Guest Post - 4 Things to Consider When Dealing with Pet Custody During a Divorce

Guest Post By The Crazy Pet Guy

Getting a divorce affects more than just the people in your immediate family. The process of ending a marriage takes a toll on children, family, friends, and even pets. For dogs, it’s a much more complicated situation because they’re unlike any other pet.

While the custody of other pets like cats, birds, ferrets, etc.. may be a concern, this article will primarily discuss managing the custody of dogs.  (However, cat and other pet owners may apply the same tips mentioned below).

Dogs can become emotionally attached to their owners so changes like a new household, owner, or family can have a major impact on their emotions and behavior.  Determining who gets custody of “man’s best friend” can be a major decision during a divorce.

One particular issue to consider is how much exposure to your ex-partner you’ll have as a result of joint custody over your dog.  While it can be difficult to see your ex-spouse when sharing custody of your kids, it can be equally painful for your dog to see its previous owner on a limited basis.

4 Factors to Consider in Joint Pet Custody

Before letting emotions get involved, it’s important to consider the well-being of your dog and the reason for custody arrangements.

Here are 4 factors to consider when discussing who should have custody of your dog after a divorce.

1.) Care and Maintenance

A dog needs to be taken care of with scheduled feedings, daily walking, training, and other regular exercise. Whoever is able to provide all of these needs may be the ideal person to have your dog.

2.) Affection

Dogs may favor one owner over the other, yet that shouldn’t be the primary reason for deciding who gets custody. If both you and your ex-partner equally care about your dog, then its affections should be a consideration during the separation process.  

3.) Budget

The health and well-being of your family pet should be an important consideration. Whoever gets custody should have the financial resources to maintain its care for food, grooming, vet visits and recreational bills.  The budget should be a strong consideration in the custody decision.

4.) Children

The biggest priority in divorce is the custody of your kids. Before making a decision about your dog’s custody, consider your children’s feelings as they could have a strong attachment to your pet.

How Should You Decide Who Gets Custody of Your Dog Based on the Factors Mentioned Above?

Custody of your children is one of the most emotionally charged and complicated battles during divorce. Pet custody is also often a charged negotiation during this process. There are various reasons why you may want custody of your dog so check your intentions against the following guidelines.

1.) Do not use your dog to spite your ex.

Do not fight for custody just to spite your ex.  Instead, consider what’s best for your pet to determine who should have custody.

2.) Do not use your kids as leverage.

Depending on the outcome of your children’s custody, some can assume that “If you get the kids, I get your dog.” This is a dangerous mindset to have.  Dogs shouldn’t be considered your trading cards.

Base your decision on how your dog will be taken care of and how much time it can spend with the kids.

3.) Establish the pros and cons of getting custody of your dog.

As mentioned before, it is important that your dog should have all the basic needs like exercise, food, and affection. Whoever has the most resources is probably most fit to care for your dog.

4.) If both have equal resources and commitment to your dog’s well-being, establish joint custody.

This is the fairest deal you can get. You both get custody of your dog, and can share the resources needed to take care of your pup as well.

Think of the family pet as a child. Don’t let it get caught up in the chaos of divorce. Do what is best for your pet and ensure that you are providing the best possible life you can, even if you and your ex-partner are not together anymore.