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Who gets the dog in a divorce?

On Behalf of | Jul 22, 2022 | Divorce

Divorce can be rough for people, but at least they have their four-legged furry friend by their side to comfort them during their hardest times. That is until it was questioned who will get the dog after divorce. This can be greatly upsetting for someone who spent their entire life with their dog or their children are bonded to them.

Who decides where the dog goes after divorce? Are there things you can do to better your chance of getting your dog in a divorce battle? Here’s what you should know:

Pets are property

While many families consider their pet as a family member, under state laws, a pet is considered property – just the same as a laptop, stove or couch.

While the idea of your pet being an object might not sit well, this could be in your favor. If you happen to be the owner of your dog, then you may not have to worry about losing them during a divorce.

Your spouse, however, may have been the person who has their signature on the dog’s paperwork. That doesn’t negate the fact that you may have a stronger bond with the dog. If this is happening to you then you may want to consider talking to your spouse when coming to an agreement.

You and your spouse may discuss who can handle the dog after the divorce. There may be several considerations to take when deciding who gets the dog: who can feed, walk and play with the dog, who can pay for vet bills or if you’re considering the well-being of a child.

If you’re unsure how to proceed with a divorce because a pet stands to be lost in your life, then you may consider reaching out for legal assistance for your divorce.

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