March 05, 2025

Should You Share Custody of Your Dog? Making the Right Choice for Your Pet with Karis Nafte, Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant & Accredited Family Mediator

52 minutes

For those of us with furry friends, our pets ARE members of the family and when there is a breakup, how to handle them is complex and filled with an array of emotions.

Today we’re tackling the issue of pet custody during a breakup or divorce. I speak with Karis Nafte, a certified dog behavior consultant and accredited family mediator, who provides expert guidance on how to navigate this emotional process. We discuss the importance of putting your dog's needs first, common pitfalls to avoid, and the various options available to separating couples, including shared custody arrangements and visitation schedules. Karis also offers practical advice on how to reduce stress for your canine companion during this challenging time.

We explore the common misconceptions surrounding pet custody, discuss how to make informed decisions that prioritize your dog's well-being, and delve into the pros and cons of shared custody arrangements. Karis also provides valuable insights into recognizing signs of stress in your dog and offers practical tips on how to support them through the transition. Whether you're considering divorce, in the midst of separation, or simply curious about pet custody issues, this episode offers essential information and expert advice.

Karis Nafte is the founder and owner of Who Keeps the Dog, Pet Custody Mediation. With 25 years of experience as a dog behavior expert, she's a leading voice in the field of pet custody. Karis is the author of "Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce" and has developed the first accredited pet guardianship education course for divorce professionals. Her work has been featured in major media outlets like The Washington Post, The New York Post, and ABC News.

Connect with Karis:

Website: www.whokeepsthedog.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karis-nafte-cdbc-b4b9b81a6/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whokeepsthedog/
Buy The Book: https://www.amazon.com/Who-Keeps-Dog-Navigating-Custody/dp/1617812927 (The first 3 listeners to reach out to [email protected] will be gifted a FREE copy.)

Journey Beyond Divorce Resources:

Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com

A word from our sponsor:

TalkingParents provides a comprehensive platform designed to simplify co-parenting and enhance communication between parents. With secure messaging, a shared calendar, and features for tracking parenting time, TalkingParents ensures that all important details and agreements are documented and accessible.

We’re grateful for TalkingParents' support in simplifying co-parenting and enhancing communication for our listeners. Discover how TalkingParents can bring clarity and organization to your co-parenting journey at www.talkingparents.com/jbd

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By Karen McMahon

4.8