80% American see their dog as a member of the family. So, when a family is broken, it is only natural that some questions arise about the destiny of the members of the family.
But what happens to pets when two people get divorced? For many people, a dog is part of the family, just like a child. But it can be hard to know what to do with the family dog when you are dealing with a divorce.
Want to know who gets the dog after the divorce? We’ve put together this article to help you understand the problem. Read on for more.
Remember that Legally Animals Are Treated as Property
This is the bitter truth that all pet owners need to know. By law, your beloved pet won’t be considered a member of your family. They would be considered property, just like a TV or jewellery.
That may be hard to hear. You may look at your beloved dog and wonder how they cannot be considered part of the family. But legally, that’s how it’s, and it is important to understand how courts work with regards to pets.
When a decision is made about who gets the family dog, the court won’t consider who will take care of him the most or where he will have a better home. Instead of hearing arguments from a custody lawyer, they will see the cold and hard fact of possession. Who pays for dog adoption?
Remember Dog’s Interests
When divorce courts decide who gets a dog, they haven’t got the best interests of the animal in mind. That doesn’t suggest you cannot make your own decisions to make sure the best outcome for your dog.
You may have developed many differences with your partner over the years. Your priorities and perspective may have changed drastically since you got married, but one thing may remain the same. You may both agree that the dog came first.
If one partner can offer a better home or more time for the dog, the two of you may agree that one partner should take ownership.
Make a Compromise
Remember, agreement on what happens to pets does not must be all or nothing. There are lots of creative ways you can deal with the situation to ensure everyone seems to be happy.
By working together, you can create a pet custody agreement. Maybe you can share your dog, by taking care of him every week off. Or you can arrange regular visits on days that work for both of you.
Working Together For Your Family Dog
Divorce is a difficult time for anyone. And when a family dog is thrown into the mix, things get even harder. By staying calm and working together, you can reach a resolution that works for everybody.
We hope you enjoyed learning more about pet custody law. Looking for more quality content? Check out our blog!
