Pets are not property, nor are they quite the same as human children. So, how do you decide who gets to keep the dog in a divorce? And what if you have more than one animal? How do you do what’s best for your pets and the people involved?

Karis Nafte is the Pet Custody Specialist and Certified Family Mediator behind Who Keeps the Dog, a consulting practice that helps families with their pets through the divorce process. She has been working with dogs professionally since 1996, developing an expertise in obedience training, behavior problems, and on-set training for animals in film. Karis is passionate about mediating pet custody arrangements and providing behavior support for owners with dogs showing signs of stress pre- and post-divorce.

On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Karis joins Katherine to discuss the common mistakes people make with their pets in a divorce and explain why shared custody isn’t necessarily the best option for your dog—or you. She walks us through the factors to consider as you decide between shared and sole custody of your pet, describing why random, sporadic visits from an ex are stressful for your dog. Listen in for Karis’ insight on having kids and pets transition between parents together and find out why mediation is a much better option for your dog than letting a judge decide their fate.

Topics Covered

Why it’s a mistake to use your pet as leverage in a divorce

The harm in projecting your own feelings onto your dog in a divorce

How dogs can carry the same emotional weight as human children for divorcing couples

Why shared custody may not be the best option for your dog (or you)

The benefit of having kids and pets transition between parents together

What factors to consider as you decide between shared vs. sole custody of a pet

Why random, sporadic visits from an ex are not good for your dog

How to say goodbye to your dog when your ex is getting custody

What to do if the divorcing couple has more than one dog

Why mediation is a better option for your pet than litigation

Connect with Karis Nafte

whokeepsthedog.com

Karis on Instagram: www.instagram.com/karisnafte/

Karis on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/karis-nafte-b4b9b81a6/

Connect with Katherine Miller

The Center for Understanding Conflict: http://understandinginconflict.org/

Miller Law Group: https://westchesterfamilylaw.com/

Katherine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kemiller1

The New Yorker’s Guide to Collaborative Divorce by Katherine Miller: https://www.amazon.com/New-Yorkers-Guide-Collaborative-Divorce/dp/0692496246

Email: [email protected]

Call (914) 738-7765