Pet Custody Mediation
When couples separate, decisions about the family pet can feel overwhelming — most people don't know where to start, or how to reach an arrangement that truly works for everyone involved.
Hi, I'm Karis Nafte.
As a mediator and certified dog behavior consultant, my job is to help divorcing couples to reach pet custody agreements that are fair, sustainable, and — above all — in the best interest of the animal.
A written agreement.
Pet custody mediation is a voluntary process that brings both parties together to reach a written agreement — without the cost, stress, or loss of control that comes with going to court.
Divorce is one of life's most challenging experiences. I work with couples at exactly this crossroad — guiding the mediation toward an arrangement that works in real life, for both of you and for the dog in your home.
I work online with clients across the USA, UK, Australia, and South Africa.
Book a free introductory chat — let's talk about your pet, the mediation process and how I can help.
When mediation is not an option.
Every divorce is different, and mediation isn't the right fit for every couple. If your situation makes mediation difficult or impossible, I can still help. I offer guidance on the pet custody landscape, your available options, and practical next steps. Where appropriate, I also provide arbitration and expert witness services.
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.”
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.
