's qualities as both a person and a father figure to their furry companions. "He's truly an amazing individual and an incredible dad to our precious puppies," Fitzgerald praised. She further revealed that Oppenheim initially had reservations about having dogs but now their furry friends have become an integral part of his life, showcasing his immense love and devotion towards them.
Scroll below to find out which stars have shared their beloved pets after a breakup:
Credit: Shutterstock (4)
Former Celebrity Couples Who Still Share Custody of Their Pets: Katie Maloney and Tom Schwartz, More
Although not all celebrity relationships are meant to endure, numerous former partners have maintained a friendly relationship for the sake of keeping their pets in each other's lives.
"We are optimistic that within the next few months, we will be able to list and sell our house," Katie Maloney revealed exclusively to We in April 2022. She was referring to her new arrangement with her ex-husband, Tom Schwartz, with whom she co-parents their dogs Gordo and Butter. "We are currently in the process of determining our next steps regarding our living situation and what that will entail."
She added, "We want to remain in close proximity as we both have dogs and plan on sharing custody. It's crucial for us to be near each other for this arrangement."
Maloney and Schwartz, who married in 2016, publicly announced their separation in March 2022 after being together for over ten years. Their divorce was officially concluded in October 2022.
Mary Fitzgerald and her ex Jason Oppenheim not only work together at the Oppenheim Group brokerage but also share custody of their two canines, Niko and Zelda. Fitzgerald, who married Romain Bonnet in March 2018, exclusively spoke to Us in April 2022 about Oppenheim. She mentioned that he is a great guy and a wonderful dad to their puppies. Fitzgerald emphasized how much love he has for their dogs and how he never wanted dogs initially but now they have become his life.
Scroll below to find out which stars have shared their beloved pets after a breakup:
Credit: Courtesy of Jack Tartick/Instagram
Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jason Tartick
The Bachelor Nation stars welcomed golden retrievers Ramen and Pinot into their family before their engagement in 2021. However, in August 2023, they announced their separation, but made it clear that they would still co-parent their beloved pets. In an Instagram statement, Bristowe and Tartick expressed their commitment to caring for the dogs together, despite their romantic relationship coming to an end.
Credit: Dan Steinberg/Shutterstock; Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Brittany Snow and Tyler Stanaland
The Pitch Perfect actress and the Selling the O.C. actor, who publicly announced their separation in September 2022, disclosed that they are maintaining a co-parenting arrangement for their beloved pet. Snow took to Instagram to share, "We embarked on this journey as close friends, and our bond will remain a top priority not only for us but also for our cherished fur baby, Charlie." She expressed sincere gratitude for the support received and requested privacy as they navigate this new phase in their lives.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Tom Schwartz and Katie Maloney
Maloney, who filed for divorce in March 2022, planned to live near the TomTom cofounder to share custody of their pooches.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello
The singer of the hit song "Summer of Love" and Cabello welcomed their furry companion Tarzan into their lives in November 2020, almost a year before their relationship ended. In January 2022, the couple was captured on video by TMZ, happily strolling with their beloved dog.
Credit: ITV; Shutterstock
Jason Oppenheim and Mary Fitzgerald
Niko and Zelda make frequent cameos on Selling Sunset, often stealing focus during staff meetings at the real estate office.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth
The former spouses — who wed in December 2018 — announced their split in August 2019, intending to keep their menagerie of pets in one another’s lives.
“Liam and Miley have mutually agreed to separate at this time,” revealed Cyrus’ representative to Us in a statement. “As they continue to grow and evolve both as a couple and as individuals, they have determined that this is the best decision for them while they focus on their personal growth and professional endeavors. Despite the separation, they remain devoted parents to their beloved animals and are lovingly providing care during this period of time apart. We kindly request respect for their privacy as they navigate through this process.”
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston
The former star of The Morning Show tied the knot with Theroux in 2015, but eventually revealed their separation in February 2018. Despite their break-up, the former couple, who had a furry companion named White Shepherd Dolly, reunited in July 2019 to grieve the loss of their beloved pet.
Credit: Shutterstock (2)
Rory McIlroy and Holly Sweeney
"I have obtained all the DVDs while he was allowed to keep the dogs. It seems inequitable for the dogs to be confined in an apartment instead of having the freedom to roam on acres of land. I have been granted visitation rights," Sweeney shared with Irish Central in January 2012, discussing her split from the professional golfer. "At least they enjoyed their Christmas dinner, and I was left with a small picture as a memento."
