Who gets the dog? Your questions answered

Who gets the dog when we separate?

There’s no automatic answer. It depends on where you live and what the two of you can agree. In many places the law still treats pets as property. In some countries the family law legislation does not even deal with pets! In mediation we look at your particular family and the specific needs of your pet. Then hopefully you can decide together, regardless of what the law says where you live.

Who keeps the dog if we were never married?

The same approach works whether you were married, de facto or simply living together. You can agree who keeps the dog by consent, wherever you live.

Can we share custody of our dog?

Yes, if it genuinely works for your dog. Some dogs cope well with two homes. Others don’t. We’ll talk about your pet’s personality, routine and needs so any shared arrangement is about them, not just about keeping things fair for the humans.

Do we have to agree to shared custody of our dog?

No. Pet custody mediation isn’t necessarily about arranging shared care. Sometimes the best outcome is for your dog to live permanently with one person, with or without agreed visits from the other. We’ll consider your dog’s individual needs and explore arrangements that are practical and sustainable. You do not have to reach any position during the session unless you both agree to it. As your mediator, I do not make any decisions.

Can we use pet custody mediation if we’ve already separated or been divorced for some time?

Absolutely. You don’t need to be newly separated. I can help whether you’re just beginning to work out arrangements for your dog, have an informal shared-care arrangement that isn’t working, or have been unable to resolve the issue for some time.

What is a pet custody agreement?

It’s a written agreement that sets out who your pet lives with, any time with the other person, who pays for food, vet bills and insurance, and what happens if things change. I help you write it during your mediation, time permitting. Some families don’t feel the need to have everything written up and others prefer a lot of detail. Each family and pet is different.

Does the law where I live decide who keeps our pet?

Laws are different in every country and State, and some have recently changed. Whatever the law says, you can still agree on arrangements for your pet by consent. Mediation isn’t legal advice, so if you need advice about the law where you live, speak to a local family attorney.

Do you give us legal advice or make a decision if we cannot agree?

No. Despite being an Attorney/Lawyer, it is not my role a a mediator to give legal advice. If you cannot reach an agreement during the session then it is not my role to impose a decision on you. I will assist you both to reach an agreement by consent.

Do you help with cats and other pets?

Absolutely. Who gets the dog is the question I hear most, but I help with cats and any other much loved family pet.

Is pet custody mediation online?

Yes. Everything happens via Zoom, so you can be anywhere in the world. Your intake session will also be online and you can book that instantly on this website. The mediation times will be provided to you both once you have both had your intake session. Generally, I try to fit your joint mediation in within a week as it’s best for your pets to have this sorted asap.

How much does pet custody mediation cost?

USD$697 per party. That covers your individual intake session, a joint mediation of up to 2 hours and your written agreement if we have time during that session. To get started, you both separately book and pay for your intake sessions via the link below.