Pet Custody Services and Courses for Professionals
Pet custody is increasingly becoming one of the most contested issues in family separation — and with laws changing rapidly, most mediators and lawyers aren't sure where to start. Handling it well means understanding both the law and what the pet actually needs.
As a certified animal behaviorist with 27 years experience and mediator I run a comprehensive pet custody mediation course for divorce professionals, veterinarians and dog trainers. In addition to pet custody evaluations, arbitration and collaboration with divorce professionals internationally.
Course details below…
Who Keeps the Dog, written by Karis Nafte, with the intention of giving professionals dealing with pet custody a framework. Karis is a Certified Dog Behaviour Consultant and Accredited Family Mediator with 25 years of experience — this guide book bridges animal psychology and divorce practice. You will come away understanding how dogs experience separation, which custody arrangements cause long-term stress for pets and their people, and how to guide clients toward agreements they will actually honour.
One of the most practical lessons in the book: Raise pet custody early in the process. Most couples leave it until the end — by which point both people are exhausted, entrenched, and at their least rational. Introducing it while there is still goodwill in the room leads to better outcomes for everyone, especially the animal.
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!”
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…”
The Pet Custody Mediation Course for Divorce Professionals:
Learn best practices for handling pet custody arrangements within the context of separation and divorce. These courses equip you with the knowledge and tools to effectively guide your clients through this often emotionally charged process.
Course details: This course is six hours in total. Karis teaches three modules live online in two hour presentations. Groups are small and personal, with plenty of time for questions.
Cost for individuals:
$695 USD - USA/UK professionals
$695 AUD - Australian professionals
Group discount available.
Upcoming Courses 2026:
Option 1: August 25th, 28th & 31st
Option2: November 13th, 16th & 18th
Expert Pet Custody Evaluation Services: For Legal Professionals Representing Clients in Pet Custody Cases
When your client's pet custody dispute requires expert analysis for court proceedings, arbitration, or settlement negotiations, I provide professional assessment and testimony focused on what arrangement would genuinely serve the animal's best interests.
Dog Trainers & Behaviorists Course:
Gain invaluable insight into addressing the unique challenges faced by clients navigating pet custody issues. Learn specific behavioural management plans to help manage dog behaviour challenges that can arrive during divorce. Enhance your ability to support your clients holistically, understanding the legal and emotional dimensions of these cases.
Parent Coordinators:
Gain specialised training on children and pets in divorced families. In this two hour course, learn evidence-based best practices to help families create pet custody plans that work long-term for both children and their beloved animals.
Veterinarians Course:
Veterinarians are frequently at the forefront of animal welfare issues, often asked for advice during a divorce and sometimes becoming unintentionally involved in pet custody disputes. While their primary role is medical care, my courses provide understanding of the legal and ethical complexities surrounding pet custody is increasingly vital for their professional practice and to ensure the well-being of animals in their care.
Who Keeps the Dog? A full day workshop for mediators and legal professionals
Inspired by Karis’s book Who Keeps the Dog, this full-day workshop offers a practical framework for approaching pet custody in divorce. Participants will explore how to navigate sensitive decisions, consider pets’ wellbeing, and apply best practices in mediation and legal contexts
In addition:
Speaking Engagements
I speak internationally at conferences, workshops, and other events on topics related to pet custody, insights on the rise of anxiety in dog behavior, the human animal bond, and the intersection of family law with animal welfare. Contact me to discuss speaking opportunities and tailor a presentation to your audience's needs.
Collaborating with Divorce Professionals
I collaborate closely with divorce lawyers, mediators, and other family law professionals worldwide to provide support and guidance for their clients facing pet custody disputes. My expertise ensures a smoother and more informed process, minimizing conflict and prioritizing the well-being of the animal.