Pet Custody Mediation, Dog Behavior Support & Education for Professionals
My name is Karis Nafte, and I'm a leading global voice in pet custody matters with over three decades of experience working with dogs and their families. As a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Accredited Mediator, I specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of pet custody during separation and divorce.
I believe that pets deserve to have their needs and perspectives considered during family transitions. My approach is unique because I look at each situation through the eyes of the pet, ensuring that custody decisions prioritize their well-being above all else.
My Services
Pet-Focused Mediation
I work with separating couples to find fair, compassionate solutions that prioritize your pet's happiness and well-being. My mediation services are available online in all 50 US states, Australia, and the UK.
Pet Custody Consultations
Whether you need professional guidance on custody plans or expert consultation with your legal team, I provide specialized advice that considers your pet's individual needs, breed characteristics, and behavioral requirements.
Dog Behavior Consultations
I offer personalized online support to help you understand and manage your dog's behavior, drawing on more than 25 years of professional experience as a dog trainer and behavior consultant.
Training for Professionals
I provide accredited courses and workshops for mediators, lawyers, veterinarians, and dog professionals. My pet custody education course is the first of its kind, teaching divorce professionals how to approach pet custody through the lens of animal well-being.
Speaking Engagements
I'm available as a speaker for conferences, organizations, and professional events. I've presented for the American Bar Association, Kentucky Bar Association, University of Wisconsin, The Resolution Institute in Australia, and many other respected organizations.
As the author of "Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce" and a recognized expert in the field, I bring valuable insights and practical guidance to pet custody matters. My work has been featured in The Washington Post, New York Post, ABC News, and other major media outlets.
Whether you're facing divorce with pets or you're a professional seeking to better serve your clients, I'm here to help ensure that pets receive the consideration and care they deserve during life's difficult transitions.
If you are going through a divorce or separation:
If you are a professional mediator, lawyer or animal behaviourist:
Who Keeps the Dog: Navigating Pet Custody During Divorce by Karis Nafte.
Endorsement by Kenneth Cloke, Author The Magic in Mediation and Mediating Dangerously :
Karis Nafte has written a unique, important, and highly useful book about a problem that is so common you would think dozens of books would have been written about it. As a divorce mediator, I have encountered many bitter disputes over pet custody, yet as a mediation trainer, I find it largely ignored – probably because Karis Nafte’s book had not yet been written. In clear, practical language, Nafte tells many stories and offers immensely useful advice for mediators, lawyers, and separating couples, all of whom will benefit enormously from this outstanding guide – to say nothing of the pets.
Endorsement by Patricia McConnell, author, PhD, CAAB Emeritus:
Some of my most difficult consults have been about “who keeps the dog” when couples are separating. If only I’d had this thoughtful, practical, and compassionate book to hand my clients! Karis Nafte has all the skills needed to write this book—regarding canine behavior, the law, and as a practicing consultant. It’s the perfect addition to any consultant shelf, and for anyone facing difficult decisions about their beloved dog.”
Media: Publications, podcasts & presentations
Client testimonials:
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“Karis Pet Custody Course for Animal Behavior Consultants was highly insightful. Her knowledge and experience in this rare field are outstanding,”
Nikki Finn-Loudenslager CDBC - Arizona
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“The Pet Mediation training course was so informative. Karis brought decades of knowledge to the course and presented it in a logical understandable manner.”
Dari DeSousa, PHR - California USA
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“Karis really has mastered both the mediation world and animal behavior. She switches hats effortlessly and has produced a valuable course.”
Laura - Mediator, California USA
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"Karis is so great!! I have seen two of her programs and have learned so much that I can use in my mediation and law practice AND with my own dog and cats. I live around the world and would only use Karis for any help that I need!! She really is the BEST you could hope for in an advocate for your animals."
Gwen Letine Pennsylvania, USA