Pet Custody Services and Courses for Professionals
Collaboration with Divorce Professionals
I work directly alongside attorneys, mediators, and other divorce professionals on individual cases, offering:
Consultations
Expert witness testimony
Behavioral assessments
My work is grounded in 25 years of experience in animal behavior. Whether providing an independent recommendation on what’s best for a pet or helping shape the terms of a custody agreement, I bring specialized expertise that ensures pets’ wellbeing is properly considered within the broader context of a case.
Courses
I offer comprehensive pet custody training for divorce professionals, equipping attorneys, mediators, and coaches with a practical, behavior-informed framework for navigating pet custody disputes. Courses cover everything from client intake and breed-specific considerations to shared custody models, financial planning, and end-of-life care, giving professionals the tools to guide clients toward stable, sustainable outcomes for both pets and people. I have trained legal and mediation professionals for organizations including the American Bar Association, JAMS, the Kentucky Bar Association, and the University of Wisconsin.
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 Course 2026:
November 13th, 16th & 18th
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
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.
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.