Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce

Making the best decision isn’t always easy

If you’re going through a divorce, break-up, or conscious uncoupling and you have to decide what to do with your dog, this book is written for you. Covering subjects like shared versus sole custody of pets, pet visitations, laws around pet custody, the best ways to factor children’s involvement, and even how to account for differences in dog breeds, this compassionate guide will give you a blueprint for making the right decisions - and show you what common mistakes to avoid. Whether you have one dog or four, a miniature mixed-breed or giant purebred, this book will give you practical tools and insights to help you navigate this difficult time in a way that prioritizes the well-being of your dog and gives you peace in your heart.

Some of my most difficult consults have been about ＂who keeps the dog＂ when couples are separating. If only I’d had this thoughtful, practical, and compassionate book to hand my clients! Karis Nafte has all the skills needed to write this book-regarding canine behavior, the law, and as a practicing consultant. It’s the perfect addition to any consultant shelf, and for anyone facing difficult decisions about their beloved dog.＂

Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus, author The Other End of the Leash

As a divorce mediator, I have encountered many bitter disputes over pet custody, yet as a mediation trainer, I find it largely ignored - probably because Karis Nafte’s book had not yet been written. In clear, practical language, Nafte tells many stories and offers immensely useful advice for mediators, lawyers, and separating couples, all of whom will benefit enormously from this outstanding guide - to say nothing of the pets.

Kenneth Cloke, author The Magic in Mediation and Mediating Dangerously

Karis Nafte, CDBC, brings more than 25 years’ experience as an animal behavior expert to her work in pet custody mediation, where she prioritizes pets’ well-being in custody decisions. She works worldwide as an educator, expert consultant, and speaker, in between seeing her own clients (and helping their humans). Karis lives with her husband, daughter, three dogs and three cats. Learn more at www.whokeepsthedog.com