When a couple divorces and they have children together, one of the biggest concerns is how to co-parent. But what if the ‘child’ in question is a dog?
What happens to pets in the event of a divorce isn’t something that’s spoken about often enough, but when both parties want custody of the animal, what happens?
Co-Parenting Your Dog After Divorce
Divorces and break-ups can be difficult, and when children or animals are involved the difficulties are magnified. In some cases, the couple might agree that it’s best for one of them to keep the animal full-time, but in other instances co-parenting might be the route decided on.
There could even be some benefits to co-parenting a dog. If you’re going on vacation for a week, you don’t need to spend money on getting care for your pup, or worry about their wellbeing while you’re away.
And, costs can be shared too. Particularly in the aftermath of a divorce, when people might be struggling more than usual, this can be helpful. Something you might decide to do is create a shared bank account for canine-related expenses. Or, perhaps you’ll agree that you’ll both look after smaller expenses, like food and poop bags, but split the cost of larger expenses like vet bills.
Training Your Dog When Co-Parenting
It’s vital that both parties are on the same page when it comes to training your dog, to avoid any confusion. You should both call the dog the same name. And, use the same sort of treats when training and rewarding positive behavior.
Make sure that you use the same food, too, and encourage the same behaviors. Is the dog allowed upstairs? Can they lie on the couch? Whatever your answer, it should remain the same across both homes.
Of course, it’s important that your dog gets the right amount of exercise, too. It may be worth sharing a calendar with the other party, so you can see when each person is looking after the dog, and what the exercise arrangements are.
Getting Your Dog Used to the New Arrangement
New routines, new surroundings, and potentially new people are all elements of change after a divorce. And, everyone involved will be affected. So, like humans, dogs need to adjust and acclimatize to their new life.
Even if you’re going to move to a weekly agreement, it might be best to have the dog staying with one party for two or three weeks first. They can then move to stay with the other party for the same amount of time. This will help them adjust better.
With plenty of love and affection, your dog should be able to acclimatize. And you can make them feel more comfortable by bringing their bed to and from each home, as well as some of their favorite toys.
What if You Can’t Come to an Agreement?
Legally, dogs are considered property. Not in the same way as a car is considered property, for instance, as there are animal welfare laws protecting them, but property nonetheless. And thus, they may be subject to custody should their owners get a divorce.
And if both parties can’t come to an agreement themselves, a judge may have to decide who gets custody of the animal.
The following factors may be considered when determining custody:
- Whether one party had the dog before the relationship began
- The dog’s primary caretaker
- Whether the dog has a bond with any of the couple’s children, and who gets custody of the children
- The work schedule and financial situation of both parties
- Any history of domestic violence
- The name registered on the microchip
- The home environment – for example, if one party moves out of the family home into a small apartment
The court could grant sole ownership of the dog to one party. Or, they could decide on joint ownership. This agreement could be made privately between the couple, or the court could put in an order to alternate weekly, for example.
Going through a divorce isn’t something that’s particularly pleasant, but if you can make things easier for your dog it should in turn make things easier for you too. It’s perfectly possible to come to an amicable agreement that will, if nothing else, keep Fido happy!
