One common concern among divorcing parents in California is whether their pet can follow their child post-divorce, moving between households along with their child. The emotional bonds between children and their pets are often very strong, and maintaining these relationships can be crucial for a child’s well-being.
If parents agree on particular arrangements, they can simply ask the courts to formalize them. However, in the event that an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will need to determine where a pet goes – and when – as part of a broader divorce and/or custody case.
In California, while pets are still technically property, courts can take into account the care, custody and best interests of a pet when making decisions about their treatment post-split during a divorce case. This approach to the law opens the door for flexible arrangements, such as shared custody of a pet or allowing a pet to move between households in line with a child’s custody schedule.
Practical considerations
While the idea of a pet following a child between homes might seem ideal, it’s important to consider the practical implications of this arrangement. Pets, like children, can be sensitive to change and may experience stress from moving between two environments. Factors such as the pet’s age, temperament and health should be taken into account when deciding if this arrangement is feasible.
Additionally, parents should consider the logistics of transporting their pets, especially if the two homes are far apart. Consistency is key for pets, and ensuring they have familiar belongings, such as their bed or toys, in both homes can help ease transitions.
If you have a pet and you’d like that pet to follow your child between houses post-split with their other parent, that’s certainly a possibility. Seeking personalized legal guidance can help you to achieve that goal.
